Friday, October 30, 2009

Beautiful Bedrooms


I would take any of the following bedrooms to rest my eyes, curl up and read a book, or take an afternoon nap. (all bedrooms are from Country Living magazine)







Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A little bling

I was inspired by the converse sneakers from Free People to add a little bling to my own. Although mine aren't nearly as cool as theirs, they cost a lot less and they're still a somewhat cool. I may order some pyramid studs online and make another pair, but in a different color. Possibly yellow or red. I would like them to look something like this...

Free People Sneakers $168



Before...



Shoe #1
(sorry, you'll have to excuse the dirt)



What one do you like better?



After!


For this porject I used:
5/16" Jean Rivets (from Michaels)
Rivet Press
Nail to poke holes
Mini screwdriver to make holes bigger
Hammer

Directions:
Mark holes with marker where you want to place the jean rivets. Use the nail to poke holes in the marked spot. If you need the hole to be bigger use a small screwdriver to widen the hole. As for the rest, follow the directions on the back of the jean rivets.

You can do this on any article of clothing to add a little something.



Sunday, October 25, 2009

Balsamic-Glazed Chicken with Tomatoes & Smoked Mozzarella

I want to share one of my favorite chicken recipes by Rachel Ray. She knew what she was doing when she created this. I made this for dinner tonight because I already had most of the ingredients on hand. It is also a good way to use up some of your fresh home grown herbs before winter hits. The combination of flavors is perfect. The sweet honey and onions, tart balsamic, fresh tomatoes, and smokey mozzarella are very pleasing to the palate. The spice of the fresh thyme and rosemary make this perfect for fall. It does not look nearly as good as it tastes (I'm a horrible photographer and forgot to make the asparagus I had, which would have made it complete), but I thought I would post a picture for you anyway.

*You can also use Smoked Gouda in place of the Smoked Mozzarella, but I prefer the Mozzarella. Just make sure it is Smoked. Regular Mozzarella or Gouda just won't do.

*Also at the end when it says to add remaining 2 T. of butter, I only used one just to be a little healthier. I don't think it took away from the taste at all.

*Link to recipe is below picture

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Antique Coca-Cola Crates


Cookbook holder


Plant or other accessory display


I just purchased these wooden Coca-Cola crates the other day at the local antique shop. They are my new favorite accessory. I was deciding whether or not to purchase more, but when I drove by they were no longer on display outside. I suppose they may have just moved them, so I will most likely stop in again to check. The uses for these crates are endless. I have shown you two examples. Other options would be to use as wall shelves, kitchen towel holder, drink carrier, napkin and condiment carrier at a picnic, magazine bin, etc. With that said I think I'm going to get my shoes on and head down to the antique store. Have a lovely day!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Deep Thoughts

Please read first:

I was just reading this post by Serena from The Farm Chicks Blog and it made me think. It makes me realize how spoiled we are these days. Are we really living? To me living is getting out there and getting your hands dirty. How can you appreciate something if you don't know what goes into it or how it is done? I don't know...I think I would rather work hard, do what I can myself, and be truly thankful and not take things for granted. I would never in a million years want to trade my life for that of Paris Hilton or Victoria Beckham. They don't know what living is. I know that seems judgemental, but I would rather be poor with money and rich with love and ability to take care of myself. I am old fashioned and long for people to have morals and values again. I long for kids to run around, play outside, and fill the parks instead of playing video games and computer games all day. I long for self sufficiency versus convenience. I long for phone calls and communication over texts and emails ( I am guilty of this and need to work on it). I long for kids to be kids and not diagnosed with a disability for being hyper and acting like kids. I long for holidays to mean what they used to, like being with family, wanting to give, not having to give, and being thankful for what we have. I long for a pride in our country and faith in God. I long for respect for our elders. I long for people to earn their way on this earth. I long for helping a friend in need. I could go on forever, but ultimately I long for more Floyds and Margarets.

Forbes Travelers Magazine - 2008 America's Prettiest Towns

Burlington, VT-Ranked #3


Lake Placid, NY-Ranked #7


So, I always knew I was not crazy for loving the area I live in. Forbes Travel Magazine helps to validate the reason I still live in Plattsburgh, NY. I live less than an hour away from two of their "prettiest" towns in America. They are Burlington, VT (#3) and Lake Placid, NY (#7). I totally agree with them.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

A Few Delicious Muffin Recipes


Banana-Berry Muffins
Image from Picky Cook (I forgot to take a picture of my muffins, but they look similar to this when finished)
(recipe below)










Banana-Berry Muffins
from Hay Day Country Market

Makes about 18 Muffins

****

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temp
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana
(about 3 large bananas)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1 heaping cup fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries
(you may also use frozen if that is all you have)


1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly butter 18 ( I usually get about 22 muffins) muffins cups.

2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla, and blend in. (The mixture will look slightly curdled, but will pull together once dry ingredients are added).

3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in batches, alternating with the yogurt. Mix until all dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in the berries.

4. Fill the prepared muffin cups 2/3 full, and bake until the muffins have risen and are nicely colored (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean), 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool muffins out on to a wire rack until cool enough for serving.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

If only I could Afford...


Old Navy Purple Scarf




Old Navy Fair Isle Scarf




Anthropologie Cloche Hat



Anthropologie Hat




Anthropologie Sweater




Anthropologie Sweater dress




Anthropologie Silk Tank




JCREW Jeans


JCREW Leather Bag



JCREW Sweater




Anthropologie Leather Boots




JCREW Cable Knit Sweater



Monday, October 12, 2009

I love...


I love this bedroom
Country Living


I love this blue/gray shelf


I love these book shelves


I love this burlap Ottoman


I love this bed frame



I love this blue door in contrast with the wood


I love these blue canning jars
Farmer Julie


I love these handmade chalkboards




I love this fall table


I love this pottery
Farmer Julie


I love this farmhouse table


I love these antique grain sacks


I love this color SO MUCH!


I love this green chair


I love this green door


I love this hutch


I love this hutch also


I love this American flag wall hanging
Pottery Barn


I love everything about this kitchen


I love the huge mirror in this living room
The Old Painted Cottage


I love these shelves
The Old Painted Cottage


I love this table scape


I love the chalkboard paint on this pantry door


I love this patchwork curtain



I love this house


I love this red pantry door
Country Living


I love this three tiered lazy susan
Pottery Barn


I love this kitchen and the giant farmhouse sink


I love this sleigh bed
Pottery Barn


I love this walk in area


I love this wool plaid blanket
Nest Decorating


I love this yellow pantry shelf
Country Living