Just Because Katie...

Banana Bread Snack Cake...

2012-01-24T18:21:00.000-05:00

This recipe is so easy and very yummy! I found the recipe from a blog I read on a regular basis. Her name is Jessica and the name of her blog is how Sweet it is. She is amazing and oh so funny! I don't know how she does it, but she posts almost every single day! I consider myself lucky if I get 4 posts in a month. Every recipe that I have tried of hers is delicious and her photos are amazing. You must stop by her blog for a visit...

I made this last night and ate half of it all by myself. I can't even blame Olivia for even a small portion of it missing.

There's nothing wrong with eating cake for dinner is there?! I didn't think so...

Ingredients...
Makes 9-12 Squares

1 large egg

1/3 cup loosely packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (I used cinnamon sugar)

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Directions...

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 baking pan with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, whisk egg and brown sugar until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and mashed bananas, mixing until combined. Add in flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, mixing until the batter comes together. Add in melted butter and mix until evenly distributed.

Pour batter in the baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until center is no longer jiggly and edges are golden. Top with a cream cheese glaze, if desired.

Jessica's Note: You can definitely sub in all-purpose flour, but she would not use regular whole wheat.

Whipped Cream Cheese Glaze

1/4 cup whipped cream cheese, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar

4-5 tablespoons heavy cream, or more depending on texture

In a bowl, whisk cream cheese vigorously until it smoothes out. Add in sugar, vanilla and cream one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly. This glaze will be a bit thicker (almost like a thin frosting), so add more or less cream depending on your desired consistency.

This little snack cake is super moist and I'm on the fence as to which I like better. With the glaze or without the glaze? It's just as yummy either way. Thank you Jessica for another great recipe!

XoXo,

A Fabulous Stain Remover...

2012-01-17T17:02:00.000-05:00

Wish I could say I came up with the idea of mixing these two ingredients, but nope, I did not... I found this article awhile back on the Glamour website entitled, "The Only Spot Remover You'll Ever Need." Of course, I wanted to try this spot remover, on my 3 white tops that now have yellowing, under the arms. Ugh! I can't believe I'm telling you this ~ It sounds disgusting, right?! But I can't be the only one that has this problem...

The stain remover mixture consists of one part Dawn Dishwashing Liquid mixed with two parts Hydrogen Peroxide. I mixed mine in a spray bottle from the dollar store. I then spayed the fabric, and with a old toothbrush I scrubbed for a few minutes. On one of the tops I sprinkled with a little baking soda for some extra scrubbing power. I wanted to see if that top came out any better than the other two. Guess what? It was exactly the same! So don't bother with the baking soda...

I know I know... It is really gross, but I had to show you these so you would know just how fabulous this stain remover is!

As soon as I started spraying the fabric with the stain remover, the yellow ick (like that word?) started foaming off the shirt. It was amazing. Really it was! Well... I thought so. After spraying/scrubbing for a few minutes, I just let the stain remover soak in for an hour. Then threw them in the washer as usual. Nothing fancy there. I'm very excited to be able to wear my white tops again! The yellow is completely gone...

See... This is a fabulous stain remover! You have to try this. Really you do!
XoXo,

Some Words of Wisdom...

2012-01-16T11:21:00.000-05:00

Have a great day! I'm enjoying my day off. Just doing a little of this and a little of that...
XoXo,

I Love Farmhouse Sinks...

2012-01-07T09:50:00.001-05:00

I do hope that everyone had a fabulous holiday break and celebrated the New Year just the way they wished! Either quietly or with some great friends, and maybe with a sparkler or two. I love the feeling of starting fresh with a brand new year! There is always something very exciting about a New Year! It's yours for the taking and it comes with so many possibilities. Maybe to start a new hobby, get inspired to organize your life, or maybe just to start accomplishing things you have always wanted to do...

I really adore farmhouse sinks! Really really!! Have loved them for as long as I can remember. They look so country/cottage cozy to me, and I would love to have one in my little kitchen this year! I have decided that this is going to go on the top of my goal list for 2012! I have the good ole stand ins... " I'm going to start going to the gym four times a week, or I'm not going to drink diet soda anymore, and no more McDonald's french fries with extra salt!" Did I really just say no more french fries with extra salt? That's so crazy (smiling). I'm thinking getting a farmhouse sink will be a much more realistic goal I can keep...

I never before realized just how many different shapes/sizes and styles there are to a farmhouse sink. I love all of the choices that I have! Also, another name for this type of sink is an "Apron Front Sink."

Such a fresh pretty shade of blue...

I would love marble counter~tops too...

Ok...Just a few more photos. I can't help it! I love looking for inspiration...

Love this shade of green...

Maybe just maybe... You now want a farmhouse sink! Have a great week~end...

XoXo,

P.S... All of these photos were found from the Country Living/House Beautiful websites...

Glitter and Pretty Paper...

2011-12-27T16:58:00.000-05:00

Well...I'm not ready to take my Christmas tree down yet ~ It smells way too pretty not to enjoy! That's what I'm telling myself anyways... Instead, I wanted to make something with glitter and paper. NOT clean! I'm sorry I forgot to take a picture of this tin match holder before I started. It was an orangy~red with a flowery decal that was all chippy and rusty. I do realize chippy and rusty is fabulous, but I was in the mood for something pastel. This had been my Grandmothers, from years back. I remember it hanging on the wall above her gas stove. Hopefully she is not rolling over in her grave with my alterations...

I love anything and everything that has to do with pretty papers and glitter! So the last time I was at Michael's, they had a huge bin with these cute little note cards. I knew I would use them for something other than just writing a note...

Adorable right? I think my Grandmother would be ok with this. Before this little tin match holder was living in a cardboard box ~ in the garage. Now it has a home on my kitchen wall. I don't have a gas stove (sad face), but I will use the matches for lighting our candles...
XoXo,

Easy Oreo Truffles...

2011-12-11T13:15:00.002-05:00

These are such a fast, easy and fun cookie to make or are they a candy? Hhmmm... Whatever they are. They are definitely yummy! Thank you to my sweet friend Lisa, for sharing her delicious recipe with me.

Ingredients...

Printer~Friendly Recipe...

1 (16 ounce) package Oreo Cookies, crushed
1 (8 ounce) package Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) package Wilton Candy Melts, melted
Sweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Directions...

Crush cookies to fine crumbs in a food processor (cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin), place in medium bowl. Add softened cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 little balls, about 1-inch in diameter and place on parchment paper cookie sheet, place in freezer for 15 minutes.
Melt chocolate following directions on packaging (any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use). Dip balls into chocolate. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles in freezer or refrigerator in a covered container. These do taste better cold. Enjoy!

XoXo,

What I should Be Doing...

2011-11-29T19:40:00.001-05:00

Is it really and truly almost December?! Where did this year go? My mother WAS telling me the truth when she would say, " As you get older, you'll see... The years just fly by." She was right!

Every Christmas I swear I'm going to wrap my presents as I buy them. NOT stay up all night Christmas Eve into the early morning of Christmas Day (Santa Claus even asks me "why I haven't been to bed yet") ~ that's what I have done for the past 21 years! So today was my first day of wrapping and making my little gift tags. What I should be doing is some major cleaning in this house of mine!
First... I had to remove a little black snake that was hiding in the cat's scratching post. He was alive and very very wiggly. UGH! As I was writing this post ~ I see one of my cats tip~toeing across the living room like he is hunting for something. In my head, I'm thinking it probably is just a little lizard, NOT a snake.

Ok... Let's get back to something fun and cute. Todd always seems to be around when I'm making something. So of course, I had to dress him up, just a little. He was NOT happy! And yes I know... The water is icky in the vase. Sorry about that! But Todd looks cute and very grumpy!

This would be Lauren Olivia's puppy. His name is "Mowgli," from the Disney movie "Jungle Book." He was NOT having anything to do with playing dress~up! Poor sport...

Ok... Seriously now. Let's get back to my cute little gift tags, But first let me show you just two more crazy pictures! Why is it I have to make a complete mess, NOT just a little mess, but a undeniable complete mess. Whenever I am making anything?!

Oh Yea... I almost forgot what this post was suppose to be about. I'm thinking I've had way too much coffee!

We did go and get our Christmas tree today ~ so I have no excuses of not wrapping as I buy and putting directly under the tree. Hopefully... this year will be different from the last 21 years! Though I must admit. I do enjoy having cookies and milk with Santa Claus...

What a sweet smile Lauren Olivia! Thank you for always loving me...
XoXo,

A Fall Napkin Ring...

2011-11-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

First things First... I have to say I'm very very sorry for posting this 3 days before Thanksgiving! Not very nice of me, I know... Because really ~ who has the time now to make cute little napkin rings?! But here is my thinking on this. These would be so cute for your Christmas table. NOT with fall leaves silly ~ you would use Christmas cookie cutters. Duh!

These are so simple to make and you just need a few items. If you are a crazy "Save every little thing or I need to buy this now because I might need it one day" You probably have what you need without going out to the craft store. Here is one example of my craziness ~ See the cute little rolling pin? I bought that last Spring on one of my trips to Goodwill (here is that post.) I'm not saying you are as crazy as I am. BUT...

Here are your very simple instructions... Roll out your white bake able clay, cut out the shapes you like. I have mini cookie cutters by Wilton for every season/holiday. Hi my name is Katie Foss ~ I am a craft addict!

Next... take a skewer or tooth pick to draw the little veins/designs on your cut outs. Don't forget (like I did) the little hole to thread your raffia through. Then bake at 275 degrees F for 30 ~ 40 minutes. Once they have cooled down. Paint away in your favorite colors!

After the cut outs are painted and dried. It did take me 2~3 coats to cover, depending on the color. I then took white paint and outlined on the veins/designs. Last step... thread raffia through the hole and wrap around the cloth napkin several times and tie. That's it~so simple right?!

Ok... Here we go again. Hi my name is Katie Foss ~ I save empty soup cans! For what reason?! Because you never know when you might need one... Look how simple and cute they are with baby's breathe and glittery netting?!

I do Hope you have a fabulous and fun Thanksgiving...
XoXo,

Garlic Seasoned Oven Fries...

2011-11-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

I really have to confess here... That I could eat potatoes anyway, all day and everyday! Potatoes are right at the very top of my favorite foods list. Yum Yum and one more Yum is all I really have to say...

Ingredients...
Printer~Friendly Recipe...

6 medium russet potatoes, cut into wedges (and/or sweet potatoes)
2~2 1/2 tablespoons garlic olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste (I used sea salt)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, optional
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions...
Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and fill with cold water. Let soak for 60 minutes, occasionally dump and refill with fresh water. Drain the potatoes. Spread the wedges out on layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Pat dry with additional towels.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Wipe out the now empty bowl so it is dry. Return the potatoes to the bowl and drizzle with the garlic olive oil. Using your hands, toss until the potatoes are well coated. Then sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and toss again. Lay the potato wedges in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Laying the potatoes directly on the parchment paper makes for a soft french~fry (which is what we like). If you are one of those people who like more of a crispy fry, then place a wire rack on the baking sheet and spray the rack with a non~stick spray, then place your potatoes on in a single layer.

Bake for 25 minutes, then flip and bake another 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with the fresh grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

We had some left over the next day. I took to work and reheated in the microwave, they were still as good....

Serves 2-4
XoXo,

Thank You Mom...

2011-11-14T09:32:00.000-05:00

We (that would be my mom and me) had such a nice time at the World Quilt Show, this weekend! So much to see and lots of fun things to buy, and dream of buying. Of course I needed and wanted everything. Have I mentioned to you before that I love to shop?!

I have now added a few more projects to my never~ending list. Thank you mom for a very nice time! Hope to see you soon...
XoXo,

Going To The World Quilt Show...

2011-11-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend I'm going to the World Quilt Show, with my mom, in West Palm Beach. I can't wait to see all of the creative ideas, fabulous fabrics, notions and just plain ole` everything! Hope it's the type of show you can buy what you see and love. Like I need to add more crafting/sewing supplies to my collection. Well... my thinking is you can never have too much or know when you might need something for that next project. Right?! Have a great weekend and I will post some fun pictures of the show next week...

XoXo,

Ps... The roses are from my next door neighbors bush ~ but the vine comes into my yard. So I figured I could cut whats on my side. Right?

Skillet Lasagna...

2011-10-23T21:07:00.006-04:00

So... This weather we are having here in South Florida is pretty fabulous, if it is only for a few days (sad face.) Please please stay "Fabulous Weather" as long as you can ~ we love you so!

My windows are open, my playlist is playing Nora Jones (love her!) and I have my bed sheets on the clothesline (love that too!) This time of the year always makes me think of... What can I make as in good ole`comfort food, and using my iron skillet, is a must. Just in case you were wondering ~ everything does taste better in a iron skillet...

Ingredients...

Printer~Friendly Recipe...

1 lb. Ground Beef

12 oz Box of Pasta (I used Bow Ties)

3 cups Spaghetti Sauce (I used 1 jar of my favorite Classico Sauce)

1 tbls. Olive Oil

1 tsp. Salt (I used Sea Salt)

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 cup Sour Cream

Directions...

While you are browning your ground beef in an iron skillet, go ahead and cook your pasta according to the directions on the box. Depending on the quality of ground beef you buy, you might have to drain some of the grease out. After your pasta is cooked, drain and mix with ground beef. Now... here is the easy part. Your just combining all the other ingredients in your skillet. Stirring constantly over a low heat until your cheese is melted. That's it! Easy Peasy...

You really don't have to use an iron skillet, unless you want to (happy face!) The left overs are just as good!
XoXo,

Autumn Spice...

2011-10-15T09:37:00.084-04:00

I absolutely love these next few months. So here is a little eye~candy for you...

Pinterest...

Hope you have a fun weekend...
XoXo,

Sugar Cookie Bars...

2011-10-02T20:14:00.000-04:00

When I first made these I thought, "They are not fabulous ~ what the heck happened!" They were just plain ole ok. The raw cookie dough was very very fabulous though! "Can you say, Yum!" I couldn't stop eating it, and was wondering if I was going to have enough to bake. Yes, I do know your not suppose to eat raw batter/dough, but I have been doing it since my childhood. And I still love it! I even let my girls lick the spoon or the bowl too! Ssshh... So here is what's funny strange not funny ha ha... these sugar cookie bars did get fabulous after sitting over night. They became very moist and kind of melt in your mouth yummy. I truly love recipes you can make the day before you need it, and be completely sure it will still be moist! This is one of those recipes...

Ingredients...
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
5 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Directions...
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a wire whisk to mix well. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased 13 x 18 baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. The bars won't look done so do the toothpick test. Cool completely and then frost.

Frosting...
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
5 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp. milk
food coloring (if desired)
sprinkles (of course)

Directions...
Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and salt. Add powdered sugar in 1 cup increments until combined, then add milk and mix until smooth and spreading consistency. Spread over cooled sugar cookie bars.

XoXo,

A Blanket Stitch...

2011-09-23T10:09:00.001-04:00

Well... On one of my days off this week I had a bunch of silly errands that needed to get done. Ugh! My reward for getting these done and not procrastinating was to stop by a thrift store. Yay! My big exciting purchase was a pair of Old Navy jeans with a hole in them for .50 cents. Another Yay! The only problem was, the hole was in a place that you could not wear unless fixed. So... For .50 cents I said, I could definitely fix this...

The Blanket stitch is a very easy and pretty stitch. But I won't lie, it was very hard to pull the needle through the jeans. That is why you see me using my Granddaddy's pliers. You also will see my very furry helper "Todd," he was named from the Disney movie, "The Fox and the Hound." Such a sweet movie and a sweet kitty. Meow...

Now... Here is a very fancy gadget I can't live without, when sewing! Those of you that know me ~ know that I can't see anything smaller than a apricot. It really is ridiculous! The name of this fancy gadget is a "Thread Threader." Like that?!

This was a fun, fast and .50 cent project for me! I didn't have to buy any of the materials used. Another Yay! I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend...

Ps. Thank you Olivia for letting me use your MacBook for this post! My computer seems to have a mind of it's own...

XoXo,

Love Betty Crocker...

2011-09-09T08:06:00.000-04:00

Sometimes just a really moist brownie hits the spot... With a tall glass of very cold milk. Nothing fancy! Just the Traditional Chewy Brownie Mix by Betty Crocker. It's probably the cheapest mix out there for $1.50. We have tried the more fancier mixes, but my kids always seem to like this one the best...

Have a Great Weekend!
XoXo,

The Little Things...

2011-09-06T09:20:00.000-04:00

I was in Barnes & Noble Books today and they had their 2012 monthly planners out already. I love buying my planner every year! For the last 6 years, I have always used a Vera Bradley, but for 2012, I have decided to downsize (did I say downsize?! No way!) and spend less money (and spend less money?! No way!). I have to admit I am having a little anxiety... ok a lot over this decision and feeling the need to go right out and get "My Vera Bradley." Eeeekkk! But for now... This is the one I have. It is very pretty and a lot thinner. Easier to bring along with me...

Now... I'm really excited about this little pink gadget! I was blog hopping as usual, and Kristi from The Decorologist had gotten one from her daughter for her birthday. She was saying, how she hates that the cell phone gets hot and not too comfortable to hold. I totally agree and for some reason, I disconnect a lot of my calls! So of course... It being pink and vintage looking ~ I had to have one too...

Love my new pink plaid phone cover! Thank you Randy...

Just a peek at what I will be working with today. Should be a fun and easy project. Will share with you soon ;)

Hope you have a great day!
XoXo,

Pinterest...

2011-08-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

I am having this Love Hate Relationship with Pinterest! Have you heard of this fabulous website yet? You probably have... I'm usually the last one to be "In the Know" of anything and everything! This website is a great way to keep track of all those things you have been wanting to try, and a fabulous way to discover new and inspiring ideas. I guess you can say it is a virtual pinboard ~ a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections by people with great taste.
Now... Here is where my Love Hate Relationship begins. Once I start looking around Pinterest, from picture to picture, blog to blog. I start thinking of all the boards I want to create and all of the projects I want to begin. This is where minutes turn into hours. I'm not kidding! Some serious hours!!! Here are just a few of my boards and a picture from each...

For the Love of Kitchens...

Craft Rooms to Dream About...

I Do Forever...

Creative Cakes/Cupcakes...

Food and Styling...

Fabulous Fabrics...

Gardening...

For the Love of Bedrooms...

Painted Furniture...

For the Love of Bathrooms...

Gift Wrapping/Snail Mail...

Let's Do Some Laundry...

Decorating Ideas...

HeadBoards...

Just Plain White...

Stop by Pinterest when you have a few hours. You will love it! Promise...
XoXo,

A Freebie For You...

2011-08-25T08:31:00.002-04:00

Last night I was up way too late on the computer! Hopping from blog to blog/website to website. Getting so many fun and creative ideas, for my never ending "Project List." Lets be honest here ~ my project list is really a big fat notebook with hundreds of pictures from magazines (which is a whole other issue of mine and another post), little scraps of papers with words, drawings, lists of what I will need for said projects, paint colors, fabric swatches, tools I must have and so much more. There is absolutely no organization going on in This Notebook, but I love it!!! I love to look through it and dream...
One of the blogs I found was called The Happy Homebodies. Her name is Jordan and her blog is full of cute ideas for your home. On one of her posts, she was sharing that you could get 25 free business cards from Minted.com. They are calling them "Mommy Calling Cards" but you can customize them for whatever your needs may be. You get the 25 free cards, but you do have to pay the $7.95 shipping. This is the design I ordered late last night.

There are tons of designs, fonts and colors to choose from. Their website is also very friendly/easy to use. That is always extremely important to me. They usually charge $30.00 for 25 business cards, so there definitely is a savings going on here. This offer ends on Sept. 23. Just wanted to share this with you...
XoXo

Love These Stores...

2011-08-23T14:15:00.000-04:00

It's so much fun just to walk around HomeGoods/TJ Maxx! You never know what you will find to bring home with you. These apothecary jars are perfect for my cotton balls and Q~tips! No...I don't keep them on my porch, really. I was just trying to find the perfect lighting. Ugh! This seems to be my biggest problem with all of my photos. Note to Self... Definitely take a photography class very very soon!

And of course I had to have these! We live in South Florida~you can never ever have too many pairs of sandals...
XoXo,

A French Onion Pot Roast (Slow Cooker)...

2011-08-06T11:11:00.000-04:00

I must say... I really do love my slow cooker! It's probably one of my favorite appliances. Right next to my blender, for making Pina Coladas. My Keurig, for coffee every morning and fresh brewed tea in the afternoons. Oh yes, and my Kitchen Aid Mixer of course! Ok..ok... I have four favorite appliances! Now that I have figured that out ~ I will tell you it is so easy to throw a complete meal in the slow cooker. I do this sometimes in the morning before going to work or just if I'm going to have a busy day. This slower cooker of mine... also, has the capability to make me feel like a really good mother for that day! The reason being is because the days that I work, I usually don't get home until after 8pm. So... My girls are thrilled to have a nice hot meal to help themselves to...

Ingredients...

3~4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon meat tenderizer
1~2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 celery stalks, trimmed and cut into small pieces
4 carrots, washed and cut into thirds
2 medium sized potatoes, cut into small pieces
3 fresh garlic cloves minced
10.5 ounce can french onion soup, condensed (I use Campbell's)
1/2 to 3/4 can of water

Directions...

Mix flour, salt, pepper and meat tenderizer together in a small bowl.
Trim any fat off the sides of the roast and rinse with water. Pat dry with paper towels. Add flour mixture to cover the roast.
Heat 1-2 Tbsp of oil in a non-stick or cast iron skillet on medium to medium high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add roast to heated pan and heat to sear for 2-4 minutes on each side. (Add more oil if needed and lower heat if necessary.)
Add carrots, celery, potatoes and fresh garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker and add roast on top of the vegetables. Add french onion soup and 1/2 to 3/4 can of water to the slow cooker.
Cook roast in slow cooker on low for 10 hours or high for 5 hours.

Sometimes you just can't get any better than "Comfort Food..."
Ps...The day after I made the pot roast I was putting away the slower cooker. It actually lives next to my blender in a cabinet. When pulling out the blender I dropped it on the floor for it to shatter into many pieces... Ugh!
XoXo,

Modified from " The Little Kitchen " French Onion Pot Roast recipe...

Banana Toffee Muffins...

2011-07-27T10:27:00.000-04:00

I have just come to the realization that every week I go to the farmers market and buy a bunch of very pretty yellow bananas. Basically, to just throw away at the end of the week. I buy them thinking I will get up every morning/or at least some mornings. Ok..ok... maybe just 1 morning would be nice... to make a very delicious and possibly healthy smoothie for me or my family. For some reason the smoothie making does not happen! The days I work I'm up by 5:30am and out the door by 6:30am. Coffee cup in hand. Breakfast of champs, right? The days I don't work I'm usually up by 7:00am. Coffee cup in hand and still no smoothie to be seen or heard of. Today I was going to make something other than a smoothie with these very brown, almost black bananas...

Ingredients...

1 box golden vanilla cake mix with pudding in the mix
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
3 medium bananas, mashed (1 1/4 cups)
1 package (6 oz) toffee chips (1 cup), or miniature chocolate chips

Directions...

Heat oven to 350 F. Place paper baking cups in each of the 36 regular size muffin cups.
In large mixing bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, eggs and almond extract with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Beat in bananas until smooth. Stir in toffee chips. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Bake about 25 minutes or until golden brown; immediately remove from pan and place on a cooling rack.

These were very fast and easy to make! Moist and delicious too...
XoXo,

Just A Beach Umbrella...

2011-07-20T23:12:00.003-04:00

Randy and I went to Hobe Sound Beach today and of course I forgot my camera, but as always, I had my cell phone with me. Its a Sprint HTC Evo ~ whatever that might mean ~ I think it truly means it's a wanna be iphone. Ssshhhhh. Don't tell Sprint. I must say though, that the pictures I took with the phone really weren't too bad. I'm kind of impressed...
The more I use this phone the more I love it and I have found some really great apps. Free apps! Such as... Big Oven, Around Me, ATM Hunter, ColorNote, ColorSnap, Cozi, Drink Recipes, Epicurious, Free Christmas List, GasBuddy, OpenTable, Google Reader, HD Wallpapers, PhotoShop Express, Words with friends, and many more...

We packed beach chairs, beach towels, an assortment of sun screen, a beach umbrella, a shelling bag, and a fabulous beach picnic which consisted of sandwiches, potato chips, peaches, watermelon, pineapple, grapes, chocolate chip cookies of course, water, soda and ice cold beer...

The day was perfect. The water was warm and clear. The breeze off the ocean made the heat of the day tolerable and the people watching really couldn't get any better! I'm actually wondering why someone that is as white as snow, insists on putting oil all over their bodies. Especially in the hottest part of the day! We saw several of these Serious Sun Worshipers, that were as red as a child's wagon! Do they really think this is a good color for them?!

P.S. Have I mentioned that I love my beach umbrella...
XoXo,

Tonight's Dinner and Dessert...

2011-07-07T19:34:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you just have to say, What the h...
XoXo,

Have A Fabulous Fourth...

2011-07-02T09:46:00.000-04:00

XoXo,

A Little Tea Towel...

2011-06-29T11:26:00.001-04:00

This post is for my Mother, aka Grandma... Many many years ago she had crocheted some very pretty blue and yellow trim for me. I seriously can't remember how far back, but I'm sure it is at least six years ago. In some desperately needed cleaning out and organizing ~ I stumbled across the yellow trim...

I'm wondering where the blue trim could possibly be?! Really no telling with me, but I know it will show up one day. Maybe in another six years. Hopefully less...

That would be my mother in the above photo and of course me. We were at the Country Living Fair, last October in Stone Mountain, Georgia. So much fun and a very long overdue post about that trip. Thank you mom for everything you do for me, and always loving me, no matter what...
XoXo,

Have A Great Weekend...

2011-06-24T10:42:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to I have 3 days off in a row! I will be spending most of it with Lindsey, my oldest daughter. We will be sunning by the pool/beach, eating lunch at our favorite Greek Cafe, shopping of course, and some most needed chick flicks. Love our girl time...
XoXo,

A Delicious Strawberry Smoothie...

2011-06-18T10:16:00.000-04:00

Ingredients...

1.5 bananas, cut into chunks and frozen
1 cup frozen strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
1/3 cup orange juice
1 6oz. container (3/4 cup) vanilla yogurt
1~2 packets Truvia, nature's calorie~free sweetener

Directions...

In blender or food processor, combine frozen banana chunks, berries and orange juice. Puree until well blended. Now, add your yogurt, Truvia (optional) and puree until smooth. If needed, add more orange juice to achieve your desired consistency. Makes approximately 2 servings.

XoXo,

My Trip To Goodwill...

2011-05-21T10:26:00.005-04:00

I just love going to Goodwill! OK... Let me be more specific, certain Goodwill's. You learn very quickly which ones have the good stuff, and which ones do NOT! The thrill of digging and hunting through old, new and used treasures is so much fun for me. It's also less expensive than going to a therapist. Well, sometimes... But it's definitely a lot more fun! When I go thrifting and/or antiquing ~ I usually don't have anything specific in mind. If I see something I love ~ I bring it home and figure out what to do with it then.

So... I guess I need to explain what I have here. Lets start with the shoes. "Love Them." They are Ann Taylor, with the price tag still on for $188.00. I paid $5.00! I have a fabulous wedding to go to in June and think I will wear these...

Next I have my $5.00 find of white Oneida dishes. Set for 4, called Basketweave. Nothing fancy, but I have learned that taking photos of food, looks so much better on white dishes than patterned dishes. So these were a must for me...

This is a Pampered Chef's baker's roller. Suppose to be used for your pizza dough or pastry making. It was only $1.20, I couldn't just leave it! Right? I'm not sure if I will use it for what it is intended for or for craft projects. I have been wanting to try to make buttons out of Polymer Clay and this might work well for rolling the clay out...

A cute little jar of glitter. It was .29 cents. You can never ever have too much glitter around! Especially in a house only of girls...

Love this little glass vase/votive for .49 cents. Not really sure what it is, but knew I loved it, and would find some sort of use for it. Now I need to find a fabulous cleaning product to make it sparkly. It has years and years of dirt, dust and grime on it...

This might be my favorite find of the day! I absolutely love soft, comfy Pj's. These fit the ticket totally. They are Victoria's Secret ~ blue pinstripes and ruffles. $1.00 with the tags still on. Can't get any better than that...

This $1.00 book is filled with lots of painting ideas/techniques for me to try. Will keep you posted on how the walls, floors or furniture turns out...

Can't wait until my next trip to Goodwill. Hope you have a great weekend!!!
XoXo,

This post was posted to Southern Hospitality’s link party! Head here to check it out!

Love Mary Engelbreit...

2011-05-09T09:05:00.000-04:00

If I could choose any artist to draw and/or paint like ~ I would definitely pick Mary Engelbreit...
Everything she touches is so whimsical, bright and fun! When you come across something of hers in a store. You don't even have to pick it up ~ to know it is the work of Mary Engelbreits'. She has a unique and distinct style all her own.
With that said, I was in Michaels the other day waiting in the check out line, and of course they place all those intriguing $1.00 bins to look through. So while waiting. I am digging around and found these adorable Mary Engelbreit cupcake wrappers...

So Cute...Right?! I can't wait to use them. XoXo

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic, Parmesan, and Pine Nuts...

2011-05-05T11:18:00.001-04:00

I am in a constant search for healthy and/or vegetarian dishes to make for Lauren. In fact, I'm always reading cookbooks like most people read novels, and if there are pictures, I'm in total Heaven. Kinda silly huh?!
Lauren really is a good sport about trying anything and everything I make for her, and she did like this side dish. Lindsey on the other hand, did not! She very quickly came to the conclusion that I was trying to poison her, when I gave her my diet root beer to wash "the not so tasty" bite down. She does not like any diet drinks at all! Sorry Lindsey!
I normally do not like brussel sprouts myself, but loved these and so easy to make...

Ingredients...

1 lb. brussel sprouts, trimmed and cut into quarters
3 Tbls. garlic olive oil
1 Tbls. balsamic vinaigrette
2 Tbls. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbls. pine nuts, toasted

Directions...
Preheat oven to 450 F. Trim brussel sprouts, remove any discolored leaves, and cut into quarters (or halves if they are small.) Put sprouts in mixing bowl and toss with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.

Cover roasting pan with foil if desired, and spray with non-stick spray if needed. Arrange sprouts in a single layer on roasting pan, and roast 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until sprouts are slightly crisp and golden brown on the edges.

When sprouts are nearly done, toast pine nuts in a dry pan about 2-3 minutes, until barely starting to brown. (Be careful, they can go from lightly brown to overdone quite quickly.) Put cooked sprouts back into mixing bowl and toss with Parmesan cheese. Arrange on serving plate and sprinkle with pine nuts. Serve hot. Makes 3-4 servings.
XoXo,

A Sweet Memory...

2011-04-30T20:25:00.004-04:00

Something about eating a Popsicle on a warm day. Brings back such sweet memories of when my girls were little...

XoXo,

Hummingbird Cupcakes...

2011-04-18T09:30:00.002-04:00

I had never heard of a Hummingbird cake/cupcakes until one of my girlfriends was having her bridal shower. I wanted to do something nice for her, and asked if she would like for me to make the cupcakes for her shower. Then I proceeded to ask her, her favorite flavor of cake. Thinking she would say something like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, something I had heard of and made before. But nope she said, "My favorite is Hummingbird cake."

So my next step was to search my cookbooks and internet for this very strange name of a cake. That has nothing to do with hummingbirds and indeed ended up being very very moist and delicious...

Ingredients...

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 cups chopped bananas
1/2 cup chopped pecans, or sanding sugar, or shredded coconut for garnish

Cream Cheese Frosting...

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation of Frosting...

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla. You can gradually add more powdered sugar to get the consistency you like if using a pastry bag/tip.

Preparation of Cake/Cupcakes...

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.
Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. You can also make 24 cupcakes with this recipe. Bake time and temperature was the same in my oven.
Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; sprinkle with pecans, sanding sugar or shredded coconut on top for garnish.

XoXo,

Love My Back Yard Plants...

2011-04-06T20:47:00.001-04:00

Yay... Today is my day off and so very pretty outside. I will be playing, maybe working to some of you ~ in my back yard. It is definitely in desperate need of some tender loving care. Here are a few of my favorite plants. I will try and come up with the correct names for them...

XoXo,

Romantic Prairie Style~FiFi O'NeiLL...

2011-04-03T10:41:00.010-04:00

Sometime next week... Fifi's fabulous book, Romantic Prairie Style, will be showing up on my doorstep, and I'm quite sure it will be filled with beautiful ideas for my indoor and outdoor living...

Photo By Mark Lohman...

This will definitely be a book to add to any and all of your collections. The two photos are from the home of Carol Spinski, they are a sneak peek into Fifi's book. You may purchase Romantic Prairie Style on Amazon. I also really really recommend stopping by Chez Fifi's website. You will absolutely love all of her photos and ideas...
XoXo,

What I Did Yesterday...

2011-03-25T17:34:00.001-04:00

I am so happy... Nope delighted or better yet elated with the way my chandeliers turned out!!! That I have now gone a little crazy with the spray paint...

XoXo,

I'm linking to:

When I Think Of Spring...

2011-03-22T21:30:00.015-04:00

When I think of spring... Of course I think of adorable fluffy bunnies, coloring Easter eggs, yellow and pink tulips, delicious chocolate and we must not forget the marshmellow peeps. I also can't wait to get out in my yard and start digging and planting!!! My most recent plan or should I say goal? Is to make a fabulous potting/gardening area for me to play in...

So many great ideas to pick and choose from!!! This will definitely be a fun project for me...
XoXo,

Cilantro Lime White Bean Hummus...

2011-03-15T11:39:00.003-04:00

1 15-ounce can of small white beans, drained and rinsed

2 cloves of garlic, minced (more or less, depending on your tastes)
1/4 cup cilantro
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/3 cup olive oil (+ more to reach desired consistency)
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste

Combine beans, cilantro, lime zest, juice and garlic in the food processor and blend until mixed. With the processor on, stream in olive oil until desired consistency is reached. I blended mine for a good 5~6 minutes to make it super creamy. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Serve with pita chips!

This recipe came from one of my favorite blogs. Thank you Jessica for always having something delicious on your blog!!! I changed it just a bit because I have the idea that more is better when it comes to garlic...

XoXo,

No More Brass...

2011-03-10T10:00:00.001-05:00

We have now lived in this house two years and four months. I have been in a constant search for chandeliers to replace the one in my dining room and the foyer. All of the chandeliers I liked were well over $1000.00 each, and I definitely was not going to spend that much money. Actually, I really could not find one I liked any better than what I already had. The shape and the style of the ones that came with the house were perfect. Just them being brass was the only problem...

Yours truly on a ladder in the doorway...

So my solution was... To take the chandeliers down from the ceiling. Spray paint them black and buy new lamp shades. I was so excited about finding the white shades at Goodwill for .99 cents each!!! The red and white shades came from Stein Mart for $4.99 each...

Me supervising in my fancy shoes, socks and pajamas...

Thank you Randy for always helping me with my crazy projects, and never ever complaining...
XoXo,

Happy Week~end Everyone...

2011-03-04T22:25:00.002-05:00

XoXo,

Pumpkins In February Oh My...

2011-02-22T09:27:00.001-05:00

Yes... I know this sounds totally crazy, and I agree with you. Here is how my story goes. I bought two pumpkins last October from the farmers market. One for the front porch and one for the back porch. Their shape, color and stems were just perfect. The price was great too!!! Two for $10.00...

I knew when fall was over. I would cut the pumpkins open and roast the seeds. Well... fall left us and Christmas arrived, and my pumpkins still looked fabulous, like the day I bought them. Then January came and went. The pumpkins still looked great. I was thinking this is so crazy!!! The little guys should be a pile of mush by now?! Or at least have some bad spots/mold?! But nope, they still looked fabulous. Now... here it is almost March, and they still look like the day I bought them. I have decided I could not have pumpkins on my porch when Spring is right around the corner. That would make me look crazy... Right?!

I don't really have an exact recipe for roasting the pumpkin seeds. I just pull the seeds out of the pumpkin, rinse with water while pulling off the long stringy strands. Dry the seeds completely. Then coat with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Toss really well and spread seeds on cookie sheet. I use parchment paper on the cookie sheet. Seems to roast the seeds nicer. Place cookie sheet in 325 degree preheated oven. Then toss the seeds every 10~15 minutes until dry and roasted.

Don't worry... I will not save our colored Easter eggs for five months. That would make me look really crazy...

XoXo,

Vanilla~Sparkling Wine Pound Cake...

2011-02-17T07:50:00.004-05:00

Ingredients...

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sparkling wine or milk
3 Tbsp. sour cream
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup safflower or canola oil
5 cold eggs
2 Tbsp. vanilla paste or vanilla extract
1 recipe Sparkling Wine Glaze, recipe below

Directions...

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan; set aside. In large bowl mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift mixture; set aside. Stir together sparkling wine and sour cream; set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl beat sugar, melted butter, and oil with electric mixer until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla paste. Beat on medium to high 3 to 5 minutes or until thicker and lighter in color. Add one-third the flour mixture; beat on low just until combined, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Add half the wine mixture; beat just until combined. Repeat with one-third the flour mixture, the remaining wine mixture, and remaining flour mixture. With rubber spatula scrape batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 15 minutes. Turn out on rack; cool completely. Drizzle with Sparkling Wine Glaze. Makes 16 servings.
4. Sparkling Wine Glaze: In small bowl combine 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp. sparkling wine. Stir in additional wine, 1 tsp. at a time, to reach drizzling consistency.

XoXo,

Hope You Get Lots of Sweet Treats...

2011-02-11T09:19:00.000-05:00

For goodness sakes...It's almost Valentines Day!!! Have a great weekend...
XoXo,

My Daisy Nomination...

2011-01-26T21:04:00.003-05:00

Today was The Daisy Award Ceremony at my hospital. I was lucky enough to be one of five nominated for this extra special award for nurses. I work in Trauma ICU and 3 of the nominees were from my unit!!! That alone must be saying something extraordinary about our unit, and I am very honored to be a part of it...

Congratulations Eileen on being The Daisy Award winner!!! You are a fabulous nurse and an incredible caring person...

XoXo,

Things I Need To Do...

2011-01-25T10:26:00.002-05:00

Those of you that know me, and or follow this blog, know that I have two girls (Lindsey and Lauren, but I usually call her Olivia. That is her middle name). You also know that I am a huge procrastinator. Something I am not very proud of, but I seem not to be able to fix this flaw. So I'm going to embrace it from now on...
The girls have given me little sewing projects that I keep stacking up!!! So today, I decided I would surprise them by fixing, mending and sewing for them...
Two of the projects are from Lindsey... She found this cute little sundress with some stitches missing. No big deal. Then she found a little black top with lace. Within the lace of course there is a hole. How she found the hole, I have no idea. It's in the back of the top, and she has very long hair. This task I am not looking forward to...

Back in the summer, Olivia and I went to Jo~Ann Fabrics. What a fun store!!! Anyway... she had picked out a cute pattern and linen fabric to make a skirt for school. Yes, I do know that was six months ago!!! I'm not proud of that, but I'm sewing today. Yay me!!!

Hope you have a fun day!!! You know what I'm going to be doing...
XoXo,

Golden Chicken Tenders...

2011-01-13T12:09:00.052-05:00

I was looking on the internet last night. For a fast and super easy recipe for chicken tenderloins. You know...the kind of recipe you put in the oven and forget about it, until the timer goes off, and this is what I came up with. It's very easy and the chicken was really moist and tender...

Ingredients...

1 package boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup crushed Stove Top chicken stuffing mix, dry
4-5 tablespoons melted butter

Directions...

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Rinse and pat dry the chicken and place in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the stuffing on top of the chicken tenders.
Drizzle melted butter over top of the stuffing.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, uncovered.

It's definitely not a fancy dish, but was a big hit with picky children...

XoXo,

For The Love of Vintage Stamps...

2011-01-10T20:32:00.002-05:00

This was my first day off after a long stretch of 12 hour shifts, so I was treating myself to a morning of do~nothing but stay in my cozy pj's, enjoy two cups of pumpkin spice coffee, and read all of my favorite blogs. I would worry about the laundry, cleaning, bathing of dogs and errands later. Better yet, there is always tomorrow...
While going from blog to blog I stumbled across an Etsy shop called, Verde Studio. The owners name is Virginia and she is very sweet and helpful.

What a fabulous way to personalize any invitation or card. Of course... I had to order a few of these and can't wait for them to get here!!!
XoXo,

My Four Things...

2010-12-30T21:08:00.003-05:00

1. Four words/phrases I use a lot...

Fabulous
I'm Sorry
I Love You
Chocolate

2. Four things that I am passionate about...

My girls
Desserts
Books
Bed & Breakfasts

3. Four things I've learned from the past...

The grass isn't always greener
Complaining doesn't make you feel any better
Nothing will change your mind, except yourself
If you can't afford it now, wait until you can

4. Four places I would like to go...

London
Paris
Heaven
Nantucket

5. Four things I love about winter...

Pumpkin spice coffee
Slipper socks
Christmas
Down comforters

6. Four things I'm looking forward to...

Grandchildren
Traveling/vacations
Having an amazing 2011
Refinishing my kitchen cabinets

7. Four things I did yesterday...

Shopping with Lindsey
Laundry of course
Lunch at Chick-fil-A with Lindsey
Took a nap

While shopping with Lindsey, I came across these adorable pink ballet flats!!! I can't wait to wear them...

We also ventured to Brighton and I found a fabulous watch that Lindsey bought for me...

Hope everyone has a safe and fabulous New Years Eve!!!
XoXo,

Christmas Is Over...

2010-12-27T12:30:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous and wonderful Christmas!!! We certainly did...

Lauren Olivia 1998...

Lauren Olivia 2005...

Opening their stockings...

Lindsey Nicole, I wasn't allowed to show her sweet face...

Lauren Olivia, just a little of her sweet face...

Very warm and cozy Christmas socks...

XoXo,

Christmas Shopping...

2010-12-20T12:30:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone is finished or almost finished with their Christmas shopping. I only have 1.5 days left of complete crazy shopping. That's because I'm working the rest of the week, and for those of you that know me, I am the biggest procrastinator there ever was!!! I am not proud of this statement, and every year I swear, I'm going to change and fix this problem of mine...

I also, tell myself I am going to wrap my presents as I bring them home. Well...that did not happen either this year. For the last 20 years, I am up until about 2:00am Christmas morning, wrapping presents, stuffing the stockings from Santa, fixing my Christmas morning casserole, and swearing I'm never going to wait to the last minute, ever again!!!
Maybe secretly I love this complete and total madness and really wouldn't have it any other way...

XoXo

Some Christmas Inspiration...

2010-12-07T09:53:00.007-05:00

Oh how I love, the month of December!!! It's chilly here today, so it really feels like Christmas. Well... chilly for South Florida. I have my Christmas tree turned on, burning a yummy scented candle, still in my pj's with socks on, and a cup of pumpkin spice coffee...

Hope you are staying warm and cozy...

XoXo,

Lets Pick Strawberries...

2010-11-28T20:38:00.004-05:00

Over the summer, Lauren Olivia made a list of 10 things she wanted to do. Picking strawberries was one of them. So... I had this brilliant idea, we would get up early this morning, spend quality time together, and go pick strawberries and get our Christmas tree...
I thought it was a very good idea, but the girls seemed to think differently! They just wanted to stay home, in their pj's, and do homework. I had to put my very sad mother face/voice on, and then they changed their minds. It works every time. Shhh don't tell my secret...
When we first got to Bedner's Farmers Market, it was actually very comical! All the children there were under the age of 6. Except for mine, my girls are 15 and 20...
Santa Claus was there too, and no I did not make them sit on his lap. I won't lie, I did think about it for a few moments...

Funny how even when you are 15 and 20 years old, you still can't stand still while waiting in line. I have one texting, and one studying her flash cards for chemistry. Or they are annoying each other to no end. Some things will never change, and maybe, I really don't want them too...

They actually ate more berries than what went into their baskets, just like when they were smaller. I remember the first time I took the girls to pick strawberries. A friend had told me to bring little scissors, so they could cut the stems and not squish the berries. It worked very well. Except, Lindsey decided to cut her own bangs that day. Let me just say... They were not straight what so ever, but they did grow back eventually and it is a very sweet memory for me...

You can also cut your own sunflowers if you would like...

Where else, but South Florida, can you pick strawberries, sunflowers and get your Christmas tree all at the same time...

XoXo

Happy Thanksgiving To You...

2010-11-24T12:21:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Turkey Day!!! Don't forget to watch, The 84th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade...

XoXo

Winter Pasta...

2010-11-23T09:38:00.001-05:00

My youngest, Lauren Olivia, continues to be a vegetarian. I thought this was just a phase, but I thought wrong! So... I'm in a constant search of delicious recipes that we all can eat. When I say we all, I specifically mean my oldest daughter, aka My Very Own Drama Queen. She loves everything and anything that is not healthy. OK... well she does like orange juice, watermelon, mango, pineapple, zucchini, squash and broccoli. Yep...that would be it for healthy.

So this one particular afternoon, I was on a mission to find something for dinner, that was yummy, fast and easy...

Winter Pasta

I used penne here, but you can substitute whatever pasta you like. Spinach can be substituted for the kale if you like as well.

4 cloves of garlic, peeled
4 small shallots, peeled
1 small bunch of kale - 1/2 lb / 8 oz, stalks removed, washed well
1/3 cup / 80 ml extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup / 2 oz goat cheese, plus more for topping
2 tablespoons + hot pasta water
fine grain sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
fresh lemon juice - optional
12 oz / 340 g dried penne pasta
fresh thyme - and thyme flowers

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the boiling water generously, and add the garlic and shallots. Boil for 2-3 minutes, stir in the kale and cook for another ten seconds. Don't overcook. Working quickly, use a slotted spoon or strainer to fish the greens, garlic, and shallots from the water. Use a food processor to puree the ingredients along with the olive oil and goat cheese. Add a couple tablespoons of hot pasta water if needed to thin things out if needed. Then season with a touch of salt and plenty of black pepper. Taste. Depending on your goat cheese, you might need a little extra acidic oomph if your sauce is a bit flat. If so, add fresh lemon juice a bit at a time until you're happy with it. Set aside.

Reheat the pot of water and boil the pasta per package instructions. Drain and toss immediately with the green sauce. Serve topped with a few pinches of fresh thyme, and more crumbled goat cheese.

Serves 4-6.

I had extra sauce left over, so we used it as a dip for Tostito chips and veggie's. You could also add some pine nuts to the pasta, if you like...

XoXo

Love My Farmers Market...

2010-11-14T10:46:00.001-05:00

I have to say... I have a great farmers market, right down the street from where I live. The produce and plants are always so fresh and really really inexpensive!!!

XoXo

The Walls Have Paper...

2010-10-18T21:31:00.000-04:00

Well...It only took me 3 weeks to finish the wallpaper...
I always seem to find other things to do, or I find another exciting project that I just have to start. I usually do have 4 or 5 projects going at the same. This really drives me so crazy at times, but I continue to do it over and over again!!!

~ Love This Spackling. So Very Easy To Use ~

I love this wallpaper!!! Now I just need to find a couple of pictures for the wall...

XoXo,

Organizing Tip For You...

2010-10-16T06:03:00.000-04:00

I am spending way too much time looking at all my favorite blogs today. I should be cleaning, possibly laundry, gardening, organizing my garage, or even trying to finish the wallpaper, I started in my bathroom awhile back. Can you say... Procrastination?! That would be my first, last and middle name...

I wish I could remember which blog I saw this great idea on. So I could give them the credit, but I can not...

What a cute idea to keep your extension cords organized and not a tangled mess. Which mine definitely are, whenever I can remember where they might be!!!

Have a great day!!!

XoXo

When Will I Ever Learn...

2010-10-13T16:46:00.003-04:00

I'm wondering if, and when, I will really ever learn!!! I'm seriously thinking I will not and that I will always always be this way...

From the time I moved out and was living on my own, I have always had some sort of pet, and or several pets. Then I had children 2 girls, to be exact, whom I believe inherited the "love for any, and all kinds of animals," from me. Definitely not from their father. We have had to sneak animals in the house through the years. I'm not saying that was right, but sometimes it was a definite must...

We have had bunnies that were delivered by "The Easter Bunny" one year (very cute I must add). My oldest daughter has a small scar on her right check from loving on them so much. We have had a ferret, thank God we found the owner. Fish, multiple times. Hamsters and Gerbils, too many to count. Guinea Pigs that one daughter was very allergic too. One snake that we found a home for, once the mice started looking too cute to be dinner. Several birds that we bought, and several we found hurt or abandoned. Turtles and Hermit Crabs. I'm sure I'm missing some other animal that we have had through the years...

We always seem to have cats and dogs continuously. With the cats, they have their own set of pets which they bring in from the outside to share with us!!! They would be: lizards, some large enough to grill, or be mistaken for a baby alligator. Slimy frogs, dragon flies, cute field mice, a baby bird, and a very live black snake. That was a lot of fun to catch!!!

So here is what happened this time...My youngest brought a Beta home in a very small bowl. His name "was" being the key word, Eustis. So while she was gone for a few days, I thought I would be nice and move him to a larger, cleaner, prettier home. After I got his new home all set up and ready to move in, or be poured in, to be more exact, I go get him from my daughters room and he is "floating." Now his new home will have to be "The Porcelain Bowl."

You think I would say "Thank God" and go empty the new home and put everything away, for maybe, another time or day. Nope... That's not how it went!!! I got in my car, and went, and bought a new "Eustis." I wonder if my youngest will know. I also, wonder if my girls will do the same with their children one day...

XoXo,

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread...

2010-10-05T08:13:00.002-04:00

Ingredients...

    * 1/2 cup butter, softened
    * 1 1/2 cups white sugar
    * 2 eggs
    * 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    * 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed
    * 2/3 cup sour cream
    * 2 1/2 cups unsifted cake flour
    * 1 teaspoon salt
    * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    * 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    * 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions...

   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a bundt pan.
   2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream. Combine the cake flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Stir flour mixture into sugar/banana mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.
   3. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until golden brown and top springs back when touched. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy,

I Still Love Wallpaper...

2010-09-27T21:18:00.000-04:00

I bought this house almost two years ago. I'm still on the fence whether I am happy about that or not. I'm kinda leaning towards the "not so much, but it's mine now, so lets make the most of it attitude."
It is a constant work in progress. I'm either fixing, repairing or replacing something, but today I have decided to wallpaper my bathroom...

Wish me luck, and I will be back in a few days...

XoXo

For The Love of Catalogs...

2010-09-14T11:38:00.002-04:00

As a little girl, I remember loving to look through the Sears, Roebuck & Company Catalog, aka " The Wish Book." Sears, Roebuck & Company made certain that their catalog ended up in the American household right around Thanksgiving. This was the catalog to end all catalogs...
The pages were thin, but were in full color photographs, of all the wonderful things you could buy. I would get a nice, bright pen out, and circle all the things I wished to get for Christmas. Let me just say this, The Toy Section was fabulous...

Today's catalogs can not even compare to this one, but I still enjoy getting my nice, bright pen out, and circling all the things I wish to buy. Here is a list of my top 15 catalogs...

Anthropologie

Wisteria

Ballard Designs

Through the Country Door

Crate & Barrel

Pottery Barn

Williams~Sonoma

Barewalls

Serena & Lilly

Gardener's Supply Company

XoXo

Hydrangeas and Peonies...

2010-08-31T20:46:00.000-04:00

Hydrangeas and Peonies are my favorite flowers. If I could have an entire yard of only those, I definitely would, without a doubt...

XoXo

It's Saturday Morning...

2010-08-21T09:40:00.000-04:00

Good Morning...It's Saturday and the girls are sleeping in a bit before we go to the mall for more school clothes shopping. I think, I enjoy the school shopping just as much. or more, than the girls.
While waiting for my bed babies... I'm enjoying my time on the back porch with coffee and favorite magazines. It's so fun just to look at all the photos and think of ways you can make your home just as pretty...

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

XoXo

My Very Own Drama Queen...

2010-08-20T10:45:00.004-04:00

It has been awhile since my last post. Not really sure why, just working a lot and doing some very much needed cleaning...
A few nights back, I was sleeping fabulously. Until, I heard this blood curdling scream, coming from my oldest daughter. Something like, what you would expect to hear in a horror movie. Yes, she is my very own "Drama Queen." She is very funny and very entertaining!!! But, not so much at 1:40 am, I might add...

When I came flying up out of bed, the only thing I could think of, was someone had broken into our home, and wondering why the dogs were not going crazy. As I'm running through the house, I now see Lindsey, standing on top of the toilet, in a total panic. Her sister, Olivia, comes out of her bedroom very annoyed, looking at the both of us. She is also, very funny, but not so much at 1:40 am.

The culprit of all the screaming and commotion was a very large, hairy, with fangs spider!!! UGH!!!

Now, the real problem was... None of us like spiders, and we can't figure out how to kill him, before he moves, or which one of us is going to do it!!! I knew from the get go, it was not going to be Lindsey. So now, I had to figure out how to get Olivia to do it. FYI... I'm probably more deathly afraid of spiders, than anyone you know. They can send me right into cardiac arrest. Like no tomorrow!!!
Olivia was a real trooper!!! Cranky but a trooper... She even took this photo AND killed the spider. While Lindsey and I screamed and jumped around like lunatics... I bribed "The Killing" for a trip to the mall...
When this traumatic ordeal was over. Lindsey says to me, "This is why you should get married again mom, so we have someone to kill the spiders." With that comment, I thought of the movie "Must Love Dogs." I was thinking my personal ad would say, "Must Kill Spiders." I just laughed and went back to bed...

P.S. If anyone knows what type of spider this is. I would be forever thankful!!! Like is it just a spider or is it poisonous? I have now found 3 of them!!! Eeeeeekkkk...

XoXo

So Many Headboards...

2010-08-03T21:00:00.002-04:00

At this time, I do not have a headboard in my bedroom. In fact, none of the bedrooms in my home have a headboard!!! Now that I have typed that sentence and read it out loud, it sounds very strange not to have any...
So needless (is that a word) to say, I have been online looking at all my choices. Wow!!! there are a lot. And here are just a few...

I love every single one of these!!! But... My favorite ones, are the ones made with the shutters, the vanity mirror, and the balcony railing. I think I will have a new project in the very near future :) Which one do you like?!

XoXo

My Little Sewing Nook...

2010-08-02T09:18:00.014-04:00

I just had two weeks vacation and it was fabulous!!! I did not go to any far away and exciting places. I just stayed close to home and did some major cleaning and tried out some of my organizational skills, which I must admit, I forget I have at times. Breakfast was first on my list, while I was trying to get a idea of what I wanted to do for that day...

While eating these delicious blackberries, I had to look at some of my favorite blogs and that is where I got my project for the day. So thank you very much Rebecca for my inspiration!!! Her blog is called A Gathering of Thoughts. Very, very pretty and a must see...
The next couple of pictures are ~~a little~~, no a lot, frightening. Honestly, I can't believe I'm actually showing them to you!!! I just thought it would be fun to see the before and after...

Wow... What a mess!!! Right?! I'm sorry, but you had to see "that" before you could see "this"...

The switch plate on the wall is just a white plastic cover, that I covered with a pretty napkin and mod podge...

It's a very quick and easy project. You can find some really pretty napkins in Home Goods/TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Tuesday Mornings...

So much better to look at!!! Right?! And now I love sewing in my little nook...

XoXo

My Day With Olivia...

2010-07-19T08:49:00.002-04:00

What a fabulous day I had with Olivia!!! It was just some very much needed, good ole fashion, girl time...
She is my youngest, my love, and my heart!!! Let me tell you a few things about this blessing of mine...
She is the calm in the storm, she is the voice of reason, she is my fountain of youth. She is kind, generous, sensitive, very very complicated, extremely honest, unpredictable, creative, nurturing, a good listener, ethical and loyal...
Olivia...I love your belly laughs, your long ago chubby checks, your sense of style, and your sweet nature. You are determined, organized, and driven. And with this, you will go far in life...

Our first stop, was for lunch at The Soma Center. Olivia has been a vegetarian since February, so we have been trying to find places to eat around town that cater to vegetarians. If by chance you were wondering... McDonald's absolutely does not!!! I, personally, love McDonald's french fries and quarter pounder's with cheese. YUM!!!

After lunch, we walked around the Historic District of Lake Worth, had ice cream from Kilwins, and did a little antique shopping for mom. Also, a little purse shopping for Olivia...

Then towards early evening, before the sun went down, we took the dogs to the beach. I don't know who had more fun, the dogs, Olivia, or me!!! Watching them run and play was a real treat...

Olivia... I love you around the moon and the stars, and back again a bazillion times...

XoXo

Who Doesn't Love Vera Bradley...

2010-07-18T10:51:00.000-04:00

I got up this morning thinking my bedroom closet looked like a hurricane went through there, or maybe some sort of explosion went off when I was not home. I, myself, could not have created such a mess!!! Well, really I can... I can make some really good messes!!! I'm just choosing not to think so in this particular case :)
When I was organizing my purses and travel bags. I came across my Vera Bradley Bags... I actually have 3 of them... Plus, I have some other really pretty items from her. Did I mention I love Vera Bradley?! Really I do...
I still have my very first Vera Bradley Weekender Bag. I bought it 17 years ago when I was going on a trip to Naples, Florida. It has been washed a bazillion times, dried just as many, dropped, dragged, spilled way too many things on it to count, a puppy chewed on it, went to Italy and the list goes on and on... And it still looks fabulous!!! My girls now have several of there own and love them too...

Nope...I don't work for Vera Bradley. I just love all of her things!!! It would be fun though to have " a cute little shoppe" in "a cute little town" to sell her items. Hhhmmm maybe one day...

XoXo

I Absolutely Adore Buttons...

2010-07-14T18:20:00.000-04:00