tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10522136997383212852024-03-14T02:47:51.844-04:00A Pinch of Something GoodA pinch of this and a pinch of that from a late-bloomer homemaker!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-4758917001851558302013-01-28T23:21:00.000-05:002013-01-28T23:22:15.068-05:00Repurpose a hanging jewelry organizer....I am so excited about this little $7.00 Hanging Jewelry Organizer I found at Big Lots the other day. On the tag it says great for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and other accessories. Well I am about 80% happy with the current setup I have for my jewelry (okay, maybe one day I'll be 100%), but I knew this little gem would come in handy for some organizational purpose around the house. <br />
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I re-watched <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-clean-freaks/videos/index.html">Clean Freaks on HGTV</a> and saw this great idea from Alejandra @ <a href="http://www.alejandra.tv/">Alejandra.tv</a>, and implemented it today. I too love to give gifts, and this hanging jewelry organizer is perfect for my gift tags and gift enclosure envelopes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pH3ile1YwmhijPvYHYgURnTyhVZJiZ1n4HS50pXx_QY9K_V1mTrgdT0WhyIeL_s6TlkK0F0MEGdBOpje8fPI1l13HLI1y_B9I-sPo5JEUBQNQr0ZXTsFtnbjJSJEck7tblxFPVJKCFM/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pH3ile1YwmhijPvYHYgURnTyhVZJiZ1n4HS50pXx_QY9K_V1mTrgdT0WhyIeL_s6TlkK0F0MEGdBOpje8fPI1l13HLI1y_B9I-sPo5JEUBQNQr0ZXTsFtnbjJSJEck7tblxFPVJKCFM/s400/IMG_1163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No more digging through the drawer searching. Nice, neat, divided, and most important, visible! I never realized how much I am an "out of sight out of mind" person, so this system works great for me. I love to give gifts and go through a lot of gift totes and tissue paper. When you tie on a tag, the recipient can re-use the gift tote, so you're recycling too!</div>
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Nancy :)</div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-21806429769050967892013-01-17T21:16:00.001-05:002013-01-17T21:23:15.485-05:00Got Herbs?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have the most boring kitchen ever. It is totally white, except for the stainless steel appliances. Believe it or not, the wall color was even white before we painted it. White, on white, on white. Snooze fest. No inspiration to cook, or clean for that matter. Kitchen update plans: on hold indefinitely, because my bathrooms (all 3 of them) have got to come first, but at least they have some color! What's a girl to do on such a limited budget? First things first, ugly window coverings (multi-colored pastel horizontal blinds), out! Paint - wall color same as the rest of the first level, indulgent mocha by Behr. <br />
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I know, you can't tell the paint color with these night photos I took, buy my kitchen during the day is so white, and so bright, you have to wear sunglasses in there in the afternoons. No, seriously, you can ask my friend's Mom, my new and wonderful house-sitter and dog-sitter. "Nancy, I had to wear sunglasses to work in your kitchen." Okay, I have to wear sunglasses in there too, prescription none the less.....but I am not covering those windows and blocking a view of a pool, canal and my coconut tree!<br />
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My choice of window decor----fresh herbs! I was so tired of paying <b>$2.99</b> at the supermarket for a handful of fresh herbs, that would not last beyond 5 days, no matter what tricks I tried. So this girl is growing her own, and in addition to the window herbs, I have a huge planter by the pool with a rosemary bush.<br />
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Here are some pictures:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHroCAarhK1FJB2Qgsq-8PRDVSSuDBkxX_Omm6p4i3oGewWcTDlCHxgMK1EuxXaq5jBzj1wutbzqr2ef6r98PTf4PGyneOMySFexLHx6V_06SXwZRWvb7Jsoa01fnugoF5r-6WRSj0900/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHroCAarhK1FJB2Qgsq-8PRDVSSuDBkxX_Omm6p4i3oGewWcTDlCHxgMK1EuxXaq5jBzj1wutbzqr2ef6r98PTf4PGyneOMySFexLHx6V_06SXwZRWvb7Jsoa01fnugoF5r-6WRSj0900/s400/IMG_1154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">right side of kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbH1cuKww8jWt8KbJanDtWcC_LmjyZ9T6xXjigcz40n9a9VVm_w0X0WMwTMgiH-EE1kxIHy45ictUJmXMdsuGugKPCdikzDNAt8SZxoDOg87AP47znNtPJ-itm76QGM8dVAoqxNCFVPY8/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbH1cuKww8jWt8KbJanDtWcC_LmjyZ9T6xXjigcz40n9a9VVm_w0X0WMwTMgiH-EE1kxIHy45ictUJmXMdsuGugKPCdikzDNAt8SZxoDOg87AP47znNtPJ-itm76QGM8dVAoqxNCFVPY8/s400/IMG_1152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R - Mint, Rosemary, Lemon Thyme, Oregano, German Thyme, Chives, Italian Parsley, Sweet Basil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKQcM_bFt_B5gAJqF-bNwoRGmRNZwhBdKi4MXizktoY7uqnXPdlUS34qJ-nGU-ewpPYksJ4O2O7u6CvI4Im5L3kA0uwxMNk560XyQ2So9Qy9j5F9uClMJ9e81F-rdXfSintVd9fY44CA/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKQcM_bFt_B5gAJqF-bNwoRGmRNZwhBdKi4MXizktoY7uqnXPdlUS34qJ-nGU-ewpPYksJ4O2O7u6CvI4Im5L3kA0uwxMNk560XyQ2So9Qy9j5F9uClMJ9e81F-rdXfSintVd9fY44CA/s400/IMG_1153.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how white it is? Why multiple utensil holders? Those two corners that look like 4 drawers, NOT! They are faux drawers, therefore I only have 1 large drawer, 3 small drawers, and 2 tiny drawers......</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuOTefyq4WTUJoblr8mnN1qOhLlFRNneoGLRuiLTmlq27t0KjWkd_uNVZBfM8DcRfJM66fnbaYntWxx7rrFVLbTJTeuPQYjc_-eRrnYHwa5xhBHSluHDIbluHSlyS_fyVp3hRtYVtL2s/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuOTefyq4WTUJoblr8mnN1qOhLlFRNneoGLRuiLTmlq27t0KjWkd_uNVZBfM8DcRfJM66fnbaYntWxx7rrFVLbTJTeuPQYjc_-eRrnYHwa5xhBHSluHDIbluHSlyS_fyVp3hRtYVtL2s/s400/IMG_1155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left side of kitchen, pantry left of refrigerator.....but you've seen that. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWinH8ZSdBmk5-SH7ZxxVtG5gzG59WAdoF57x7R_DQzjaPtpL3HIZNXa_SgBVHYGG9n5VVlLXJTac29BITIA-AhodCdy86qagfqgWbXyMoMTZDZtNgW1Q9X8m78FWvJWqbazwxBK_mwOM/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWinH8ZSdBmk5-SH7ZxxVtG5gzG59WAdoF57x7R_DQzjaPtpL3HIZNXa_SgBVHYGG9n5VVlLXJTac29BITIA-AhodCdy86qagfqgWbXyMoMTZDZtNgW1Q9X8m78FWvJWqbazwxBK_mwOM/s400/IMG_1156.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, to tone down the white, I added color at the top, thanks to gifts, a trip to Hobby Lobby, Kirklands, Home Goods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx..........</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulx50J2IFklN6bn27oTi9TfNzJNCBelJUZ-RrALdiZfYStpP1t8nw-1OlifQnqNnNZXIq2JBdlbRuhUVM8shMK4TAkJzuXqQerDi5pBI-azSn8wxCMw66JHCmDZU4F2vneyvRuZc53sQ/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulx50J2IFklN6bn27oTi9TfNzJNCBelJUZ-RrALdiZfYStpP1t8nw-1OlifQnqNnNZXIq2JBdlbRuhUVM8shMK4TAkJzuXqQerDi5pBI-azSn8wxCMw66JHCmDZU4F2vneyvRuZc53sQ/s400/IMG_1157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful hubby put shelves above the window for me.....oh yeah, Burlington Coat Factory.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcDt-gOKUisD-CCwB2vsvnwjlB8C259NlAIZ56Dz1HRum7_4FJBq-_HstvEaSh98KJhkfAfwdObhPPdyj9eV227usRtjWUOLQ_HxOSfEk8kXEkVG_4If48ufvFxXmmJRlNm_qLaM5pVQ/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcDt-gOKUisD-CCwB2vsvnwjlB8C259NlAIZ56Dz1HRum7_4FJBq-_HstvEaSh98KJhkfAfwdObhPPdyj9eV227usRtjWUOLQ_HxOSfEk8kXEkVG_4If48ufvFxXmmJRlNm_qLaM5pVQ/s400/IMG_1160.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee side of wine and coffee bar......</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tfTPX_ERRSd_eEA4wghZyWFgEYm-4pwvL9Fa9jlT4ERyZaULG57n3dQ7lHdAL5tB657oDLkrgIueIR8QnK6bbVb2h6R4Ia5sgmL_Xa_yYMHlqK_wq74XmsP1dj_6JprtYEo0kJ7cDMk/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tfTPX_ERRSd_eEA4wghZyWFgEYm-4pwvL9Fa9jlT4ERyZaULG57n3dQ7lHdAL5tB657oDLkrgIueIR8QnK6bbVb2h6R4Ia5sgmL_Xa_yYMHlqK_wq74XmsP1dj_6JprtYEo0kJ7cDMk/s400/IMG_1159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wine side of wine and coffee bar, open at noon, DAILY!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee and Wine Bar......again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHS1Fvq5Org4nfgfBEXqmouDdqdrT4DTTkAZrCtvWEl1UqVB0WZModbhyphenhyphen9kLxQDx2y_4egKpPci5bWFZEdU5b-lQEnyBvbT5-aO5zdEg0KbiiS5OCMVSMjAa-9PBRwCQgvds4EsI1eq4/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHS1Fvq5Org4nfgfBEXqmouDdqdrT4DTTkAZrCtvWEl1UqVB0WZModbhyphenhyphen9kLxQDx2y_4egKpPci5bWFZEdU5b-lQEnyBvbT5-aO5zdEg0KbiiS5OCMVSMjAa-9PBRwCQgvds4EsI1eq4/s400/IMG_1158.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last picture I promise, but who doesn't love a "Bon Appetit" sign?</td></tr>
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Herb note ~ if you're a fresh dill fan, good luck pal! I think you need more than a green thumb to grow dill, you need green hands, arms and legs. For me, it just would not happen. If anyone knows how to make it happen, please share your secret with me!</div>
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So, this is how I function in the world's most boring kitchen, I add some color, decorate, and keep wine very close. After all, I do love to cook!<br />
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See you next week! I hope your week is wonderful!<br />
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Nancy :)<br />
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-86027496491485770082013-01-11T19:08:00.000-05:002013-01-11T19:08:27.509-05:00DVD storage.......I come from a family of movie lovers. If you started talking movies with anyone in my immediate family, we could actually amaze you with our vast knowledge of useless trivia. We are name droppers of actors of old and current movies alike. We would kick your booty if all the Jeopardy categories were on movies. It's just a fact. <br />
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All of the movies take up a lot of space, and I am honestly not willing to part with a movie I love. It was great when the size of movies decreased from VHS tapes to our current DVDs. I tried a binder method of 4 movies per page, but that was too hard to go through and search, and definitely difficult to keep alphabetized. <br />
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I decided to buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Verbatim-94178-Slim-Storage-Cases/dp/B000067S60/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357948499&sr=8-1&keywords=cd+cases">slim CD covers</a> and transfer the movies over to them. They are now very easy to alphabetize and flip file through a media storage box, and best of all, they take up 2/3 less space! The below picture shows <b>10 DVDs vs 30 DVDs. </b><br />
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I no longer have guilt over how much space my movies take up. They are all contained in one cabinet now. I will confess that I keep the covers of some of the Disney classics, but otherwise, buy buy DVD cover, hello more movies and extra space. <br />
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Do you have a movie lover in your home? Maybe this will work for you.<br />
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Have a wonderful week!<br />
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Nancy :)<br />
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<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-53491349328801776882013-01-04T00:20:00.001-05:002013-01-04T00:20:32.261-05:00Man Cave Picture Ledge Wall......Happy New Year! I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've posted, but I have had a crazy few months. Please don't give up on me! <br />
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My dear husband had to give up a huge garage/shop when we moved to South Florida this past spring. I am such a wonderful wife, that I let him have the largest room in the house as his "man cave." (Don't worry ladies, it can't be seen from the front door). He has his home office, cable television, and now thanks to this new gallery wall, all of his treasures around him. There is also a nice loveseat, a bar with a sink, the coffee maker and a huge sliding glass door going out to our pool. I honestly have nothing in that room except for a shared wireless printer.....seriously. I have never let go of that much control of an indoor space before! He does graciously share the space with our dog Lexi (her kennel and treats are allowed there) and our grandson's toy box and DVD player for when he comes to visit. <br />
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We unearthed all of these pictures while on vacation during Christmas. We both shuttered at the thought of a gazillion holes in the wall, so I looked online for picture ledges. He wanted them to be eight feet long and we couldn't find any. After a two minute search on the internet, I found these wonderful plans <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/10/plans/ten-dollar-ledges">here</a>. Alas, the next morning he went to Lowe's, made them, painted them the same wall color and we've been admiring them ever since.<br />
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Yes, the hubby drag races (a dragster now, previously a drag bike). </div>
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I love the idea of this wall, and the ability to have an always changing photo gallery if you want to. This was a very cost effective project. We already had the paint and nails. We purchased wood that was already primed so the cost was about $15.00 per shelf. Hubby said it would have been about 1/3 less if he had purchased wood not primed. I had NOTHING to do with picture placement, but I am pretty proud of him and his decorating ability.....</div>
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Have a wonderful week!</div>
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Nancy :)</div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-59624009366261602272012-09-22T12:23:00.000-04:002012-09-22T12:23:10.631-04:00An inviting guest room, on a budget.......<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have always dreamed of having a room in my house done in black and white toile, and now that dream has come true. This is my upstairs guest room in our new home in Fort Lauderdale. The walls are a pretty french gray, which I love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, how is this room been done on a budget? Fairly easy. The furniture and lamps are from Ikea, the bedding is from Overstock.com and the pictures are from Kirkland's clearance. I already had the the other accessories and sheets, so my only splurge in this entire room was the luggage rack from Bed, Bath & Beyond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love to have company and entertain, and I think this room is very welcoming. I'm the one in our family and friends that is located closest to the beach and in the warmest year round climate of all, and now that we're pretty much settled in (we just moved here in May), I hope that they all start showing up, especially when they get cold up north.</span><br />
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My next addition will be small baskets with toiletries, etc., I just haven't got around to that yet, but I think it will be a nice touch. <br />
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I also have another guest room downstairs that just needs a bit more artwork before I post pictures, and it was truly done on a budget, because the cost of that furniture was free, thanks to my lovely daughter and son-in-law! Can't wait to show you that one too!<br />
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So, you can decorate a guest room on a budget, that feels welcoming. Good luck on all of your decorating journeys!<br />
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Nancy :)<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-6910263750056338162012-09-09T13:32:00.000-04:002012-09-09T13:32:22.467-04:00Trying to keep the pantry organized......<span style="font-family: inherit;">is one of the hardest things for me to keep up with, and I don't even know why! It's probably because I haven't been checking it that great before I head to the store, then I am in a hurry to put things away afterward, and slide it wherever it will fit. That all ends today! (hopefully......)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I moved my spices and baking items to the wall cabinet, therefore giving me much more space in the pantry. I have a somewhat small kitchen to begin with. My current kitchen is about 1/3 of the size of my previous home (yes, everything is bigger in Texas). I only have a few drawers, limited counter space, and I miss my island, but I loved the rest of this house so much in Florida, that I am trying all kinds of tricks to love this kitchen. Fortunately, although not as large as my previous pantry, this one is a good size.</span><br />
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My wonderful hubby said that when we go to paint the inside, he will add another shelf at the top for me, so I can hop up or use a stick to not hurt myself and store paper towels and napkins up there!</div>
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Top shelf: 3 lazy susans, one for sauces, condiments, oils & vinegars.</div>
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Second shelf: rice, pasta bread crumbs, chicken stock/broth</div>
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Third shelf: canned goods (mostly beans & tomatoes) I prefer fresh or frozen :)</div>
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Fourth shelf: snacks, especially crackers, peanut butter, etc</div>
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Fifth shelf: dried fruits, convenience packets, breakfast items, cereal.</div>
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Floor: garbage bags: all sizes, saran wrap, baggies, etc., and napkins & paper towels</div>
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Not exactly a piece of art, but I think it will work for now.</div>
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I love these plastic bins from Target. I believe they come in 3 different sizes, maybe more. The labels are from the Better Homes and Garden website.</div>
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So until I can find a better system, this will work for now. Happy organizing everyone!</div>
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Nancy :)</div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-35036656179089830122012-08-23T22:13:00.000-04:002012-08-31T00:29:20.240-04:00Home Warranties & Manuals......<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapinchofsomethinggood.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F08%2Fhome-warranties-manuals.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-FD61dBGtPXQ%2FUDbfdFOAjNI%2FAAAAAAAAAPY%2FwZ_lBMKlw-I%2Fs400%2FIMG_1110.JPG&description=Home%20Warranties%20and%20Manuals" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided I needed to organize my home warranties, user manuals, etc. in an easy to get to format that would not take up even more space in my filing cabinet. Along with being space fillers, they also come in different sizes and shapes, therefore falling out, getting stuck in the bottom of the file drawer never to be heard from again. Okay, I admit it, they were all in one pile bulging out of a single file folder! As usual, I searched through all of the great ideas I have seen on Pinterest and my favorite organizing websites and just could not find what I thought was the right fit for me. Then </span><a href="http://www.color-coded.net/blog/tag/alejandra-costello/#" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alejandra Costello at Color-Coded.net</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> posted this </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sqrChfq5ck&list=UUcvu0uB6SzugED_5FEC7Z0Q&index=6&feature=plcp" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">video</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> of her new system for these items, and I love it! This is my second project that I feel I have been coached through by a fabulous video by her and it definitely won't be my last. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These Staples notebooks are fabulous. I made the binder covers on my computer, and printed the labels with my label maker. I would have loved to have found clear gussetted binder pockets, but could only find teal, blue, and purple, which I love anyway! They have a nice velcro closure so you can put multiple books and items in one envelope. The post-it filing tabs can be stuck at the top and you can either use your label maker or write on them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think my favorite part of this system is separating what stays with your home and what goes with you. If you sell your current home, just leave the home warranty/manual binder for the new owners, they will surely appreciate it. Keeping those receipts, warranties, especially for your big purchase items is so important. You want to be able to grab them if you have a problem with your iphone, computer, camera, television, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope this inspires you to get your appliances/purchases organized too. My next project will be cleaning the actual filing cabinet now, and getting into the shred zone......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span><br />
<br /></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-41920327480241766952012-08-16T13:38:00.000-04:002012-08-16T13:39:05.434-04:00Cookbook review.......<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have made enough recipes now from this cookbook to review it. It is my current "go to" book to refer to when I am in a hurry. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Takes-Recipes-Ingredients-Calories/dp/1449408451">Robin Takes 5</a> by Robin Miller - 500 recipes, 5 ingredients or less, 500 calories or less 5 nights a week at 5:00 pm......that's what it says on the cover, and in my house it delivers everything but the 5:00 pm part....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to the introduction of the book, "The average American eats out an astonishing three to four times each week." That is a lot of processed food which you have very little control of it's content or calories. We eat out maybe 3 times a month, I just couldn't imagine eating out that often each week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You already know how I love a recipe with 5 ingredients or less. That total does not include salt, pepper, olive oil, cooking spray or water. Those are things you have on hand already.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The book is divided into 8 chapters:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Soups, Stews & Chowders</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Pizzas, Flatbreads, Calzones & Strudels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Pasta, Risotto & Rice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of my favorite recipes so far have been:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Orange-Dijon Chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tuscan Chicken wit White Beans, Tomatoes and Oregano</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roasted Chicken with Hearts of Palm and Parmesan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Baked Chicken with Cherry Barbecue Sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Flank Steak with Cucumber-Scallion Relish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pork Chops with Strawberry Mustard Sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cranberry Barbecued Pork Tenderloin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">just to name a few, LOL! As you can see, I love trying chicken recipes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Give this cookbook a try. I think it would make an awesome gift for a new single person living on their own, a new bride, that friend that says cooking takes up too many ingredients and time. There are enough entree ideas alone to not repeat a recipe for a year, although once you see have easy some of these are, they'll become weeknight favorites that you will make over and over again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span></div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-66494087540540945802012-08-13T17:03:00.000-04:002012-08-13T17:03:37.171-04:00I like them, I really like them!........Brussel sprouts. Just to say it can take me back to childhood and fear. You know, that fear of having to try something that you can't even stand to look at or smell? The vegetable that maybe your Mom would eat, but no one else would let cross their lips? I think it was second on my list, right after liver and onions, (which by the way, will remain on my fear list forever) but I can gladly say, I like brussel sprouts!<br />
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Here's why: Bacon! When they say every thing is better with bacon, just go for it. Here's what I used, after combining several recipes together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQz8sS_sqvqfCigwj414fjEWGXeOJAzygLFguw6dV9F7ihrNzVfDxBn5_iaV1D19hd-23OEi4oryFdaHlzUvRy9CpsBMlNU-lq8cx1OXAKrjNB8LtKJL53nDCJfXjGPFIuJssGM9sx7Sg/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQz8sS_sqvqfCigwj414fjEWGXeOJAzygLFguw6dV9F7ihrNzVfDxBn5_iaV1D19hd-23OEi4oryFdaHlzUvRy9CpsBMlNU-lq8cx1OXAKrjNB8LtKJL53nDCJfXjGPFIuJssGM9sx7Sg/s400/IMG_1083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple & Bacon</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/brussel-sprouts-with-apples-bacon?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">Print Recipe</a></b></div>
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1/2 - 1 lb. fresh brussel sprouts</div>
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4-5 slices cooked bacon/save the grease</div>
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1-2 granny smith apples</div>
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1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar</div>
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1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</div>
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Either fry bacon in a skillet or bake in oven until crisp. Save bacon grease. Crumble. Remove the dark green leaves from outside of brussel sprouts. Cut core off at bottom of brussel sprouts then cut in halves or quarters. Cut apple (skin on) into small chunks. Combine everything (including bacon grease) except cooked bacon in a bowl and spread out on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, maybe longer if sprouts are large. Add bacon bits and serve.</div>
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How did it go over? Let's just say the fear is gone, baby! I will now eat brussel sprouts that are roasted for now, and I am willing to try them other ways too. The hubby loved them, but lucky for me, he'll pretty much eat anything!</div>
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Have a wonderful week!</div>
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Nancy :)</div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-63942446214493187372012-08-06T14:46:00.001-04:002012-08-07T20:04:25.102-04:00Sometimes a meal is an event....<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">not just a meal, and this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_352277_RECIPE-PRINT-FULL-PAGE-FORMATTER,00.html">Truffled Mac and Cheese</a> from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa is a major event. Why did it make event worthy status? I used a lot of ingredients, some I've never used before, many, many pots and pans, my food processor, destroyed the kitchen, and spent way more $$$ than I normally would to make my own mac & cheese. Was it worth it? Absolutely, it was amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I normally try to keep my meals simple, but still a bit gourmet when possible. I consider my lasagna and my prime rib an event instead of a meal, therefore it is something I may only make once or twice a year, or for company. This particular recipe I have been glomming for three years, yes I said three years. I saw it on an episode of The Barefoot Contessa in 2009, and have probably watched it 4 times. It has been in my "got to make this" mental file storage that long. I decided I needed to quit stalking that episode and make the recipe, but first I needed to research cream sherry, and find truffle butter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had 2 deviations from the recipe. I used one pack of gourmet mushrooms with the cremini mushrooms because I couldn't find shiitake mushrooms, and I used panko bread crumbs instead of bread, we only buy honey wheat bread here. I eventually found the truffle butter at <b>Fresh Market.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Truffled Mac and Cheese</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/truffled-mac-and-cheese?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">Print Recipe</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons unsalted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced 1/2-inch 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced 1/2-inch 3 tablespoons cream sherry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kosher salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pound pasta, such as cavatappi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 ounces white truffle butter (recommended: D'Artagnan)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 quart whole milk, scalded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (4 cups)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 1/2 to 3 cups)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 garlic cloves, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heat the butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan, add the mushrooms, and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are tender. Add the sherry and continue to saute for a few more minutes, until the sherry is absorbed. Set aside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add the pasta and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, melt the truffle butter in a large (4-quart) saucepan and whisk in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. Slowly whisk in the hot milk and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the white sauce is thickened and creamy. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 1/2 tablespoons salt, the pepper, and nutmeg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combine the pasta, sauce, and mushrooms in a large bowl and pour them into a 10 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place the garlic and parsley in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse until they're minced. Add the bread crumbs and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the crumbs over the pasta and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the crumbs are golden brown. Serve hot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recipe Source: Ina Garten, Food Network.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My review: Fabulous! Will I make it again? Yes, the morning of a dinner party or special occasion I will cover with foil and refrigerate, and bake while appetizers are served. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Occasionally, you need to splurge, and this was one of mine. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span></div>
</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-53044787082211727362012-07-26T21:29:00.000-04:002012-07-26T21:29:53.588-04:00Linen closet - re purposed! ......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, this is the year. It is the year I finally, positively, absolutely commit to finding a place for everything, and everything in it's place. Okay, a gal can dream, can't she? Seriously though, I am making an incredible amount of progress in getting things organized, but most importantly, getting rid of things I no longer need. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was inspired by the HGTV special "Neat Freaks". It showed some very organized families and how they live, plan, shop, decorate on a budget, and even one person that was in an incredibly organized living space of only 300 square feet. I would encourage you to go to HGTV.com, and as of yesterday, they were still showing the full episode, and I think you'll love it. Some of the bloggers we love to read and follow on Pinterest and Facebook are on the show as well.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to store all bath towels in the bathrooms, and all sheet sets in the bedrooms. I limited myself to only 3 sets of sheets per bed, but 2 would work just as well. The system I am using for the linen closet frees up the cabinet in the bathrooms to make room for the towel storage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDIFNUhWWyQzUYVDBu5akOBar-rFE8aT8wQ1rJslb2wwNRup6rMQj9rilWB9Rsg9tLqaUzLHe1ZHU1OKBBSm6geoETAhDi1NSwmRe0jLvFXoffNcuXCQ8WE79_TTQp_QIVWuVpWr_WEA/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDIFNUhWWyQzUYVDBu5akOBar-rFE8aT8wQ1rJslb2wwNRup6rMQj9rilWB9Rsg9tLqaUzLHe1ZHU1OKBBSm6geoETAhDi1NSwmRe0jLvFXoffNcuXCQ8WE79_TTQp_QIVWuVpWr_WEA/s400/IMG_1058.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the center 3 shelves, but I have the top shelf busy and the floor working as well.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another view. I love it! Good inspiration to put things back, and one of my favorite clear boxes is "Travel Size", because we like to be on the go, and yes, I keep those little lotions and shampoos I get at a hotel, don't you?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Close up view. Now, I'm sure your next question will be, where did you get those awesome labels? I got them from Alejandra at <a href="http://www.color-coded.net/#">Color-Coded.net</a>. She was on the HGTV special, but I had discovered her months before, and loved her organizational style so much, I bought the filing system she recommends (future post) and now these awesome storage labels. Please follow her videos any chance you get, you'll be inspired! The clear boxes are from the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000166&N=&Ntt=clear+shoe+boxes">The Container Store</a>. They used to hold my shoes (yep, I bought the box of 20 last year actually) but my new closet system has racks, so I re purposed the shoe boxes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There you have it, the reason I haven't posted all week until now. I was cleaning out things I had been putting off doing. Oh, and another reason.....I couldn't remember where I put my digital camera! So much for a place for everything.....but what the hey, I am sure trying.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful weekend!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-48975929722437062782012-07-16T11:26:00.000-04:002012-07-16T11:26:21.890-04:00Cranberry sauce can be used anytime of year......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">not just the holidays! This easy recipe from what is still becoming one of my favorite cookbooks, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Takes-Recipes-Ingredients-Calories/dp/1449408451">Robin Takes 5</a> by Robin Miller proves it. It was so good, I will try it with turkey or chicken next time, not just pork tenderloin. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cranberry Barbecued Pork Tenderloin</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband and I both loved this recipe, and would also consider it a company friendly meal as well. You can put the potatoes in the oven with the pork, then make your vegetables or salad while the pork is "resting". Therefore, along with just 5 ingredients, you also have a relax while it cooks meal too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cranberry Barbecued Pork Tenderloin</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/cranberry-barbecued-pork-tenderloin?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">print recipe</a></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin (1 large or 2 small)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 (15oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons Dijon mustard</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon liquid smoke</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup scallions (white & green parts)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven the 400 degrees F. Coat a shallow roasting pan with cooking spray.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Season the pork all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper and placed in the prepared pan. Combine the cranberry sauce, mustard and liquid smoke and mix well. Spoon the mixture all over the pork. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a meat thermometer reads 155 degrees F (the temperature will continue to rise by another 5 degrees once the pork is removed from the oven). Let the pork stand for 5 minutes before slicing crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices. Top the pork slices with the scallions just before serving.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Recipe Source: Robin Takes 5, Robin Miller</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn't get any easier than this. Give this one a try, and I hope it becomes a part of your meal plan too. Easy enough for a busy weeknight.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful day!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-25952083986491094852012-07-13T17:57:00.000-04:002012-07-13T17:57:00.096-04:00Inexpensive jewelry holder......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another Pinterest idea for organization. Don't you just love it? My daughter did this yesterday and emailed the picture to me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizwYBPm9fyKnGSVhLRJlI4JOdPFcRKFcb8JYg23J5FxLhheJL_7DSK3DRzdfhKUoHeEIWFJOGwptF31cMUAjKQzNqzJevure8xhyE5m43am4Aa-5FNiC9JXhbmB03z5LCjol6Fmraqxc/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizwYBPm9fyKnGSVhLRJlI4JOdPFcRKFcb8JYg23J5FxLhheJL_7DSK3DRzdfhKUoHeEIWFJOGwptF31cMUAjKQzNqzJevure8xhyE5m43am4Aa-5FNiC9JXhbmB03z5LCjol6Fmraqxc/s400/Image+3.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is in the inside of her closet. It is one Bygel rod from Ikea, with plastic S-hooks (the metal ones move around too much). The plastic hooks and cup are from Ikea too, and you can find them right by the rods.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No more tangled necklaces and all are out to see. A great timesaver for getting ready, and it looks pretty too!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-65052647866356040072012-07-12T18:34:00.000-04:002012-07-12T18:39:50.241-04:00Gift Wrapping Hutch..........<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay<b>, </b>this item has been on my wish list for a long time now, and now I am happy to say that it's the newest addition to my craft room. This is the <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Martha_Stewart_Living_Craft_Space_Gift-Wrap_Hutch/400/">Martha Stewart Gift Wrap Hutch</a>. I also purchased the eight drawer flat file cabinet to go below it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My desire for this item naturally occurred after Pottery Barn discontinued their wall-mounted gift wrap station (a big mistake on their part), and of course watching Candy Spelling have to let go of her 3 large gift wrapping rooms in her mansion. (HGTV special a while back) I like to make and give gifts too Candy, but for many years the dining room table and living room floor were just fine for this gal. Now this gal doesn't get up so easy from the floor anymore..... (Getting older sucks, just sayin')</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This product will come in 4 very large and heavy boxes, so you must hydrate the UPS guy after delivery, then be prepared to wait on your husband hand and foot as he spreads the parts all around the living room to assemble your new must have piece of furniture. Expect many expletive comments to come from your assembler, aka DH, so in addition to all the beverage deliveries, prepare his favorite meal. Many hours later, you will both ooooh and ahhhhh over how nice it looks, how well it is built, then bond at Home Depot or Lowe's over different hardware, because the drawer pulls that come with it don't do it justice.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what it looks like now, as a new home to my cricut and other stamping/paper supplies. Now, if I only had more gift wrap........</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful day!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-43359641497499890342012-07-06T10:56:00.000-04:002012-07-12T18:39:29.317-04:00Take a moment to relax while this one cooks.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doesn't that sound wonderful? When I was a young mother back in the early eighties, there was a magazine called "Working Mother", and for a long time it had a section called "Relax While it Cooks". I tried many of the recipes and loved the concept, especially since I had a job that kept me on my feet the entire shift. The idea that dinner could be in the oven or sauteing on the stove became as appealing as any crock pot ideas I could come up with. It meant sitting down and coloring with my daughter and listening to her about her day, versus that mad rush to get dinner to the table. It's amazing what you can do with 40-50 minutes "free" time while dinner is preparing itself.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This dinner isn't from that series, but it made me think of it, and if you like this idea, I will come up with more. I got this recipe from a coworker in Spokane, WA many years ago. She called it "King's Ranch Chicken".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">King's Ranch Chicken</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/king-s-ranch-chicken?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">print recipe</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">INGREDIENTS</span></h2>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ingr-unit" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6 or more</span> <span class="ingr-meas" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span><span class="ingr-descr" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">boneless skinless chicken breast halves</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ingr-unit" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1</span> <span class="ingr-meas" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">can</span> <span class="ingr-descr" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">cream of chicken soup</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ingr-unit" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 </span><span class="ingr-meas" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">can</span> <span class="ingr-descr" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">cream of celery soup</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ingr-unit" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1</span> <span class="ingr-meas" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">cup</span> <span class="ingr-descr" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">water</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ingr-unit" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span><span class="ingr-meas" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span><span class="ingr-descr" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">salt & pepper to taste</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ingr-unit" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1</span> <span class="ingr-meas" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">7-8 oz pkg</span> <span class="ingr-descr" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">pepperidge farm herb stuffing</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">METHOD</span></h2>
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Place chicken breasts in 9x12 baking dish. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Mix 1 can of undiluted cream of chicken soup with 1 can cream of celery soup. Stir in 1 cup (or can) of water. Pour over chicken, cover with 1 small package of Pepperidge Farm herb stufffing/dressing. (I like the crunch the cubes give, and had to use 1/2 of a 12 oz. package.) Drizzle 1 stick of melted butter or margarine over all. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, uncovered. (internal chicken temperature > 165 degrees.)</div>
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I was able to relax for 40 minutes, then got up and made the rice with chicken broth. 20 more minutes of relaxing, and while the chicken and rice were cooling down, I made the salad. Clean-up took hardly any time as well because only 2 pans and one bowl was used. Nice!</div>
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Give it a try, it's even good enough for unexpected company, like I had last night. :)</div>
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Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
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Nancy :)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-73293756387389546732012-07-05T13:36:00.001-04:002012-07-05T13:36:34.262-04:00Finally, a "pretty" laundry room.......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello everyone. I am so sorry I have been gone so long, but now I am finally getting settled into our Florida home and will be able to get myself back on task with blogging. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been following<b> "Pinterest"</b> for the past 2 months every spare moment I could sneak away from unpacking and trips to Home Depot or Lowe's. I sort of became obsessed with laundry rooms and made it my own personal mission to have a "pretty" laundry room. Laundry is not a pretty job. In fact, I do not like doing laundry one bit. Washing and drying clothes is not so bad, but sorting, folding and putting them away is an entirely different story. I asked myself if I would enjoy the process more if the room was a pleasure to walk into instead of a hamper nightmare, and I have psyched myself out to believe that the answer to that question is yes. </span><br />
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The paint color is "Swan Sea" by Behr. It has a bit more aqua to it than this picture shows, bur I absolutely love it. It is very calming. That last little jar top right is for <b>loose change.</b> :)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put my powdered products (Clorox 2, Gain detergent, Borax) in glass jars, and separated my bleach, stain remover and fabric softener into bins that I found at Target. I then printed the labels and ran them through the laminator.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found this label template at <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/">Better Homes and Garden</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found the shelves at Lowe's, including this one with 3 hooks, so I can hang things up as I go. Fortunately, I don't need a huge hanging area in my space.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, so do I enjoy laundry now? Not really, I still think it's one of those thankless jobs, but I do have a smile on my face every time I walk through this room from the garage, or from the family room. My desire to keep it neat and tidy is there always, because let's face it, I now have a "pretty" laundry room.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful day!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nancy :)</span></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-296845282151851622012-04-24T18:05:00.002-04:002012-07-12T18:38:54.467-04:00Craft Room - Virginia House..........So, before I take that final break for the move from Virginia to Florida, I needed to post pictures of my craft room, and will follow up in a few months with my new craft room in Florida. I love Stamping arts and crafts, and have been a Stampin' UP!© demonstrator since 1999.<br />
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Enjoy the pictures, ask questions if you have them, and I'll be back posting in June.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Nancy :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xYg0v7Z7nX-z2h9qKgOYVsdrJzd6TMa5PMJoU0HLXRd01AaW13j0jwRgQapZWVWgFbYN_huy83VfBr9dd7x3AY5uqeFOuR0nHdf4VxV88n2WzwgHO5jgdVZTapnb4Y0YO9-ZT4eLMp8/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xYg0v7Z7nX-z2h9qKgOYVsdrJzd6TMa5PMJoU0HLXRd01AaW13j0jwRgQapZWVWgFbYN_huy83VfBr9dd7x3AY5uqeFOuR0nHdf4VxV88n2WzwgHO5jgdVZTapnb4Y0YO9-ZT4eLMp8/s400/IMG_1035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-54306402767453703272012-04-18T23:15:00.000-04:002012-04-18T23:15:54.035-04:00Moving.......again.......but thankfully, this move is permanent. I will be spending the month of May getting my new home organized, and hope to share many ideas with you. Please bear with me, and don't give up on me. The move was unexpected, but greatly anticipated....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcByLRgq-iG7736jaDRBghh48aG8ly0HHA0-dA49hDjexci-PTwGhTxBoi3PhOnkm_nJHGYWzq0Ak-IpGSV39XKg-2rqoxlNtxElIsQT8jhoM9bKtbN0RWQEN3UMPQWGkNJ1Yjtzzqt4I/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcByLRgq-iG7736jaDRBghh48aG8ly0HHA0-dA49hDjexci-PTwGhTxBoi3PhOnkm_nJHGYWzq0Ak-IpGSV39XKg-2rqoxlNtxElIsQT8jhoM9bKtbN0RWQEN3UMPQWGkNJ1Yjtzzqt4I/s400/IMG_0642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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So, see you in June!<br />
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Love,<br />
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NancyNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-62739842828317570402012-02-15T16:11:00.002-05:002012-02-15T16:11:51.230-05:00Hi! I will be back March 1st......taking a vacation. Try some of these recipes out and let me know what you think!<br />
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Nancy :)Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-32085857626857907012012-02-14T10:53:00.000-05:002012-02-14T10:53:15.392-05:00Tuscan Chicken with White Beans, Tomatoes, and Oregano......How about a recipe with less than 10 minutes prep time and 10 minutes cooking time? That's what you'll get with this protein-rich meal. Another find from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Takes-Recipes-Ingredients-Calories/dp/1449408451">Robin Takes 5</a>, by Robin Miller. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLlYB81CMkl6jVE0QoshxU3MTLU047tDk1nXEqfhVX41QStP8YVTgm1eE81KdsZbjFn0BAabZq11RSY_b01X3PvCQh8D900bOvqqrEX2dRHSgfF4urIvy3X7CYBR4_c8ZFRGoJP4P1Ns/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLlYB81CMkl6jVE0QoshxU3MTLU047tDk1nXEqfhVX41QStP8YVTgm1eE81KdsZbjFn0BAabZq11RSY_b01X3PvCQh8D900bOvqqrEX2dRHSgfF4urIvy3X7CYBR4_c8ZFRGoJP4P1Ns/s400/IMG_0978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tuscan Chicken with White Beans, Tomatoes, and Oregano</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/tuscan-chicken-with-white-beans-tomatoes-and-oregano?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">print recipe</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 cloves garlic, minced</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon dried oregano</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 (15 ounce) can white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), rinsed and drained</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown on all sides, stirring frequently. Add the oregano and cook for 1 minute, until the oregano is fragrant. Add the tomatoes and beans and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Recipe Source: Robin Takes 5, Robin Miller</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY5bwHNt_MA-XZ0ihcl6fsnLzU7wWLt1a2TasGDfHu01QV4FQfN-zgxdpL4I3oZfxpKOYqdEApTZlgb9ZZpiHe7nb2MIgmNSOTFGkc8EEyl6WLwVeogWv8dltBYWaEPe5ib853HDodB8/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY5bwHNt_MA-XZ0ihcl6fsnLzU7wWLt1a2TasGDfHu01QV4FQfN-zgxdpL4I3oZfxpKOYqdEApTZlgb9ZZpiHe7nb2MIgmNSOTFGkc8EEyl6WLwVeogWv8dltBYWaEPe5ib853HDodB8/s400/IMG_0976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">So few ingredients! I love that you can get diced tomatoes that are already flavored too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e2QwxZxoKPZox2Vk3Rw0gDX5ZI9lumo1EA9MVC1RL_pbwPyhRpVUOz5intu5H-sNk4J-vMyNtejiv-ypUJgus3sqEH1PzhJNum-udItkxs9usf2eQzYbMJ7c3MK46FQ0ss0IATMMQ6s/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e2QwxZxoKPZox2Vk3Rw0gDX5ZI9lumo1EA9MVC1RL_pbwPyhRpVUOz5intu5H-sNk4J-vMyNtejiv-ypUJgus3sqEH1PzhJNum-udItkxs9usf2eQzYbMJ7c3MK46FQ0ss0IATMMQ6s/s400/IMG_0980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is one of those recipes I should be able to throw together anytime, because I always have the items in my pantry. We loved the flavors too, and I'm thinking they could be a start to a white chicken chili in the future.....what do you think?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nancy</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-33256923769581082582012-02-13T12:41:00.000-05:002012-02-13T12:41:46.871-05:00Flank Steak with Cucumber- Scallion Relish......Here's another recipe from my current go to cookbook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Takes-Recipes-Ingredients-Calories/dp/1449408451">Robin Takes 5</a>, by Robin Miller. We had a busy weekend, so I wanted something quick, and this definitely fit the bill. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a nice looking flank steak at the store, so I used 2 chuck steaks, and they worked out pretty good. I am anxious to try them on the grill this spring, using the flank steak.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0W-XgLtMrFYOqDNYcCzDiiZqahGRdUBzsg1ZWy4bvApE4FdXgQCt1c1yHPB2ayouPzUGu2vz2stHcoUefnntihaKeEbTGQwa0MdhKyYmoDXWOWiVdayRMkWbG8HoP-TPN4ZrXNIj6XA/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0W-XgLtMrFYOqDNYcCzDiiZqahGRdUBzsg1ZWy4bvApE4FdXgQCt1c1yHPB2ayouPzUGu2vz2stHcoUefnntihaKeEbTGQwa0MdhKyYmoDXWOWiVdayRMkWbG8HoP-TPN4ZrXNIj6XA/s400/IMG_1019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<b>Flank Steak with Cucumber-Scallion Relish</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/flank-steak-with-cucumber-scallion-relish?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">print recipe</a></b><br />
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</b><br />
1 1/2 pounds flank or skirt steak<br />
1 English (seedless) cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)<br />
2 scallions, chopped (white and green parts)<br />
1 tablespoon cider vinegar<br />
2 teaspoons garlic-flavored olive oil<br />
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Coat a stove top grill pan or griddle with cooking spray and preheat over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the steak on the hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium. Remove the steak from the pan and let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing crosswise (against the grain) into 1/4 inch-thick slices.<br />
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Meanwhile, combine the cucumber, scallions, cider vinegar and oil and mix well. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the steak with the relish spooned over the top.<br />
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<b>Recipe Source: Robin Takes 5, Robin Miller</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe_VTs3vYaELZZpihYHCydJMOmJKR2Nx5TjWpzRQL8-SoScjZqih77b0L2WzHigaT1ERpWYyFKW9Qw2ssZSxqDpuv-k9Thh2J3xBCqs6rf8e5dLlDmUCtWuVWymxVsPu8XLML3mgp3sE/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe_VTs3vYaELZZpihYHCydJMOmJKR2Nx5TjWpzRQL8-SoScjZqih77b0L2WzHigaT1ERpWYyFKW9Qw2ssZSxqDpuv-k9Thh2J3xBCqs6rf8e5dLlDmUCtWuVWymxVsPu8XLML3mgp3sE/s400/IMG_1016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><br />
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Keep in mind that with recipes with so few ingredients, go with good quality oils and vinegars. This is my first bottle of garlic flavored olive oil I have ever bought, but it definitely won't be my last. Also, I cooked the steak 5 minutes per side, for a perfect medium.<br />
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Give this easy recipe a try, you will love it's simplicity and flavor.<br />
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Enjoy your day!<br />
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NancyNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-54379252338923422172012-02-10T05:00:00.040-05:002012-02-10T05:00:10.959-05:00Chicken & Artichokes in a White Wine Sauce.........This is one of my favorite chicken recipes. If you haven't figured it out by now, I also really love artichoke hearts too, and they're a perfect companion to chicken. This is another recipe from one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2010/08/02/chicken-and-artichokes-in-a-white-wine-sauce/">Annie's Eats</a>. Her recipes never disappoint, her photographs are beautiful, and she bakes like a dream. She also seems to have a very similar palate to mine when it comes to chicken recipes especially, and this was one of the first recipes I ever made from her blog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVKo3-fjk-fmsBiV4ytB84XVy231Q0TxwZIooF8fBsKVZZcT_3LqMDdGDjsyy69K_vF9nCP2KP3GBVLfijNStLfwLooYqyZppBpgz1_-8qBEr52paiBUEHdBNPwpVMj2Qrjhr21MWpi0/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVKo3-fjk-fmsBiV4ytB84XVy231Q0TxwZIooF8fBsKVZZcT_3LqMDdGDjsyy69K_vF9nCP2KP3GBVLfijNStLfwLooYqyZppBpgz1_-8qBEr52paiBUEHdBNPwpVMj2Qrjhr21MWpi0/s400/IMG_0615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chicken & Artichokes in a White Wine Sauce</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/chicken-artichokes-in-a-white-wine-sauce?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">print recipe</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ingredients:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">½ cup all-purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp. herbes de provence (or a combination of other dried herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, thyme)</div><div style="text-align: left;">¼ tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">¼ tsp. pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (2 chicken breasts total)</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tbsp. olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp. butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups sliced baby bella mushrooms</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 (14 oz.) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/3 cup dry white wine</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/3 cup chicken broth</div><div style="text-align: left;">Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving</div><div style="text-align: left;">Minced fresh parsley, for serving</div><div style="text-align: left;">Directions:</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a pie plate or shallow dish, combine the flour, dried herbs, salt and pepper and stir with a fork to blend. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture. Using tongs, coat the chicken breast halves in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Remove the chicken to a plate; cover and keep warm.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add the butter to the pan and warm until melted. Add the mushrooms and artichokes to the pan and cook until most of the liquid is released from the mushrooms and the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: left;">In a liquid measuring cup, combine the white wine, chicken broth, and reserved tablespoon of flour; whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet, cooking until it is warm and slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the pan to warm through and cover with sauce. Serve the chicken with sauce spooned over the top, and garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley as desired.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Recipe Source: Annie's Eats</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvCx08caLSsn-lPsb_uiyicP3yvdrNaY94N66OyRvzbwNpXungfzTRszYNYTuRaSBRsG22ZkyYj5XrQIa71P-dBugqt_tOcMJiOEjUyaJRAQtOW4MEjau8b1p9qsHLvb79muFxCmg3co/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvCx08caLSsn-lPsb_uiyicP3yvdrNaY94N66OyRvzbwNpXungfzTRszYNYTuRaSBRsG22ZkyYj5XrQIa71P-dBugqt_tOcMJiOEjUyaJRAQtOW4MEjau8b1p9qsHLvb79muFxCmg3co/s400/IMG_0617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This recipe is simple, elegant, and wonderful. I like to serve it over white or brown rice and with a simple salad. It is so good, I am getting hungry looking at it, and the leftovers are even yummy. Here's another one I'd like you to give a try, and let me know what you think.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nancy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-41117230704007751852012-02-09T05:00:00.093-05:002012-02-09T05:00:00.714-05:00Mama B's Baked Ziti .............Looking for a wonderful but simple meal to make ahead of time the day before a gathering or event? Then look no further than this recipe for baked ziti. I found this recipe back in 1995, and it comes from a book called <b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Delicious-Recipes-Hand-Picked-Northwest/dp/0964678403">Gold' n Delicious</a></b>, The Junior League of Spokane. I got the book when we were living in Spokane, Washington, and I have made many recipes from it. Community cookbooks are among some of the best finds out there, and I especially love junior league cookbooks. They sometimes feature some wonderful recipes of the region, along with family recipes passed down from many generations. The proceeds of these type of books benefit charities as well, usually in your own community, so that is beneficial too. They make wonderful gifts too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPwRh47VOkBsw4EShnZn_9AQpkG_vYTvGJdYFX_LpMT-9spkw-VXeyZBsvBS-gqV-YTCD-1HHV2IiFGEhNwFgmJ2J9nl7PSJIK5w5DbmhZw94DfhN63BjVV8sWYylJ6UGk6wV_5JNJlA/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPwRh47VOkBsw4EShnZn_9AQpkG_vYTvGJdYFX_LpMT-9spkw-VXeyZBsvBS-gqV-YTCD-1HHV2IiFGEhNwFgmJ2J9nl7PSJIK5w5DbmhZw94DfhN63BjVV8sWYylJ6UGk6wV_5JNJlA/s400/IMG_0580.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of the baked ziti, I forgot to photograph the ingredients for this one, sorry! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mama B's Baked Ziti</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/apinchofrecipes/mama-b-s-baked-ziti?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">print recipe</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ingredients:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sauce</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 tablespoons olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup onion, finely chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 large cloves garlic, minced</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 28 ounces cans plum tomatoes, pureed in blender</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 6 ounce can tomato paste</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced, or 2 teaspoons dried</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced, or 1 teaspoon dried</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>OR: Substitute 4 cups of your favorite bottled tomato sauce to make this meatless main dish in a hurry. Pepperoni or ground beef can be added if your family prefers......</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Filling</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 16 ounce container ricotta cheese</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, divided</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pasta</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 16 ounce package ziti or rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Directions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the sauce, heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and saute for 2 minutes. Add garlic and saute until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add remaining sauce ingredients and simmer gently, uncovered, for 1 hour.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Combine ricotta, 1/4 cup parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, salt and pepper. Add pasta and 1 cup tomato sauce to the cheese mixture and combine well. Spread mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Pour 3 cups tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese and 3 tablespoons parmesan. (Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake). Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until hot and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce, if desired.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Recipe Source: Gold' n Delicious/The Junior League of Spokane</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have made this with the sauce recipe, and have also made it with jarred spaghetti sauce. I like having the option, but it is just a bit better when you make the sauce yourself. I don't puree the tomatoes in the blender, I just use my hand potato masher. Sometimes I add browned ground beef or browned italian sausage, and I serve the leftover sauce on the side. When you make it the day before, all you need to make the day you serve it is a wonderful salad and bread as sides for a complete meal. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you love lasagna, but don't feel like cooking an "event", give this ziti a try.. You will love it! Yes, I do make lasagna once or twice a year, (I don't call it cooking, I do actually call it an event, LOL) and I'll share that in the future, but this is an easy and rewarding recipe your family will love. (All of the Bunco groups I have been in loved it too! It's a fall and winter favorite!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</b></div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-72357791412333497062012-02-08T05:00:00.008-05:002012-02-08T05:00:01.447-05:00Lamb Chops............I love lamb chops, although the first time I ever made them at home was last year. It was my opinion that it was such a special meal, that I could only have it on a special occasion in a fine dining restaurant atmosphere. I am so glad I don't think that anymore. Now that I've made them at home, realized how easy it is and how much money I save, lamb chops have been added to the "mine are better" list, and I probably won't be ordering them at a restaurant again. <br />
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I have a hard time right now finding lamb chops in the regular supermarket. I have had much better luck going to a butcher shop or a Whole Foods market. (Dear Publix, I still miss you so much because you would probably have them for me, any day of the week.....) Do ask the meat counter at your favorite supermarket, maybe they'll have some in the back.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rYWu9KgjPtZasmYvd2MDd33xJB0iOY4WVQl8wSaymtUn2mR5mIoJNOUngkJUY2eN7nErJWGLx6ASUbnazPl5PD8oKO2ByT23mIExrnUSpxPWXpiYY_Z_rtG29Fs0JEEbt7bJ980nBfQ/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rYWu9KgjPtZasmYvd2MDd33xJB0iOY4WVQl8wSaymtUn2mR5mIoJNOUngkJUY2eN7nErJWGLx6ASUbnazPl5PD8oKO2ByT23mIExrnUSpxPWXpiYY_Z_rtG29Fs0JEEbt7bJ980nBfQ/s400/IMG_0854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I like to have mine with tzatziki sauce, a refreshing greek yogurt with cucumber. An American version is to serve with mint jelly, which I like as well, but the hubby not so much.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHoGFU30mLXhdg1qDRWjcemHJAO7hIpun2LSvIea5KwdmFwngpOeCHy-e1ZN65U2PHdrS7-gu9XUvWmCgolBCE4tCqLDWvuMhp-bHAzP86HA_Hr4zw2REp_L6QMUQaADRqBRaOyCrg9w/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHoGFU30mLXhdg1qDRWjcemHJAO7hIpun2LSvIea5KwdmFwngpOeCHy-e1ZN65U2PHdrS7-gu9XUvWmCgolBCE4tCqLDWvuMhp-bHAzP86HA_Hr4zw2REp_L6QMUQaADRqBRaOyCrg9w/s400/IMG_0969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I like to make a spice mixture in a small bowl, rub it over the chops, then put them back in the refrigerator for a few hours. Before grilling, pull the chops out of the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. I like to grill mine on high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, and I have done both the outdoor grill and the indoor grill pan with both being successful. If you like yours more rare, do 3 minutes per side. (I use just a small amount of olive oil for the indoor grill pan, and nothing for the outdoor grill)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spice Rub for Lamb Chops</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon kosher salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon dried thyme</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon dried basil</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rub on both sides of lamb chops 3-4 hours before grilling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sorry about missing the after picture, we were really hungry.......:)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a dish I feared, and I conquered it, just like I did prime rib (a future post). But, I am still going out and letting the pros cook scallops, calamari, and ahi tuna for me.....for now.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1052213699738321285.post-67719816113216932992012-02-07T05:00:00.053-05:002012-02-07T05:00:01.676-05:00Investing in your kitchen..........So, how long have you had your current every day dishes? When you think about it, it is something that you probably rarely every replace, even though a casual dish set is not that expensive. Most of us put the investment in our "company" dishes, or our "good china" that is maybe used just a few times a year. Our every day dishes, on the other hand, are miss-matched, missing, chipped, but we hang on to them. <br />
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I decided to invest in everyday dishes, that would also be nice enough for when company came. I chose white square dishes, because I love them, and because white gives me the versatility to change up my colors anytime I want to with table settings. I got the idea from watching "The Barefoot Contessa". Ina Garten, who I wish was my next door neighbor. She creates the most beautiful table settings, but always with white plates. The white plates make the food the star, and I definitely appreciate the difference in my own food pictures using them. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKWxj0iRbKHpndQOcp6rIE9m9GoLmu306lvoo_aHhNSdCDDox0HWXo9q2cpPMB-HE1iWvtiHgi391c4yzvp7ftbbZH2ZmNov0N5mY-DdaB8gEM0Oi8AQJ18n9YumMFdlfCwa84twFb4Y/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKWxj0iRbKHpndQOcp6rIE9m9GoLmu306lvoo_aHhNSdCDDox0HWXo9q2cpPMB-HE1iWvtiHgi391c4yzvp7ftbbZH2ZmNov0N5mY-DdaB8gEM0Oi8AQJ18n9YumMFdlfCwa84twFb4Y/s400/IMG_0985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I purchased these at Pottery Barn. I got a set price (2 sets of 4 servings-8 total) even though the dishes are sold a la carte. That's great, because if I break or chip a piece, I can buy just the replacement. It's a first for me, because I've always just gone to the department store, i.e. Target and bought a boxed set. This was an actual investment, in me, and for my kitchen. Another benefit, any white accessories, serving dishes, or color serving dishes will still make a pretty table. I am looking forward to shopping for napkins for every season, mood, color desire, and holiday, because I no longer have a huge assortment of dishes. The white dishes will go with everything!<br />
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Think about getting a set of white dishes and give them a try. I think you will enjoy the change back to a classic.<br />
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Have a wonderful day!<br />
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NancyNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11409269160337068872noreply@blogger.com0