Chalkboard "art"

This month, I have been inspired by some bloggers who have been giving away free art versions of the infamous "keep calm and carry on" artwork.  Seen here on Craftily Ever After's blog.  

I can't decide if I should change mine and copy hers or not though....

Tell me what you think!

Halloween Decor and aDIY!

My mantle, and bookshelves all decorated for fall.  Garlands from Michaels, crows from Dollar Tree, pumpkins from Xmas tree shops, ghosts from Target's $ spot, happy Halloween garland from Michaels, apothecary jars from Kirkland's, IKEA framed leaves that DH picked for me. 

An inspiration picture (not mine, found through google search on Country Living):

And here's my creepy sofa!!! (cheesecloth-found it at the dollar tree)

 

And finally my DIY chalkboard!  I used a PB signature frame that I never used for our wedding and used only the backing of the frame and painted it with primer then chalkboard paint. I draped some more of the creepy cheesecloth around the frame as well.  The pumpkin on the table is a candle- from B&BW and smells AMAZING.

 

**Oops, forgot to close that drawer.  Nevermind that!**

 

 Hope they inspire you, and you like them!  Let me know what you think :)  Happy Halloween!

Finally.

Click here for my ETSY shop!!!

So, my big announcement that I have been anticipating for about a month now has finally happened.  I opened my very own ETSY shop today!  I only have a few items so far, and right now Im offering free shipping!!!  Head on over to check out my goods :)

(Note:  Im having difficulties with doing links lately since I upgrade my blogger version.  Maybe its my Mac?  If anyone can help me, let me know in the comments section please.)

Weekly Menu

I have decided to add in lunch options to my weekly list!

Sunday
L: Jr Bacon Cheeseburger (Wendy's)
D: Sushi

Monday
L: Tuna Salad, wrapped in iceburg lettuce
D: Salsa chicken- taco salads.

Tuesday
L: Tuna Salad, wrapped in iceburg lettuce    Carrot and celery sticks, hummus
D: BBQ Chicken, salad & these potatoes:
http://fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com/2009/10/hasselback-potatoes.html

Wednesday
L: Veggies & light ranch or hummus dip
D: Pulled pork sliders, cole slaw

Thursday
L: PB&J, Light Pringles
D: Burrito bowls or taco salads (using leftover pulled pork).

Friday
L: Veggies & light ranch or hummus dip
D:  Chicken stir fry

Saturday
L: Leftovers
D:  Spaghetti, garlic toast & salad

Weekly Menu

Sunday : Pepper Steak, Brown Rice, steamed broccoli.

Monday :  Leftovers

Tuesday : Grilled Brats, macaroni salad, baked beans   No softball for the hubs tomorrow so he wont be having his weekly superstitious meal (haha!).  So, we will have something else...pasta or crab cake sliders with a salad.

Wednesday : Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders

Thursday : Leftovers (pulled pork sliders)

Friday : Salsa Chicken

Saturday : Leftovers

Coming Soon!

I have some news.  Im working out the kinks  and getting everything together, so stay tuned for my super exciting news!  Here's one hint:

Any guesses?

Bacon!

I looove bacon! The only thing I used to hate about bacon was cooking it. I hated the grease popping and burning me, and the bacon itself not getting an even doneness. So, I only bake by bacon now. It's so much easier, and I like to think a little healthier since all the grease drips into the pan and doesn't "bathe" in the grease.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Get a cookie sheet with high-ish edges (mine is from Sam's Club-comes in a 2-pack!).

Place a all metal "cooling rack" on your cookie sheet (mine is supposed to be for cookies, but I like utilizing it in this way instead).

Lay your slices of bacon side by side, as close as you can get to each other on the metal "cooling rack."

Bake in the oven until desired doneness! That's it, so easy and you can spend the time you would have slaved over the heat and grease cooking your bacon doing something else!

Mahi Mahi BBQ Fish Tacos

I got the inspiration for this recipe while watching an episode of Diner, Drive Ins & Dives with Guy Fieri last week. The Husband begged me to make them after watching this show. I quickly dvr'd the episode so I could do some studying! These were very easy to make, I served the tacos alongside some black beans and rice and were delicious with a Corona Light with lime, yum :) Let me know how you like them, and any suggestions you may have.

Mahi Mahi BBQ Tacos

Makes approx. 7 Tacos.

3 filets of Mahi Mahi (bought a bag of frozen from Costco)

Guacamole (Costco)

Chile Cole Slaw (recipe to come)

Cilantro Cream Sauce (recipe below)

Mango BBQ sauce (recipe below)

6 inch flour tortillas

Cheddar Jack shredded Cheese (also from Costco)

Cilantro

1 Diced fresh tomato

Caribbean seasoning, Lawry's seasoned salt

1 cup Chicken broth

Start with your frying pan, heat with 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Season your frozen Mahi Mahi with Carribean seasoning, and a dash of Lawry's seasoned salt.

Place seasoned Mahi Mahi in skillet, pan fry on both

sides until almost white thru out. Chop fish into cubes with a spatula.

Add one cup of chicken broth to pan, cover with lid and let simmer (to let chicken broth cook the fish the rest of the way and evaporate).

When fish is finished cooking, add Mango BBQ sauce to pan and stir to coat Mahi Mahi.

To assemble tacos: Place heated small tortilla on plate. Spread with tablespoon of guacamole. Sprinkle desired amount of cheese, then diced tomatoes.

Add some of the chile cole slaw, then some of the Mahi Mahi BBQ fish.

Drizzle the tacos with Cilantro Cream sauce. Top them with more cilantro if desired.

Mango BBQ Sauce:

1 Mango sliced

1/2 of a jar of Roasted Red Bell Peppers (Trader Joe's)

2 Cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (We like Sweet Baby Ray's)

2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

1-2 Teaspoons Caribbean Seasoning (depending on your taste)

Blend all ingredients in blender until combined.

Cilantro Cream Sauce:

1 & 1/2 Cup Sour Cream

1/4 Cup Light Kraft Mayo

1/2- 1 Cup of fresh Cilantro (depending on how much you love cilantro, stems and all!)

Dash of Lawry's Seasoned Salt.

Place all ingredients in Food processor and process until combined and cilantro is well chopped and blended into the sauce. Pour the sauce into a squirt bottle (I got mine from Michale's in the cake decorating aisle).

I have to say, this cilantro cream sauce is absolutely amazing!!!

NOTE*

The Chile Cole Slaw recipe will be posted at a later time, still perfecting the recipe! You could just use the Dole cole slaw mix in the bag, no dressing and it would give a great crunch to your taco.

Weekly Menu

Sunday: Greek salad, 3-ways.

Monday: Baked chicken, veggies, sweet potato rolls (*recipe to come).

Update* The sweet potato rolls didn't turn out, therefore Im not posting the recipe.

Tuesday: Chili & cheesy beer bread

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry

Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Out :)

Lima Bean Wreath

I came across this post on All Things Thrifty a while back, and even bought my lima beans. All I was waiting for was the styrofoam wreath form...waiting to find the right one and with a coupon! Well, last week while at Hobby Lobby I jumped all in and bought my wreath form and some awesome avocado spray paint! I got the primer at Lowe's.

This project took me about 2 hours to hot-glue the lima beans to the wreath form. I primed then painted it in the avocado color. I used scrap fabric from my sister's bridesmaid dress (from my wedding) to hang the wreath. I didn't really care that some of the hot glue got stringy and left some of it on (even though my little brother noticed!).

Oh well, I love it, that's all that matters! Ignore my ugly door and red curtain, looks like Christmas, eh? Well, my weekend project will be trying to sew a new curtain for the door.

Weekly Menu

I've been slacking again on my posts and menu plans :( Here's mine for the week:

Monday: BBQ Meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, peas & carrots

Tuesday: Prosciutto wrapped asparagus, chicken & angel-hair pasta

Wednesday: Carryout :(

Thursday: Italian Beef Sandwiches

Friday: Veggie/cheese/fruit plate with dips, maybe sushi

Saturday: Cookout at family's

Freezer Paper T-shirt Tutorial

I got the inspiration of this rock star tee design from my friend Mel- Thanks Mel! :)

Supplies: T-shirt, fabric paint, paint brush, freezer paper, printer, exacto knife and cutting mat, iron/ironing board

Directions:

1). I did my design on powerpoint, then printed it out on the matte side of the freezer paper. (I bought a pack of 30 sheets on ebay-instead of buying the roll at the grocery).

2). I used my cutting mat and exacto knife (both bought from walmart) to cut out the shapes/design.

3). I made sure my shirt was flat and ironed it to position all pieces of the freezer paper then carefully placed the iron on top in sections-dont move the iron around, just lay it on top.

4). Then, you're ready to paint! I did pull off the freezer paper off the shirt right after I painted...and bought the wrong kind of paint so it gave a bled effect. Trial and error, right? :)

Baked Potato Soup

This soup is soooo good & easy!

4 Strips of Bacon

1 small onion, diced (I use dried diced onions-from Sam's club-eyeball it.)

Sprinkle of garlic salt

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

A few "cracks" of fresh black pepper

3 cups of sodium free, organic chicken broth

2 large idaho potatoes (peeled, cubed and boiled until soft)

1 cup of half and half

a few "shakes" of hot sauce (you can omit or add the amount you like for hottness!)

Shredded cheddar cheese

Dried minced chives (again, found a Sam's club).

In a large saucepan, cook bacon-remove and crumble. Save enough bacon grease in your pan to keep the bottom of the pan coated.

Saute your onions, sprinkle in garlic salt (not too long, just a minute or so).

Stir in flour, pepper. Using a whisk, pour in chicken broth slowly- bring to a boil. Stir for about 2 minutes. Add your cooked potatoes (cubed), half & half, and hot sauce.

Heat through- DON'T boil.

Ladle into serving bowls, garnish with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, dried chives.

We like to eat these with Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits :) Enjoy!

Weekly Menu 3/14-3/20

Spaghetti Sunday- with meatballs and garlic bread, romaine salad.

Monday: Meatless Taco Salads

Taco Tuesday- TBD

Wednesday: ST. Patrick's Day! Im making corned beef, cabbage, boxty, and irish soda bread (or beer bread).

Thursday: Calzones, salad

Friday: Baked/Breaded Tilapia, mac & cheese, veggie

3/19-update: We just finished eating this dinner- yum! I brushed the tilapia loins with dijon mustard, then coated with bread crumbs & baked. Very good :)

Saturday: BBQ Chicken quesadillas

Weekly Menu

Sunday: out to dinner with family :)

Monday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, veggies

Tuesday: Taco Salads

Wednesday: Something with chicken...

Thursday: Spaghetti & Meatballs

Friday: Frozen Pizza and salad

Saturday: Another meal with chicken, not sure what yet...

What's on your menu this week?

Valentine Sweets!

Below you will find a recipe for some yummy ice-cream sandwiches, Valentine theme. Beyond that are some inspiration for various goodies for your sweetie ;) Valentine's day is only 2 weeks away!

Photo: Flickr

Ice Cream Sandwiches (Martha Stewart)

Makes 24

Ingredients:

2 -3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2- 1/2 teas. baking powder

1/4 teas. salt

12 tbl. unsalted butter, room temp.

1-1/2 teas. pure vanilla extract

1- 1/2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 tbl. milk

2 to 2- 1/2 pints strawberry ice-cream, slightly softened.

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, vanilla, and sugar. Add eggs and milk, and mix until combined. Add reserved flour mixture, and mix on low speed until incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula at least once. Divide the dough in half, and shape each half into a flat disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface; use an offset spatula to unstick the dough every few turns of the rolling pin. Roll dough to an 1/8-inch thickness. Cut dough using a variety of heart-shaped cookie cutters from 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter, making sure there is a top and bottom cookie for each sandwich. Place hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet; chill until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator; use a fork to prick holes all over the surface of the cookies. Bake until firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Using half the cookies, spoon softened strawberry ice cream about 1/2 inch thick on each underside. Place matching cookie on top of ice cream, top-side facing out. Transfer immediately to freezer to harden; repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve directly from the freezer. Sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 3 to 4 days.

Valentine Sweets Inspiration:

(all images found via Flickr)

Weekly Menu

Here's what's on my list of dinners this week:

M: Chicken Cordon Bleu (using laughing cow cheese), baked potato, broccoli

T: "Taco Tuesday" We will have some sort of mexican food H has to decide on what though. Some ideas: taco salad, quesadillas, burritos

W: Hoagies and baked lay's

H: Baked Ham, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes (not sure on this meal...)

F: BBQ Ranch skillet chicken, salad

S: Beef Hash

S: Spaghetti/Italian night: Spaghetti and meatballs or Lasagna!

Waiting....

......on this beauty to arrive in the mail.

I can't decide what I will do for my very first project. I definitely need something easy, for sure!

LOVE this blog!

I came across the Knock-off Wood blog over the weekend. I am in love! This chick is amazing and has serious skills :) Check her out here.

I have been wanting new living room tables and a coffee table and PB always has something gorgeous! I will keep my eye out on her blog to see if H & I can DIY some pieces together for the living-room. Go check it out NOW!

Eye Candy

I know Christmas is over...

but my birthday is coming up, and hey its a fresh new year!

Here are some items and ideas that I have my eye on:

Family Photo Wall. Pic found here. I plan to do lots of old and new family photos in B&W. I am obsessed with ancestry.com right now, and have been crazy successful in connecting with distant family :)

French Tumblers

Sorry, no pic. My grandma bought us the juice sized glasses, and we LOVE them :) I would love to have the iced tea or beverage size to complete our set. They make me think of my grandma every-time I use them.

These PJs. Love the pretty plaid :)

This PB rug, ah swoon! I saw it a few years ago and saved the pic of it...hoping one day they would bring it back- and they did!!!! I want, I want....I need (In the largest size please!)

Makeup brush set

I just recently went to Sephora...and along with frequenting a message board about makeup,

I think I may have started a new addiction. Finally learning about makeup :) I would LOVE these brushes!

Sharpie Pen Retractable Fine Point

I first heard about this on Urban Grace Interiors (love her and her sister's blog by the way!).

I have always used sharpies (the artist in me lurves it!), but the bleeding not so much! I reallly want one to see how well they work for everyday.

I've been M.I.A.

I can't believe I have abandoned the blog! It's been a crazy and busy (obviously) holiday season. From hunting down these beaut pillows from PB before Thanksgiving, getting my NEW (yes new and remodeled) kitchen together, celebrating the holidays with family (and anniversary with the Hubbs), cheap finds after the holidays, and so much more :) I have SO much to post about and hopefully will now have the time!

See that buffalo check pillow behind the santa one? Oh yes, that's the one (or two!) :)

It's a beaut.

I realllly wanted the santa one too, but too rich for my blood!