Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Few Of Katie's Cottage Dreams
Here are just a few beautiful and inspiring photos and maybe a project for you to start in the near future. Hope you find something that you can't live without or that you may be able to do from a found object thats just laying around and collecting dust. Happy Monday ladies!
Organization. I could only wish that my pantry was this large. That will come when I buy my old barn and renovate it. Around 2050. Hey it's a dream.
Here is a mud room/ entrance to die for. I just love the white. I am in love with white. One of my changes in color theory as I got older. I am a little weirder about organization as well. It's an even worse obsession. Ask my sis! Last night I was organizing the spices. Worked out well though. I would just love to have this on a smaller version in my back porch. I'm looking for al the right things. Free or cheap of course.
I actually have a little alcove type bed my hubby built in the spare bedroom. This idea is simply perfect. I just want to crawl into this bed and never leave. So cozy and inviting. Love, love, love it!
Beautiful cottage bench made from an old head and foot board from a bed. If you remember I posted a tutorial for one not to long ago. Would help a lot if you were considering trying one yourself. This bench just says cottage.
This my friends is not only the color I want for the entrance but the layout as well. This is my favorite of all. I had so many photos I was dying to display and just could not figure what was the most beautiful way to do it then poof here it was. I even have the bench which is very similar but has a higher back. Just got to love this. So inspiring. Love the baby as well.
Of course you recognize Martha's Vineyard. This most likely is a picture of a spot in her home, which is stunning. I wonder if Martha made the chair? Not sure but since I am now in love with the color blue again and the bead board. I cannot forget puffy sofas and wingback chairs.....ahhhh! I would be so at home in this little areas. My new front porch has a very similar look. Due to be finished spring of 2010 or possibly before. Depends on me and how fast I move and how fast my hubby saws. Can't wait.
Well have a glorious Monday! Stop back and see some more inspiring photos or just look aroung a little never know what you will find.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Reveal....Back In Black
This project just about killed me. I really thought, how long can this project take? Behold, 1-1/2 weeks was the answer. Not my original thought of ...oh I can whip this one out in...4 hours, no problem. Huh!!!Well as usual there are always problems. You start out and well, this needs to go and that needs to be different..etc...etc. But then in the end I found this object that I can't stop looking at. It was beautiful before when the room was a different room. Now it is beautiful in this room.This is originally 2 pieces, who would have known. They were paired together and came out as one really pretty china cabinet. You just never know! I love, love, love this project and the outcome.
Even changed out my china. All blue. I love it!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Procrastination
Here Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
Some inherited, some picked up along our travels at antique shops and my favorite flea markets and garage sales. Love finding those treasures. It's all in the hunt! Found my tea set it's called:"GOLLYWAGS CHILD'S TEA SET BY ROYAL RUDOLSTADT c.1914." I think it is one of my most prized possessions. I just adore the pattern on it. If you would like to see a few pictures of it here is a link: http://www.reillyandjenks.com/childrens/gollywagteaset.html It is a family heirloom, to be passed to my daughter some day.Funny how you become attached to things. China is a favorite thing of mine. I love roses and of course anything that has beautiful roses on it is mine. My husband says I have to. Well not really but as soon as he reads this he will. Have a great Tuesday!
Men Are Just Happier People
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.
EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.
MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
*A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.
BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .
The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.
ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.
DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals. [and sometimes then only under duress]
NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.
OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sad, Sad Sunday
Today is a very sad day in the Riley house. Our poor kitty had to be put down. He was 13 years old and graying just as we are. He saw his share of ups and downs but today was the end of all that. How very sad for our home to be missing one of our best friends. How lonesome to come home and not ever be able to have him meet me and greet me as I arrive. He did not meet a nice end but a terrible accident. We will forever miss our sneakers and forever remember his companionship for all these years. We will never forget you our sweet, sweet friend!
Friday, September 11, 2009
This Is What Beautiful Looks Like
These 2 have captured their mothers heart for all time.This was the girls final trip together before school started. Off to New York without mom. Just us girls, I was told. Maybe mom can go next time.They had a great time and came back laughing and smiling and closer than ever. That's what family is!
Let Us Never Forget!
On the anniversary of one of the most tragic days in history, let us not forget to bow our heads, just as we did that very day. For the families and the loved ones and for our men and woman that defend this country against terrorism daily, let us never forget! God bless all!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Real-Life Makeover: Southern-Style Kitchen
Real-Life Makeover: Southern-Style Kitchen
Shared via AddThis
I'm now convinced that i need to add more shelving to my kitchen pantry. I check my BHG emails just about everyday looking for great ideas. This pantry is very similar to the one I have in my kitchen. Maybe it needs more tweaking. Another project! I also found some great stacking shelves on the Minwax site. Looks like another busy winter ahead.
Shared via AddThis
I'm now convinced that i need to add more shelving to my kitchen pantry. I check my BHG emails just about everyday looking for great ideas. This pantry is very similar to the one I have in my kitchen. Maybe it needs more tweaking. Another project! I also found some great stacking shelves on the Minwax site. Looks like another busy winter ahead.
Mat's Favorite Cinnamon Rolls
These are simply wonderful. They take a bit but so worth it. Bread machine does the work. Love my bread machine. It works hard and I dont have to...yes! Now that I am posting this you know it will be requested. Here is the recipe:
Harvest Cinnamon Rolls
1 cup milk (heated approximately 1 minute in microwave)
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F.)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature and beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
5 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional)*
3 teaspoons instant active dry yeast
Cinnamon Filling (see recipe below)
Butter Frosting (see recipe below)
* The Vital Wheat Gluten helps the sweet bread dough rise better, be more elastic, and easier to roll out. I have these cinnamon rolls both with and without this ingredient with excellent results.
Bread Machine Recipe: Add all the ingredients, except the Cinnamon Filling and the Butter Frosting, in the bread pan of bread machine. Process according to manufacturer's instructions for a dough setting. When the bread machine has completed the dough cycle, remove dough from pan and turn out onto a lightly oiled surface. (I use a nonstick cooking spray). Form dough into an oval, cover with a plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
NOTE: Check the dough (don't be afraid to open the lid). It should form a nice elastic ball. If you think the dough is too moist, add additional flour (a tablespoon at a time). The same is true if the dough is looking dry and gnarly. Add warm water (a tablespoon at a time). If you can't judge your dough by looking, stick your finger in and feel the dough. It should be slightly tacky to the touch.
Standup Mixer Recipe: In a large bowl or in the bowl of a 5 quart stand mixer, combine all the ingredients in the order given except the Cinnamon Filling and the Butter Frosting. Using a dough hook, mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface (I use a nonstick cooking spray), and knead until elastic, approximately 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
Food Processor Method: Put dry mixture in processing bowl with steel blade. While motor is running, add liquid ingredients, butter, and egg. Process until mixed. Continue processing, adding remaining flour until dough forms a soft ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface (I use a nonstick cooking spray), and knead until elastic, approximately 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
Butter a 9x13x2-inch baking pan; set aside.
After dough has rested, roll and stretch the dough into approximately a 15x24-inch rectangle.
Brush the softened butter over the top of the dough with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle Cinnamon Filling over the butter on the prepared dough.
Starting with long edge, roll up dough; pinch seams to seal. NOTE: Rolling the log too tightly will result in cinnamon rolls whose centers pop up above the rest of them as they bake.
With a knife, lightly mark roll into 1 1/2-inch section. Use a sharp knife (I like to use a serrated knife and saw very gently) or slide a 12-inch piece of dental floss or heavy thread underneath. By bringing the ends of the floss up and criss-crossing them at the top of each mark, you can cut through the roll by pulling the strings in opposite directions. Place cut side up in prepared pan, flattening them only slightly. The unbaked cinnamon rolls should not touch each other before rising and baking. Do not pack the unbaked cinnamon rolls together.
TWO OPTIONS:
Refrigerating or Freezing Unbaked Cinnamon Rolls:
At this point, the cinnamon rolls can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight (I've actually made them two days in advance) or frozen for 1 month. Before baking, allow rolls to thaw completely and rise in a warm place if frozen. I have found that I have to take the unbaked frozen cinnamon rolls out of the freezer 10 to 12 hours before planning to bake. I just put the frozen cinnamon rolls (container and rolls) on my counter (not in the refrigerator) overnight for 10 to 12 hours.
If refrigerated, they can be either baked upon removing from the refrigerator or let come to a room temperature (I've done both ways). They do a slow rise overnight and it is not necessary to let them come to room temperature before baking. NOTE: If you rolls are not rising enough after being refrigerated, your yeast may need to be tested. To overcome this, let them rise, while sitting on the counter, until you achieve the desired rising before baking.
Bake Immediately After Making:
Cover and let rise in a warm place for approximately 45 to 60 minutes or until doubled in size (after rising, rolls should be touching each other and the sides of the pan).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. for regular oven or 325 degrees F. for a convection oven.
Bake in a convection oven approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are a light golden brown.
Baked in a regular oven approximately 20 to 25 minutes in a regular oven until they are a light golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Spread Butter Frosting over the cinnamon rolls while still warm. Best served warm, but room temperature is also great!
Yields 15 cinnamon rolls.
CINNAMON FILLING:
1/2 cup butter, melted or softened
1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
4 to 5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 to 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Soften the butter; set aside. In a bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon; stir in chopped nuts (optional). NOTE: I like to sift the brown sugar and cinnamon together to remove any lumps.
BUTTER FROSTING:
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon lemon extract or oil (optional)
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon extract or oil until well mixed and creamy. Refrigerate frosting until ready to use and then bring to room temperature before spreading.
Now these are cinnamon rolls....put the coffee on Sara Lee!
Just Have To Brag A Little...Our First Eagle Scout
Yes I do have my hands in everything. We have a great Boy Scout Troop. Our family has been involved in scouting for about 8 years now, Wow I can't believe it has been that long. Enjoyed every second of it. Our 13 year old Mat has been in scouting since age 6. We are so very proud of all of our guys. They work so very hard. I do many different forms of art, that is my first love. Photography and manipulation of photos amazes me. When I was asked to do an Eagle photo of our young man I was honored. He was very excited and so was I at the results. In the picture it appears that he is holding on to the Eagle, and we all know that he really is! Love this picture!
Trash To Treasure...$2.00 Night Stands
Here's a project I completed a little earlier this year. Paid $2.00 for each, love the price. $4.00 for 2 side tables for my bedroom. They are simply beautiful now. Constructed well! I used a stain and Poly mix from MinWax, love that product. Covers the worst messes ever. Of course I had to sand just a little. Nothing major. And here they. Of course Months later and I still have not managed to fill them. I will work on that. Organization project I guess. Please check out the Minwax site for some really great projects. Here's a link if you would like to check them out yourself: http://www.minwax.com/projects/storage/ They have downloadable project sheets which are really great.
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