Easter Subway Art & Favorite Paint Colors &Reese's Mini's

This morning I painted my frame turquoise, and had this subway art printed at Costco, love it!! My framed little beauty was my second attempt below represents the first.  I know what you are thinking "moron, you must have left it on auto correct." I didn't! I was very careful to un check it.  I got home and instead of lovely spring colors I had brick red,pine green, and mustard yellow-EW!  I called Costco and they told me they would reprint for free.  When I arrived I saw other Easter subway art orders sitting on the shelf and they were perfect.  I asked Costco lady why mine didn't turn out, I asked if perhaps the auto correct wasn't turned off as requested.  She said they don't even use auto correct. Hmmmm I don't know about that.  Anyway be sure to check your order before leaving the store!! :)

Have you ever been on Favorite Paint Colors before??  I think it is such an awesome resource. I love seeing the colors already up, instead of relying on a paint card.  My kitchen cabinets are on today!(here)







 

Have you tried these little beauties?? They are so yummy. Melt right in your mouth. One of these days, I am going to make some cookies out of them.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency & a Winner!!

I have recommended this series alot. Usually when I follow up to see if anyone read them. I get "Uh, no....I couldn't really get into it." (I hope I don't have to start slapping some people :) I admit the first book isn't my favorite and is different from the rest of the series. Most first books in a series seem to be set up books, and are never as good as the rest.  Please at least read a  couple before you give up on the series. They are such lovely books.  Maybe even skip the first one.  The books are like drinking a cup of hot chocolate. They are comforting and amusing. I love the subtle humor.  They are slow paced happy,clever books.  The 12th book in the series just came out. I am in the middle of reading it. Ah...I love this series! This is the order of the books.

1.The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (1998)

2.Tears Of The Giraffe (2000)

3.Morality for Beautiful Girls (2001)

4.The Kalahari Typing School for Men (2002)

5.The Full Cupboard of Life (2004)

6.In The Company of Cheerful Ladies (2004 )

7.Blue Shoes and Happiness (2006)

8.The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (2007)

9.The Miracle at Speedy Motors (2008)

10.Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (2009)

11.The Double Comfort Safari Club (2010)

12.The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party (2011)

I did the draw a number out of the hat thing for my giveaway....My little Hallie pulled out MINDI!!!  I just emailed you your gift certificate enjoy!!

Egg Carton Treats

I LOVE this idea from Blue Cricket.  She found the egg cartons here.  Fun!

 Have you downloaded your Easter Subway Art ???  I just picked mine up from Costco and it is adorable!!  I found the perfect frame for it, I just need to spray paint it, and then I will post. :)

Bunny Pops!

 I will definitely be making these. They are adorable, and look super easy to put together.

 I finished this book.  I really liked it.  I can't wait for the next one.  Also this comes out today!! I can't wait to get my mitts on it. :)

Whoohoo!!!!

Considering the fact that I am a wee bit obsessive compulsive.  I couldn't stop thinking about the stacking bunnies and chicks.  The nice Pier 1 lady said she called every store and they were all out.  I decided to give it one more try.  I called and I found one!!!  I love it!  It is even cuter in real life.

Easter Decor!

This is what I have so far. Knowing me there will be more to come. :)

I made this little centerpiece with a one spot bucket from Target, and the eggs are from Dollar Tree.

Black & White Bean Dip

I can't even remember where I found this recipe, but we LOVE it. Give it a whirl!

Black and White Bean Dip
Ingredients:
1 can black beans
1 can white beans
1 can of corn
7 oz. salsa verde
2 cups shredded co-jack cheese
4-6 chopped roma tomatoes
garlic salt to taste
avocado – optional

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Rinse and drain both cans of beans. Drain the can of corn. Squeeze the liquid out of tomatoes before chopping so the dip doesn’t turn runny. Put all ingredients except avocado in a bowl and mix together. Spray a shallow baking dish with nonstick spray before spooning in the bean mixture. Sprinkle a little cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through. Remove from the oven and top with diced avocado. Serve with tortilla chips.

Happy Sunday.  Powerful message on forgiveness here.

Glazed Salmon

I made super delicious glazed salmon last night.  My family LOVED it.  I didn't have any dijon mustard so I made my own (Combine 1 Tbsp dry mustard powder, 1 tsp water 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp of mayonnaise and a pinch of sugar)


4 salmon fillet (I used the kind from Costco)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar (I didn't have rice wine vinegar, I used plain white vinegar and it worked fine)


Directions:
Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins
1  Bake uncovered at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard and vinegar; bring to a boil.
3 Brush evenly over salmon; broil 6-inches from heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork, enjoy

Pink Typewriter

I would dearly LOVE a pink typewriter!

Happy Pink Saturday!! Post your pink here

Enter my giveaway here.

Shopping Shopping

Today I ordered this adorable swimsuit(for my 7 year old) and rash guard from Lands End.  I used coupon FSAFF pin#2121 for free shipping!!!

I was on House of Smiths and she mentioned that Down East Basics has an online shop!  My order arrived today and I LOVE my purchases. I can't wait to put everything on my shelves.(that I still need to paint) Great prices and awesome items.

PS-Have you tried Pinterest yet??? Love it!
Have you downloaded Angry Birds Rio ???
Kaitlin's baptism is coming up.  I ordered these announcements!

Thrifty Thursday

How awesome is this vintage vanity???? It still works too!!!

These black goblets are from the late 1960's.  LOVE them!

Super fun vintage Christmas cookie jar!

All of these items, along with a whole lot more will be available in our etsy shop!

Chicken Poppyseed Pasta Fruit Salad

This is without a doubt my FAVORITE pasta salad.  I LOVE it!  You will love it too, and so will all of your friends. Even if you think it sounds like a weird combo, try it.  My dad thought it sounded sick, but now it's his favorite.  Make it!  You won't regret it. :)

4 cups farfalle (bow-tie pasta), cooked, drained and cooled
4 chicken breasts cooked and chopped
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
2 cups cantaloupe chunks
1 green onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. finely chopped mint leaves
3/4 cup Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

COMBINE all ingredients.

REFRIGERATE 30 min.

Linking to Lil Luna

Extreme Makeover CessPool Edition



Doesn't it just make you want to throw ham and split peas in it??? Yummy! ;)

I LOVE a good before and after picture.  Doesnt matter to me if it's before and afters of refinished furniture, fat to thin people, or in this case, cesspools. I love 'em all! At the end of pool season last year, our pump broke.  We thought we were going to be moving soon, so we didn't want to sink the dough into a repair.  We covered it for the winter because I knew I would gag if I had to look at toxic sludge(just knowing it was back there didn't do me a whole lot of good.)  Well we aren't moving immediately and we aren't about to sweat our guts out this summer, so my handy dandy husband got busy and this is the result!!!  Not too shabby eh??



Drawer Organizer Redo

I bought this utensil organizer at the thrift store for .50.  I thought, why should it be ugly when it could be cute? 

So I spray painted it blue.

And organized my messy,messy drawer.

Super Moon!

Did you catch the Super Full Moon last night? The closest it's been in 19 years. We told Kaitlin she will be 27 before it's that close again. It was kind of cloudy last night, but I managed to snap a couple of pics before the clouds rolled back in.

Sunday Inspiration-My New Life

Find it here.

Farm Chicks Black Bean Burgers!

I made these for lunch today and they were SOOOOOOOOOOOO good!  Even my kids loved them.  We topped them with mayo,provolone,tomato,, and lettuce.  I modified the recipe a little bit.  I added fresh garlic to the onion,pepper, and carrots while I sauteed them next time I am going to top the burgers with Chipotle Mayonnaise (1/3 cup mayonnaise 1 T. minced canned chipotle peppers ) Yummy!!

My Little Cupcake Cake pop mold!

I love to make cupcake pops,  unfortunately I am not so good at the shaping.  SO you can imagine my delight when I saw these!  I orderd one right away.  They don't have the cute packaging (as seen in above pic) available right now, so it's free shipping!!!  I can definitely do without cutesy boxes for free shipping. They also have a lovely blog here.

UPDATE-This is completely unrelated to the post, BUT this has been Kaitlin's theme song for the school year.  She was so happy to see the video.  Hallie loves it too!!

Awesome Polka Dot Lamp Project!

I about flipped when I saw this genius lamp that Kelly made!!!! Isn't it fabulous?!  I am making one toot sweet!

Thrifting Thursday

My mom and I are opening an etsy store next month! We will carry vintage items, and handmade. My mom is a good little wood worker. We will have rocking chairs,rocking horses, doll furniture, and fun signs. I CAN'T wait! Until we get everything ready we have been hittting estate sales, and thrift stores.  My mom has found some AWESOME stuff.  Here are a few things I picked up today some for myself and some for the store :)

A couple of wire baskets for my pantry. I LOVE them, it's so much nicer than having tiny boxes scattered all over.

A vintage porcelain Nativity candle holder. It was in the collectible section.  I think it will be cool for the store.  It is unique.

Now, this is kind of an ugly frame, but it is brand new and Pottery Barn, it is a very sturdy frame, I am going to paint and distress it.

Fun little spoon holder that I am going to paint.

Love this little copper pitcher!

I think this frame is cool.  It is going to end up  either orange,yellow, or turquoise I am not sure yet.

Cool vintage Parmesan shaker.

Love thrifting!!

$4 Dollar Easter Sunburst Mirror!

Isn't this FAN-TAB-U-LOUS????????? All supplies from the dollar store!!

Jori's Pacific NW Salad

When I was single I would go to Seattle whale watching every Memorial Day.  We would stop and get the most delicious salad.  I knew I wouldn't be able to wait to eat this salad on Seattle trips, so I came home and created a copy cat version.  I LOVE it!  Anyway last Costco trip I bought all of the ingredients in bulk, now I can make this little beauty any time I want(like tonight for dinner;)

Jori's Pacific Northwest Salad

1 bag baby spinach(or romaine lettuce-sometimes I mix both in)

1 chopped apple

4 chicken breasts cooked and chopped

1 tub blue cheese(less if it's too much for you)

Craisins(to your taste)

Paul Newman Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing(I recently switched to light, it's not as thick, but just as tasty and 50% less fat and calories)

Tosted slivered almonds(to your taste-I use an entire small bag)

Pizza Stone Maintenance

Brilliant!  Check it out here.

Gingham Flatware

I bought these beauties a while ago and think they are great!  I didn't  want to spend alot(although I ADORE this set) because for some reason in this house flatware ends up down the drain and devoured by the disposal or thrown in the trash when plates are cleared.  :)

Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

 I used a regular cake mix for the cupcakes, but used the frosting from this recipe, and OH MY! SO delicious!

The Smart Parent

Kaitlin had a mild rash on her hands.  My advice was "Quit whining and go to bed, you will be fine."  Kaitlin said she better go ask daddy what to do.  Ryan suggested she soak them in a baking soda and water mixture to "neutralize" them.  It instantly made her feel better.  Kaitlin said she is so glad she asked the "smart" parent what to do.  :)  I don't know what would make her think I wasn't the smart parent.  Just because for months we have been watching The Cat in the Hat knows alot about that, and Ryan would say "That is Martin Shorts voice isn't it?"  Me- "No it's some guy named Martin Shortas."  Then the next week I said "I can't figure out who Martin Shortas is, maybe it is Martin Short and he is using an alias, but why would he do that?? hmmmmmm" I even googled it.  The mystery continued until  last week I realized there was a bit of a space between Short and as.  That would make it Martin Short as The Cat in the Hat NOT Martin Shortas......LIGHT.BULB.  Oh dear.

Sunday Inspiration-Seek Higher Ground

Watching the events unfold in Japan this video came to mind. I am so thankful for a loving God. I know He will bless the people of Japan. We are all praying for them.

Fabulous Entryway

How amazing is this??????  What an incredible project.  It is on my to do list.  I adore it.  Landee has a fun blog, I do hope you will check it out.  We figured out that we are distant relatives.  I am hoping I will be able to stencil as well as our lovely Jeppson relative to the north. :)