Happy Holidays

Ok, I confess that I started my holiday decorating early this year.  I started on some projects the week before Thanksgiving and we got our tree on the 17th.  I've really been into the holiday decorations this year.  It's nice to have something to look forward to.  It's also helped me find ways to include Leo in our traditions and to make sure he is always present in our home in one way or another.  

I've made several new things this year, mostly inspired by Pinterest of course.

I made these red berry wreaths from grapevine wreaths and berry garland.

Yes, the ceiling fan is hideous.  Hopefully we will finally get around to replacing it sometime next year.  We also plan to repaint the living room and change the photos above the couch.

 A new Leo inspired ornament.

And the personalized ornament I ordered for him.  I love it!

I think this is the best tree we've had so far!

My makeshift mantle with Isabella's and Leo's stockings.  I made the "Peace" letters,  red berry tree, twine tree, and bronze hurricane candleholder to the right.  I also made the "snowy" candleholder on the left.

 I need to find something else to go here, but haven't found what I'm looking for yet..  I made the glitter tree.

The red berry door hanger I made.  I need to tie a better bow. :)

 Isabella's tree, pink of course.  You can't see the ornaments, but they are Dora and Disney Princess.  She picked it all out herself.

I'm hoping to find some things to add.  We really don't have much in they way of holiday decorations and now that Isabella is older I feel like we need more.  Of course, Sparky the elf is expected to arrive December 1 so that will help

Busy work

Thank goodness for Pinterest!  These little projects are helping to keep me sane.

Installing peel and stick tiles under sinks to protect from leaks.

Making my own spice mixes, from left: Cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, meatloaf, quesadilla casserole, taco, and chili.

Condensed and reorganized my spices.

I ditched the spice rack in favor of more counterspace.  My commonly used spices are now in magnetic tins on the side of the fridge.

I designed a command center for the fridge complete with a calendar, menu, to do list, and a cleaning schedule (which I've actually been following!).

I cleaned up the fridge and setup a new way to display Isabella's artwork.

And I turned old candles into Scentsy-like bars.

All Pinterest inspired, of course.  I have a never-ending list of projects on my to do list thanks to Pinterest.

Bathroom Remodel

I've been taking on a lot of household projects to keep myself busy. One of these was finally starting to decorate the three rooms we haven't really touched: the main bath and the master bedroom and bath.  We started with the main bathroom.  The only problem was that I couldn't do much of the actual work because well, power tools freak me out a bit. Ha!

Unfortunately, I didn't think to take a before photo, but I do have one taken before we moved in.  We hadn't painted or changed a single fixture, so it essentially looked the same, even the cherubs.  You can't see the flooring, but it was white vinyl and was impossible to get really clean.

I did decide to take on one project myself: staining the vanity. (Using the tutorial found here.)

One coat. (These were all taken on my iPhone.)

Two coats.

Clint snuck past me and did the third coat and applied the poly. I might touch it up because I think it could use another coat, and a shinier poly coat.

Ta Da!  I also sprayed the hinges with a satin nickel spray paint. That's pretty much the extent of my manual labor on this project.

Here is the whole bathroom after:

The backsplash:

In all we changed:
paint color
new tile flooring
stained vanity
cabinet hardware
new counter
new faucet
new lighting
new medicine cabinet
new towel bars






I plan to add some floating shelves above the toilet soon. Hopefully soon we will start on our bedroom and bathroom. 

More Pinspirations

We took on a couple small, Pinterest-inspired  projects this weekend.  Well, mostly Clint since I wasn't feeling well.  Boo.

First up, we have dress-up storage, made from an old dresser and a curtain tension rod.  I've been wanting to do this for a while, but was worried we wouldn't have room for it.  Well, the dresser has been sitting in the garage for a few months waiting to be donated, so I thought we'd go for it.  We went ahead and put it in her closet since she's so proficient at opening doors now. 

Inspiration found here.

I looked for pretty contact paper to line the sides and the bottom, but couldn't find any.  I think I might try some fabric instead. 

 

Isabella was very excited to put her dress-up items in here.  Now we just need to buy more.

Inspiration found here.

We also painted the ugly brass hardware on all our interior doors.  I've always wanted to replace them, but cost really adds up with all of the doors and I've always found better uses for the money.  I have no idea if these will hold up well, but it only took one can of primer and one can of oil rubbed bronze spray paint, so I figured it was worth a shot.  We had already painted the brass light fixtures to hold us over until we could replace them all.  That's the thing about being a homeowner, even when there isn't anything that NEEDS replaced, you can always find something you WANT to replace. 

Menu Monday: Apri 30, 2012

Nothing exciting this week.  You might notice some repeats from last week because we shifted things around a bit.

Sunday- parm crusted chicken breast, mac & cheese, green beans

Monday- leftovers (Clint's last apprenticeship class... EVER!)

Tuesday- meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas

Wednesday- baked fish, broccoli, rice

Thursday- grilled chicken, corn, red potatoes

Friday- dinner out or pizza

Saturday- chicken enchiladas, rice

Mason Jar Salads

Are you on Pinterest yet?  If not, you should be. I cannot tell you how many hours I've wasted on this website in the past year or so.  I've found some really great recipes, craft ideas, home decor/beauty/fashion inspirations, and some really great products.

For the past few weeks I've been making mason jar salads for Clint's lunch after seeing the idea on Pinterest.  I was intrigued by the idea since it said you could make up an entire week's worth of salads without them getting soggy.  Clint said he liked the idea too so I got a few salad ideas from some friends. This lettuce-hating girl doesn't know know much about making a good salad. He's happy because I fill them with lots of veggies and such so he doesn't feel like he's just eating lettuce and dressing.  He also gets a nice variety since they are individually packaged. 

I use wide mouthed, pint sized mason jars. You can find them at any grocery store, superstore, or kitchen supply store.  I paid around $10 for 12 at Meijer. 

First, add your dressing to the bottom of the jar.  I've been using store bought dressings because I'm lazy.  Maybe I'll try making my own as these run out. 

Next, add your veggies.  I add the "sturdiest" veggie to the bottom (usually carrots or red onion) since they'll be sitting in dressing for a few days.  I top the veggies off with the most delicate veggies.  Basically, you don't want anything that might get soggy touching the dressing.  Could you imagine mushrooms after sitting in dressing for five days? Talk about mush!

Next comes your protein.  I've included chicken, hard boiled eggs, turkey pepperoni, and black beans as protein so far.

Finally, you add the lettuce.  I'm using iceberg this week at Clint's request.

If you like, you can sprinkle a bit of cheese on top at this point.  I also put individual servings of toppings in small containers for him.  These babies will get soggy if you add them in advance.

I need to get some reusable labels for the jars, but for now I've been putting a small Post-it on each labeling the salad and telling him which topping to add.

He's happy because I load them up with lots of veggies and I've really enjoyed making them on Sunday evenings.  I plan on planting some salad fixings in the garden this year, so we'll save some money by using fresh, homegrown veggies and lettuce. Win!

Below I've listed the ingredients (in order) for each of the five salads I made this week.

Garden Salad

-Light French dressing

-julienne carrots

-red onion

-red bell pepper

-broccoli florets

-baby bella mushrooms

-hard boiled egg

-iceberg lettuce

+croutons

Buffalo Chicken Salad

(This one looks weak, ha!)

-Light Buffalo dressing

-red onion

-red bell pepper

-grilled chicken strips

-iceberg lettuce

-blue cheese crumbles

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

-Light Asian sesame dressing

-julienne carrots

-red onion

-broccoli florets

-grilled chicken strips

-iceberg lettuce

+chow mein noodles

Pizza Salad

-Light sun dried tomato vinaigrette

-red onion

-red pepper

-baby bella mushrooms

-sliced black olives

-diced turkey pepperoni

-iceberg lettuce

-shredded Italain cheese blend

+croutons

Southwest Salad

-Semi-homemade dressing (salsa + sour cream)

-red onion

-red pepper

-corn

-black beans

-iceberg lettuce

+crispy tortilla strips

Here's the blog I used for inspiration.

Menu Monday

I'm trying to blog more regularly, so hear goes...

Sunday: Grilled tilapia and asparagus, risotto

Monday: Mac & cheese, California blend

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, salad

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Marinated grilled chicken, green beans, roasted red potatoes

Friday: Dinner out

Saturday: Chicken enchiladas, rice

My new thing is to add fish to our menu once a week.  I'm not a fish eater, but Clint is and I'd like Isabella to develop a taste for it.

What are you having this week?

Menu Monday

Sunday- Daddy was working and all Isabella wanted to eat was a banana.  Ah, toddlerhood.
Monday- sloppy joes + corn + sweet potato fried (Not my cup of teat, but it's easy and Isabella will be thrilled)
Tuesday- stuffed shells + garlic bread
Wednesday- leftovers
Thursday- quesadilla casserole + rice
Friday- seasoned chicken breast + crash hot potatoes + green beans
Saturday- burgers + baked beans + oven fries (didn't make it to the table last week)

Menu monday (Wednesday)

Sorry this is late.  I'm a slacker. 

Sunday- penne with meatballs + garlic bread
Monday- leftovers
Tuesday- garlic cheddar chicken* + mashed potatoes + green beans + dinner rolls (This was fantastic!)
Wednesday- Chicken nuggets + mac and cheese (It's just Isabella and I- no time to cook!)
Thursday- tacos + refried beans
Friday- burgers + oven fries + baked beans
Saturday- Montreal chicken + crash hot potatoes* + corn

Menu Monday

I've been in the bad habit of choosing meal that take a lot of time to prep and have seriously slacked off.  You'll definitely see some repeats here.

Sun- chicken enchiladas + rice
Mon- lefotvers
Tue- PW's DR. Pepper shredded pork* + mac and cheese
Wed- leftovers
Thu- loaded baked potatoes + salad
Fri- chicken pot pie*
Sat- parm crusted chicken* + PW's pasta ai quattro formaggi*



*indicates new recipe

Menu Monday

The last few weeks have been hectic and we've gotten a little off course.  Hopefully this week will be more successful.

Monday: leftovers (Italian beef*, or tortellini)
Tuesday: chili
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: Pulled pork sandwiches
Friday: homemade pizza
Saturday: Chicken pot pie*
Sunday: Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi*

*Indicates new recipe

Update: New Years Resolution

Remember my resolution post about making some economic and eco-friendly changes to our lifestyle?  I thought I'd post an update for everyone.  If you remember correctly, I had twelve goals.  I'm sure I won't meet all twelve goals, but I feel like we're making excellent progress!

Completed:
1. Install a programmable thermostat.

2. Buy a steam mop.  Ok, so this one is sort of give and take in the eco-friendly department.  It will eliminate the use of chemicals, but it runs on electricity.  Ultimately, my floors are not getting clean enough so I'm biting the bullet on this one.

In Progress:
1. Be more proactive about recycling.  We already recycle quite a bit and have really cut back on our trash each week, but I think there are still plenty of things winding up in the garbage that could easily be recycled.
- I am the recycling Nazi.

2. Make re-usable refills for my Swiffer duster and sweeper.
- So far I've made one Swiffer duster refill, and I've purchased the microfiber to make sweeper refills.


3. Cut back on paper towels and napkins by converting to "un-paper" towels and cloth napkins.
- We have some un-paper towels on their way!

Coming up:
1. Plant a vegetable/herb garden.
- Our main issue here is figuring out where to plant it. We don't want to take up room inside the fence, but our annoying neighbors let their dogs roam free and we don't want them to disturb it.  We also need to figure out the best spot for light and irrigation.  I also want to do a raised garden bed, so Clint will need to build that for me. 

I feel like we're on our way to a healthier, more frugal life.  :)

Menu

Nope, I didn't forget about Menu Monday.  I really don't have much to post!  Clint was gone last night, and will be gone tonight and tomorrow night (work, work, class).  I am a little ashamed at how unhealthy Isabella nd I are eating: last night was frozen pizza tonight will likely be Kraft mac & cheese (the kind in the bag), tomorrow will likely be randomness from the freezer.  I just don't have the motivation to do anything too complicated when Isabella and I are home during the week.  It takes so much longer to do anything when I'm alone with her, and it's already 5:30 by the time we get home.  She starts to beg for food around 6:00.  Not to mention she's a picky eater and while Clint is fine with leftovers I hate to go to a lot of trouble for a meal for it to be eaten re-heated.  The first taste should be fresh, you know what I mean?

When I do get around to cooking again chicken alfredo and chicken pot pie are on deck.  The chicken pot pie keeps getting pushed back; it just never sounds appetizing when it comes time to actually prepare it.

Menu Monday

I'll include last weeks as well since I never got around to posting it.

Last Week:
Sunday- I honestly don't remember
Monday- leftovers
Tuesday- Pot roast with veggies
Wednesday- Homemade mac & cheese
Thursday- leftovers (I had a hair appointment)
Friday- beef and noodles
Saturday- stuffed shells

This week:
Sunday- Chili
Monday- leftovers (We have A LOT!)
Tuesday- parm crusted pork chops
Wednesday- leftovers, or grilled cheese & tomato soup
Thursday- tacos
Friday- pizza
Saturday- meatloaf

Menu Monday

Well, I didn't cook much at all last week since I was sick.  Some dinners were  pushed back again. 

Monday- Clint has class.  Isabella and I will scrounge something together.
Tuesday- Lemon pepper chicken
Wednesday- Another class night.  Isabella and I will have something quick and easy.
Thursday- Tacos
Friday- pizza
Saturday- Chicken Parmesan
Sunday- Chicken pot pie

Menu Monday

We have a house full of sickies today.  I'm pretty sure I have the flu.  I felt horrible yesterday- headache, body aches, stuffy nose, and chills.  Today I feel a little better, but now I have a little cough.  Awesome.  Way to spend my day off.

Clint is home today too.  He went to work and came straight home.  He says she has a stomach bug.  Sigh.  Isabella is teething, but otherwise good.  Cross your fingers that it stays that way!

Onto the menu.  We made some last night changes last week, so you'll see a couple of repeats that got pushed back.

Monday: leftover chili
Tuesday: Shepherd's pie
Wednesday: leftovers or grilled cheese
Thursday: pizza pockets

Friday: lemon pepper chicken

Saturday: tacos
Sunday: chicken pot pie

Menu Monday

I've got a long list of goals I'd like to achieve this year (I'll post them later on down the road).  One of them is to blog more regularly.  Many of the blogs I read post their weekly menus online and I always enjoy pulling inspiration form them, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon. :)  Menu planning has really helped our food budget.

I usually only plan dinner and just keep breakfast and lunch staples on hand.  I also only plan dinner for 5 nights a week since Clint has class two evenings a week.  Isabella and I have leftovers or easy meals like grilled cheese and tomato soup the other nights.  Tonight, it finally dawned on me that I could take advantage of Clint's absence and have breakfast for dinner since he absolutely refuses to eat breakfast food after 10 am.  Isabella and I just ate cheese omelets, toast, and applesauce.  Mmm.

I also try serve one Italian dish a week (my favorite), one Mexican (Clint's favorite), and one vegetarian (When my carnivorous husband doesn't protest too much).  Clint likes to have pizza once a week, but it doesn't always happen.  :)

So, here is my menu for January 10 - 16, 2011:
Monday: Clint has a meeting.  Breakfast for dinner.
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Wednesday: Clint has class.  Grilled cheese and tomato soup, or leftover meatloaf.
Thursday: Quesadilla casserole and salsa rice.
Friday: Pizza crescent rolls.
Saturday: Lemon-pepper chicken, four cheese risotto, and asparagus.
Sunday: Chili.