The Leibster Award Nominations and a THANK YOU

<br /><strong>A BIG THANK YOU</strong> to Kim at <a href="http://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/">Exquisitely Unremarkable </a>and to <a href="http://www.thewhimsicalpeacock.com/">The Whimsical Peacock</a> for the Liebster Award Nomination! For those that I've nominated my questions for you are below. Thank you all and have a wonderful day! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sLJEgyH2ds57L246YgGOtONTJZFaUizH563pcn7YVKip3WP6dWrbnP41xhJO0TDMjdmC2kMPN5u6Dj0lwAuVI2zT4OZydysez5liyeZ5SRbQhSClYD8JFSlKo1M6MY7LHH5MIuM9vmQ/s1600/liebster2.png" imageanchor="1" sizcache07729773450876909="4 7 1048" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_590594554="1" jquery18202855083968312736="4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sLJEgyH2ds57L246YgGOtONTJZFaUizH563pcn7YVKip3WP6dWrbnP41xhJO0TDMjdmC2kMPN5u6Dj0lwAuVI2zT4OZydysez5liyeZ5SRbQhSClYD8JFSlKo1M6MY7LHH5MIuM9vmQ/s1600/liebster2.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>1. What is the main focus of your blog?</strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;">DIY, home décor, crafts, and a few recipes thrown in. (Of course there are some stories of "fails", and sarcasm from my loving hubby and kids). </span><br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>2. What is your favorite candy?</strong></div><br />I don't have a big sweet tooth, but I do like Heath Bars and gummies. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>3. Fiction or Non-fiction?</strong></div><br />Historical Fiction, is my favorite, but I also like crime and horror. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>4. What is your favorite season? Why?</strong></div><br />Summer. I love it hot and sunny. We live in the "Finger Lakes Region" of NY , and are lucky to be included on my parents boat in the summer. We go out with the family, park it in the middle of the lake, eat snacks, swim and  play music. Hanging with the family in the summer is just so relaxing. I like BBQ's and camping, sitting around a fire.... Ahhh, c'mon summer - get here! <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>5. Are you an animal momma?</strong></div><br />We have a crazy cat, who is more like a Tasmanian devil, named Sammie. We have and even crazier yellow lab who is 2, named Winnie. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>6. Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite dish to prepare?</strong></div><br />I <em>LOVE</em> to cook and I used to own a catering company. Ironically, I stink at baking! (With a capitol S.) I used to hire a baker for that part of catering. I don't really have a favorite dish to prepare. But the guys in my family like me to cook Beef Wellington. I could spend hours in the kitchen. (Funny aside - unlike Kim who nominated me, I can not stand pizza! I do like chicken wings tho!) <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>7. What is your favorite movie?</strong></div><br />Gone With the Wind. Historical and sappy! <br /><br /><div><strong>8. What did you find most surprising about blogging?</strong></div><br />There's a lot more to do on the computer side of things. I used to read blogs about cooking and DIY and thought the blog authors spent their days creating... but that's about 20% of my time, compared to how much time I spend on the computer. <br /><br /><strong>9. What sport/ activity did you do in school?</strong><br /><br />Soccer was my thing. I also played softball.<br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>10. What was your most frivolous purchase?</strong> </div><br />Nothing really. I'm pretty frugal. The other day my hubby and I were discussing what we would buy if we won the lottery (not likely as we don't play), and he said he would buy a new motorcycle. I was thinking "I could go to the Thrift Shops whenever I wanted"! (Sad, I know). I do, however, have a little problem with cowboy boots and shoes. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>11. What is the one thing you will not leave the house without?</strong></div><br />A sweater. I'm always cold. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 (random and in no particular order) facts about me:</strong></div><br /><ol><li>My hubby and I have five kids, aged 5 to 23. </li><li>I met my hubby in 1st grade, where he used to bully me for having a Woody the Woodpecker Lunchbox - so I used to eat with the nurse in order to avoid him. </li><li>I'm addicted to coffee. And coleslaw. (Sad, but true). </li><li>I have a degree in Television Production, and worked for the BBC in London.</li><li>Country music is the only music I listen to (However, I do like Pitbull, and my kids say "of course you like the creepy old rapper"). </li><li> I am 5'3" and my hubby is 6'3".  Therefore, I almost <em>ALWAYS</em> wear heels.</li><li>We built our house almost 2 years ago, and we still have boxes to unpack in the basement. </li><li>I have the best family and in-laws in the world. </li><li>If I could live anywhere, I would move to Jekyll Island, Georgia. (But I wouldn't move cuz all of our awesome family lives here - we go there every Spring Break instead.)</li><li>My favorite meal would be Lobster with melted butter. Yes, that's a meal to me. </li><li>I can't stand folding laundry. </li></ol><strong>My Nominees for the Liebster Award: </strong><br /><br />Andi at <a href="http://delusionsofingenuity.blogspot.com/">Delusions of Ingenuity</a><br />Karen at <a href="http://bargain-ista.com/">Bargain-ista</a><br />Rebecca at<a href="http://living-better-together.blogspot.com/"> Living Better Together</a><br />Nicki at <a href="http://sweetparrishplace.blogspot.com/">Sweet Parrish Place</a> <br />Chelsea at <a href="http://ameriaus.blogspot.com/">AmeriAus</a><br /><br /><strong>Here are 11 questions for my nominees:</strong><br /><br />1. When did you start your blog, and why?<br />2. If you could have a whole day to yourself, what would you do? <br />3. Who is your hero? <br />4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? <br />5. What's your favorite song?<br />6. What is your favorite meal?<br />7. What is your favorite junk food? <br />8. Coffee or Tea? <br />9. Do you have a claim to fame? <br />10. What was your biggest "fail" in blogging, and did you laugh or cry?!<br />11. What is your best tip to help your fellow bloggers?<br /><br /><div> </div><div>  </div>

The Leibster Award Nominations and a THANK YOU

A BIG THANK YOU to Kim at Exquisitely Unremarkable and to The Whimsical Peacock for the Liebster Award Nomination! For those that I've...

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To Goodwill or not?

<p>Hello there! How are ya? </p> <p>So I sometimes dig my heels in on stuff when everybody else does it…it’s just my thing. I will avoid something that is super trendy just because it’s…well, super trendy. :) The same went for <a href="http://instagram.com/thriftydecorchick">Instagram</a> – it took me forever to get on the bandwagon but I gotta say I have enjoyed it. It’s fun to share snippets of stuff throughout the day, especially when I’m out and about shopping. </p> <p>Some interesting conversations have started up on some photos, and the other day was no exception – it got me thinking: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIfNsdF6aSqB7vL7JByBQfnp313RQGr575fhJrjseXn9U4t-d9ctqxGiQGv46ghegLjqU7-qjb24JajdKmh5EMLsZzjeBwbVvJzMWUbZ4ehFfqeBiFyCK35gNWs4k7YCwu4dcBJNEGFc/s1600-h/photo%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="Goodwill " border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzFBefK9TsMLoeB3hIDGJyeav7xtETAmysYby03RXDe7wRXxeK-2ZzrPw9UkMWsudLJ3glPU5Np_0bsX1Q9G4APFj7OAFrjO0C20alS2ZYINE1ypi-GZkIM6RJpAio20h63a9SrRamvY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Goodwill " width="450" /></a></p> <p>The Bub and I popped into Goodwill before an appointment the other day and I gotta say…some of the prices were a little shocking. ;) </p> <p>I am and will always be a thrifty girl, but you may have noticed I’m not the Goodwill shopper I used to be. That’s for a few reasons – I just don’t have the time for it like I used to. The kiddo is getting older, the blog is getting bigger and to find the goodies at Goodwill you need to stop in often. I use to stop by one two or more times a week and lately I just haven’t made the time. </p> <p>When you stop in once every three months it’s hard to find the deals. ;) And when I used to go a lot and I would find fun stuff and it would come home with me and sit. And <em>sit</em>. (Forever.) Because I couldn’t pass it up <em>of COURSE</em>! And there’s only so much time in the day to transform things so the items would take up space in our house and in my head. I finally had to come to terms with it and STOP. </p> <p>This Goodwill stool I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/06/trying-out-annie-sloan-paint.html">redid with Annie Sloan paint</a> had sat in my garage for a least a year before it got painted:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJWZBM9qOgPrfBHH6_zGWFj-zBRKY7ZCTMLE8ZzYIJUtxPAzf0qvJFb9ZQp_UKaw6z75Xyl2K2B07jCt01-Ay14jfWWjTB3-B2YfJDm2m69G0PV-HaKu_mgk571WL5D_ze6mjxyh3mcA/s1600-h/IMG_1611_thumb%25255B8%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painted stool " border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszOxcsrQXl-HOgBVW-ohxZITIkygugMd3X76k2ce4qgCirtXu7Z6a-izefLQxl3yqxJWgjV2NcmS9MS_UEpdSWwOs7XwXmcnQWqpn9gPjDfvzJSGvZg3YXaRndLY8zGucvBzD3WFIm5U/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="painted stool " width="400" /></a></p> <p>You see, when you find a deal at Goodwill you have to buy it NOW or it will be gone when you come back – at least 90 percent of the time. And I had a lot of buy-it-nows cluttering up my house. :) </p> <p>When our stores changed their return policy (you just get a credit back now), that also changed how often I shopped there. If I can’t just return it I won’t buy as much, plain and simple. </p> <p>But the biggie is that Instagram photo up there – when I have stopped in over the past year or so some of the prices have been shockingly high. The response to that pictures was much of the same – many of your have noticed it as well. </p> <p>Now PLEASE don’t get me wrong – I used to work closely with our Indiana Goodwill’s and truly believe in their mission and believe they do GOOD work. They provide hundreds of jobs for those who may not be employed otherwise. I also understand the price of everything goes up over time. </p> <p>But every time I’ve walked through lately I am shocked by a price tag on more than one item. I laugh about it because I wonder if blogs have a little to do with it – over the past five years or so more people are seeing the value in transforming something old or worn and making it work in their home. </p> <p>I don’t know what it is really, I’ve just noticed the prices have gone up considerably. Target sells some of their extra items to Goodwill and I’ll sometimes see prices at there for higher than you can get it on clearance at Target. </p> <p>So…in a nutshell that’s why I’ve moved more towards antique malls and Craigslist over the years to find most of treasures. I find at antique stores you don’t have to worry quite as much about an item being gone…I’ve left many things and come home to think about them and they are still there when I return. </p> <p>Craigslist is nice because when I want something specific I can search for it over time and wait for the right piece and price. </p> <p>There are still a few go-to items I visit Goodwill for, of course. I love to use books when decorating and end up picking some up from Goodwill occasionally. I always find books I would actually read but it doesn’t hurt to find a pretty one. ;)</p> <p>I picked up a few coffee table-style books to fill in the library built ins: </p> <p><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="DIY built ins" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgrWfr-Bs8Spdh33JB3oOUkvmO-vD-_dcv3fmmCG9D5Pz-TTlNmIL00i0XyX-CcKYdwYQWz-dlBzHgkCYdQt3yNozxOkAyWYnFOAIEv4ZZJujDHgThfMCsYlw5bHmWgujcSl7bYoeq_A/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY built ins" width="500" /></p> <p>And of course Goodwill is always great for frames, although even with those you have to watch the price lately. I love that I can find so many different styles and sizes all in one spot. I found a big one for the basement <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/decorating-basement-little.html">here</a> and had a few on hand from Goodwill for the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/12/chalkboard-gallery-wall.html">kitchen chalkboard</a>:</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqjPjbxsg6-SreCcA-0heL8JmFR8J_EMvL3sM8ZUzWLf3BjY8X3-D-ttp1kcnq0u4fyd6OhfChTfOolCu0lFlIz0yZofxBwLHHUFe3Qj7QgSbZbfhRaDp4d-JzOxDsaXm4nX2hqhISb0/s1600-h/IMG_3186_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue and yellow decorating" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J_z8EC7LELKv-j9KgQzWBAgGjT4k-TEA9wPn_TB4Oo9KppgYG4Ii8zQq7JXzKcTCl98vcHFaPNrvwvwBQyy4ARj-vTqaj_6UAOaD7pg0fRDyKTD88CkrxvVqn4QMOu0yDQe1ieYXVhQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="blue and yellow decorating" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnauhc7RFapIsQM8jm7b7Za7NeKxpvtWDUUPt2fp5zJLur43oHgAr-oTAEEB5KPc8mXRoFi6MH7Eub_fSJkUHwE5mYS_dXv53jmRWss78KuXNG3D2ApIHJtHQT8jVRbmmpPr4ukzbkA_M/s1600-h/IMG_4299_thumb%25255B5%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="magnetic kitchen chalkboard" border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bbvJx6QSgFNPXIiH6UYQx5J_Pw2rcqTCHkKONlJw8oV35pNCEorwUceFf9eHa9j1RjjD02wpbYcuGJsIfpB4wzdmuTMKX4cEguy5xyomxo4-fXeJ640tHhD8zeFoOgHDXJz5e12PT30/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="magnetic kitchen chalkboard" width="290" /></a></p> <p>And most of the frames <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/01/well-finally-office-reveal.html">in my office</a> were collected at Goodwill over time (and then painted white): </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwhi1fk0zfizOdWvIn9VFPMCXiGgEnnI4R2d6JRrRo3ev5xixAQ6hO1bvYiOBAv_RJM4WhxsK_mGidwTqc-ZqzRKweNi7cgwWA8OjMYbYgKJCDpR7nsqw3jMccccKOYzTFYgp6w48L2Y/s1600-h/IMG_9655_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="board and batten walls" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uMu4EM50SlKmFuxcwMKB9m25dDugPz05qjtuCAg8pFR4WsohXRMSorDpVNAZig2Pl0oM9JtrJj4dym9ohKo1FHfdEDj07Yt4yvImxL3PNQCFFjniOVk40pd99TLX7SnOn6IeCyXu7KU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="board and batten walls" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I love that they look like just that – collected. </p> <p>So are you still a Goodwill shopper? Never was? If you are, have you noticed the difference in price over the past year or so like me? I will continue to shop there and support their mission…just not quite as often as I used to. </p> <p>**To see more of my Goodwill transformations, go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/Goodwill">here</a>. </p>

To Goodwill or not?

Hello there! How are ya? So I sometimes dig my heels in on stuff when everybody else does it…it’s just my thing. I will avoid something th...

Read more »

May Before and After Party!

<p>Hey hey all! How was your weekend? Ours was fantastic! </p> <p>Welcome to another Before and After Party to kick off the month! I’m sharing a few of your awesome projects from last month first today and then you’ll be able to link up yours! </p> <p>First up – I loved how simple (and cheap!) <a href="http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2013/03/quick-and-easy-woven-mirror-knock-off.html">Angie’s mirror project</a> was!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsl4YJG7boAZ-RG-H8B5djwFcplGC2vIuFTmRSDnz2vzGm-NpRE1_D49HZJuJvRJ6U4hl6wIcokCmjKCJAVmls2qaGmMkVpQxO1LnwmPisYhtpwPrVIVhFCwIrzwS6Xhu0RvC74EUY58/s1600-h/mirror%252520from%252520a%252520plate%252520charger-005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="mirror from a plate charger" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrvmfVQihsSB2EIb7PIxLdEVyjgyfyHlhW7akLPE7uLub-MDgNmuc5NARXGbroiKGDWXaCZT_qWxaZBHYVZhPctYt2y4jWzKVb1dXQ8_bWH46NrvYOgAXAteKIwJy1tEG2ZvpWGOGEWs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="mirror from a plate charger" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s one of those ideas that makes you wonder why in the heck you didn’t think of it?? </p> <p>Julie added a few spring updates to her <a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-from-inside-out.html">gorgeous dining room</a>: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg205ZFNXvzT9cE-kxivnP_0ItAGNJ3VGdXtxONb6nmt9DJMqS1LDH5ekY1DbPUDPh_A4_UMl-CUyd2DWOeRefFwbG64A82hJ8L2t1z6nrRgPoGpKpin1Q7k5ES2CkWOEZbg3ZkC1Lk_o0/s1600-h/dining%252520room%252520spring%252520sm%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="traditional blue dining room " border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiFc0SiXVJupzZS-InsX71m05uJdAm9MirLOAGOmwYaP08m6Q8eixK8GQjMEgPvcCXiVdgfQTnGgQFOuIEU1irLdsMZLGnxNvxpktc_JBrJ_KRrxxXinXxmhVGI8mxcvxOOmORAH3Lzg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="traditional blue dining room " width="550" /></a></p> <p>LOVE that room! So classic and pretty!</p> <p>Ann made some simple <a href="http://www.onsuttonplace.com/2013/02/working-with-what-you-have">changes to her dining room</a> as well: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vjUOm_FYUrk/UYe20xptq6I/AAAAAAAAc9U/X1b_T53BqVo/s1600-h/IMG_6997%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="yellow traditional dining room" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IR4aPr466Z0/UYe229r7WsI/AAAAAAAAc9c/fmpQTs3upSg/IMG_6997_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="yellow traditional dining room" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Again, what a pretty space! </p> <p>You won’t even <em>believe</em> how this beautiful <a href="http://thesteenstyle.com/2013/03/28/diy-mirrored-nightstand/">mirrored dresser of Laura’s</a> started out!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwWLG9YAuw2XH2I-EA_LmCmGDXyKmdI446kyDt_0xyHPwJ1L-IEk1lXWKVykg-TGIzw9WyJWqcAGgeqv5QprxLi4rC5eLc6G8O0CSciAOhlXdtcvSzybFSgexoF55vsNCBkF4w-BiWv4/s1600-h/diy-mirror-nightstand8%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY mirrored nightstand" border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CNBsd9IWwaYHsJl5aUU6ckItbslkDensYTN2re5o22QUtia78PHHHQSV6oJxZKR-G1BGY1wsCtrsuca3Dtws09xVQXRKuQOZC5g0wc8E4cbJ6Wxn7bUoK7yc7ARMGmUU7bUD0c58Gv8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY mirrored nightstand" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Seriously, you have to go see the before – amazing job! </p> <p>Elizabeth shared her gorgeous, <a href="http://createdwithlove-elizabeth.blogspot.com/2013/03/kitchen-renovation-reveal.html">bright kitchen redo</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IEQUYJVoAnk/UYe27eKKBzI/AAAAAAAAc90/hHTSA-86brk/s1600-h/kitchennewall2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="white kitchen redo" border="0" height="673" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MAmEq4pmh1c/UYe28C9h7AI/AAAAAAAAc98/7dW7YOUHcuo/kitchennewall2_thumb%25255B3%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="white kitchen redo" width="450" /></a></p> <p>This is another one where you have to go see the before to truly appreciate the transformation. ;) </p> <p>I LOVED this <a href="http://www.nelliebellie.com/beforeafter-boys-bedroom/">sweet boy’s room of Janel’s</a>:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfnQ-NRF5dItxEVPz3cOrGIcXf1Upqd8xwo6NYs6PhmNKxeB1U-_FnVmeJYxIs-7nGgiJuM6zeiB6l2Q2g7Tadt1I27A3am13XJtZyKVYgLk-IvONUb3Z3O-p0lJPAcabS9M8mN6-O2c/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202013-05-06%252520at%2525209.22.19%252520AM%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="scalloped wall stencil" border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy73vUzRdP8ePjKRXxBxlBtJNkRFHtAj6fHr3id_ZTVP16ETWm2guzEoyvTAZvnJ9NfJmLMda6cjP7RAhj6Ane7X5ec3Mp3ZBkJvQLA5v_ZDVu6GACMoXY17BrZSSpHHt9Uhxzq5BgfWE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="scalloped wall stencil" width="500" /></a>Isn’t that so much fun? What a cool room for a little boy!  </p> <p>And finally, but certainly not least – I couldn’t believe Nicki’s <a href="http://sweetparrishplace.blogspot.com/2013/03/backsplash-sneak-peek.html">new kitchen backsplash</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--_QFamY2ffs/UYe2-mMwOgI/AAAAAAAAc-U/POpZ0wf_ZTo/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202013-05-06%252520at%2525209.29.46%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Painted tile backsplash" border="0" height="374" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cmJWI4-UP3s/UYe2_jXj9HI/AAAAAAAAc-c/-3ZXOMMQIWU/Screen%252520Shot%2525202013-05-06%252520at%2525209.29.46%252520AM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Painted tile backsplash" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I couldn't believe it because it’s not tile. ;) Awesome! </p> <p>As always, if you’d like to pin these awesome projects and spaces, please do so from their respective sites. </p> <p>Now it’s time to see what you’ve been up to this month! If you’d like to be considered in next month’s review, please ad a link or the html for this button to your post: </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="center"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7326" height="225" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" title="beforeAndAfterButton_thumb[1]" width="146" /></a></div> <pre style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; text-align: left; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; margin: auto; padding-left: 10px; width: 90%; padding-right: 10px; display: block; white-space: pre-wrap; background: #f0f0f0; height: 45px; color: #777777; font-size: 90%; overflow: auto; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 10px"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" title="TDC Before and After" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" alt="TDC Before and After" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre><br /><br /><p>Here you go, link up yours now!:</p><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=271008"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->

May Before and After Party!

Hey hey all! How was your weekend? Ours was fantastic! Welcome to another Before and After Party to kick off the month! I’m sharing a few ...

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Carrot Cake Muffins (for the baking challenged)

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFTi-ME8YQJcwoVPWnPDeWfJI74LtQG6crFvkbl8WoHLaMuxbqva5X_06qeHLPnOlh4EMqLxFQsDQdr2WuVrxvGN_k2NjxGgcswZnWv6L8w0a2jwVfTdtvQVD96NHOWPNbzprpBO3HZk/s1600/carrot+cake+muffins+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFTi-ME8YQJcwoVPWnPDeWfJI74LtQG6crFvkbl8WoHLaMuxbqva5X_06qeHLPnOlh4EMqLxFQsDQdr2WuVrxvGN_k2NjxGgcswZnWv6L8w0a2jwVfTdtvQVD96NHOWPNbzprpBO3HZk/s320/carrot+cake+muffins+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />It's no secret around here that I'm not a baker.  (I play one on TV). <br /><br />It's just not very easy for me to get from point A to point B. First of all, I don't like to measure. That's why I can cook. Take a recipe, play with it, taste the sauce, add a little bit of this, a lot of that, and <em>SOMEHOW</em> it ends up yummy.  If you do that with baking, the results are likely disastrous, and sometimes downright dangerous. Things can <em>EXPLODE</em>!<br /><br />Oh well. I'm still a fan of <em>eating</em> baked goods, and we all know, where there's a will, there's a way. <br /><br />Oh yeah - Box Mixes. Roll your eyes, and scoff if you like. You in your fancy baking apron. But, I like box mixes. With a little tinkering, no one even has to know! <br /><br />And here's a recipe for Carrot Cake Muffins that I Saw at <a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/2013/04/just-2-ingredient-muffins.html?showComment=1367010610032#c8337885068365889291">A Peek Into My Paradise</a>, and I thought, "<em>I can do this</em>". I can even put a little of my own<em> special spin</em> on it.  And by <em>special spin</em>, I mean <em>frosting!  </em>There are a few things I've learned in life - and this is an important one of those things - everything tastes better with frosting and bacon. (Not together, silly.)<br /><br />Anyway, here's the dealio. <br /><br />Preheat the oven to 350F. <br /><br />Take a carrot cake mix. Dump the contents in a big bowl.  DO NOT add anything the box calls for, just the powdered mix. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=ofRC8dDvCGo6gM&tbnid=e0OcF4i6GQF37M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mythirtyspot.com%2F2012_02_19_archive.html&ei=jxCEUazdII-64AOrwICoCw&bvm=bv.45960087,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNHwOZTIaGTPIGGKcQYyEZA2ZjvBew&ust=1367695884662357" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="325" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0C6n9yXCChYmQuZQmA6CrN07pmmTRrXarawP-VQ94ag5gt8JWwtKWm7V4QU0_bRZJ3Z8I6ecdwpXSnqIsTzMKQ0WN2gHR15vvwEyrzzLOmaknHtO9i-oZlAVmZ-W6Bwivjh-sTRW7cxbW/s1600/betty-crocker-carrot-cake-mix.jpg" style="margin-top: 34px;" width="325" /></a></div><br />Now take a can of pumpkin. Put that in with the cake mix. <br /><a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=w9Phl-IqV_aWmM&tbnid=OeaXEkzZeJ2bsM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhappyhealthysaver.com%2Fcvs-stock-up-prices-on-lindsay-olives-libbys-canned-pumpkin-and-more-1104-1110%2F&ei=2hCEUfzoCsWn4AOYp4HIAQ&bvm=bv.45960087,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNFDfR0gAta4ZzVNllpr4xvNRO4zJQ&ust=1367695955463588" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="300" id="irc_mi" src="http://happyhealthysaver.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/6a00e5520c1f5b88330133f2e4611c970b-500wi.jpg" style="margin-top: 47px;" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Stir, stir, stir.  Stir til it's all mixed up. Then put the mess in a gallon Ziploc baggie. Trim the corner off and pipe into muffin tin (with liners). Or just use a spoon an fill the liners. Either way, it will not look very good at this point. You'll see. Pretend not to notice and carry on. <br /><br />Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.  While they bake, make this recipe for frosting. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cream Cheese Frosting </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I use fat-free cream cheese and no one can tell)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Ingredients: </div><ul sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="1"><ul sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="1"><li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="1"><div style="text-align: left;">8 ounces cream cheese </div><li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="2"><div style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp. butter </div><li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="3"><div style="text-align: left;">1 c powdered sugar </div><li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="4"><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract </div><li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="5"><div style="text-align: left;">1 pinch salt </div><li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="6"><div style="text-align: left;">3 tablespoons milk </div></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul></ul><div style="text-align: left;">Directions: </div><div class="section clrfix directions" sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="8" style="text-align: left;"><ol sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="8"><li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="8">Blend softened cheese and butter in mixer. <li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="9">Blend and whip in the sugar and vanilla. (you can add more sugar to taste) <li sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="10">Beat in enough milk to get the right spreading consistency. (Not too thin, not to thick, just right, okay?) </li></li></li></ol></div><br /><br />When the muffins are done, let them cool. Don't eat them yet! They're about to get fabulous. Well, better, at least. <br /><br />Take each muffin and slice it in half, like so: <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTx9oX3fi2blAanezJAaehIzPk9-hb69J5ZIHdh4Vxi2s8p2QNpUgbHaxe04o8h7T0kpe-Bl8LZEaYk1BpWpmUYSAAi-ml6pX9Fm2SQRnBpBU2EJsDYYu-p6egch2a2Rz6xPetP9Q6yE/s1600/carrot+cake+muffins+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTx9oX3fi2blAanezJAaehIzPk9-hb69J5ZIHdh4Vxi2s8p2QNpUgbHaxe04o8h7T0kpe-Bl8LZEaYk1BpWpmUYSAAi-ml6pX9Fm2SQRnBpBU2EJsDYYu-p6egch2a2Rz6xPetP9Q6yE/s320/carrot+cake+muffins+002.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAxcG7zU9huxa_lV_DGOQFFoGodV1ipAvY6-RA_87cqbr9eshlOa8055XszbD4j1aXSNA2J2bGIU93w5hn4QQIC4JWQ3X6gaaKR8gSdQAca_xsIKm6vtCeq3iVGLTYWK_YQjSR_mqho0/s1600/carrot+cake+muffins+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAxcG7zU9huxa_lV_DGOQFFoGodV1ipAvY6-RA_87cqbr9eshlOa8055XszbD4j1aXSNA2J2bGIU93w5hn4QQIC4JWQ3X6gaaKR8gSdQAca_xsIKm6vtCeq3iVGLTYWK_YQjSR_mqho0/s320/carrot+cake+muffins+003.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09387117033835717="12" sizset="1"><h2 class="section=title"> </h2></div>Then frost the middle. <em>THAT WAY</em> you don't get frosting on your fingers. Eat 'em up and give 'em to your kids. Just don't tell them how you did it - you'll be a rock-star. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddKhLVqP0lkWciHjFvzn1CCYnzv7l_L7l0m1MR_xysSCdBt-9P_Q3nvlPAA5TuGHPlBZzsvMXVa0J51RWZlyIVb_0hC4SnA-gCaQbgt92ZANHPbkfsti1dZAeT9l__U8kmFKEtpH5uA4/s1600/carrot+cake+muffins+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Pretend as if you've been grating carrots, sifting flour, and whisking eggs all day. Maybe even put on a fancy baking apron. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR33bg5DTBYcJQ5hX__lIMy38vz8WyDilDOSM5QjzFBKDOIcU0aNBD7eRq-kT_piPrbhaTHQKMTlaF1_4P5hJLYOYhbrVqHOe35JxzMDHyOQOtQLGpze8e00cn2DvUQZznPjQqRlinzmM/s1600/carrot+cake+muffins+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR33bg5DTBYcJQ5hX__lIMy38vz8WyDilDOSM5QjzFBKDOIcU0aNBD7eRq-kT_piPrbhaTHQKMTlaF1_4P5hJLYOYhbrVqHOe35JxzMDHyOQOtQLGpze8e00cn2DvUQZznPjQqRlinzmM/s320/carrot+cake+muffins+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>

Carrot Cake Muffins (for the baking challenged)

It's no secret around here that I'm not a baker.  (I play one on TV). It's just not very easy for me to get from point A to poin...

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Pineapple angel food cake

<p>OK peeps, I don’t share recipes around here often but when I do you know it’s going to be either really easy or really good or really easy <em>and</em> good. This is both, score!!</p> <p>I don’t have a source for this, (a friend reposted it on Facebook) so if you’ve seen it somewhere let me know. I don’t even know what to call it? Pineapple angel food cake? Pineangel food cake? Pineapple fluffy goodness? </p> <p>I don’t know. It’s yummy though, and stupid easy. You just take a box of angel food cake and a 20 ounce can of pineapple: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumOTQfrEji63b_Elw-3oMstk1ndPBtZ6axxqLt6CPloggrQYwsmECDiCyGydX6Zm92dsunCONUpIiTHgugrPNpNI8f7Jhz0qtj0WfVf3XfSW_mCoI2CIh0b3HxQH-rY1Lx2lmNPLNgu4/s1600-h/cake%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy pineapple dessert @ thriftydecorchick.com" border="0" height="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0QU9OSzCnyIadPpVgvVr5IDXa-XT3Nw3SbEw2shLMbGOulr4qOuamNh5qgdtXqlMzHYDAURGZJTvIwy0rxwpw4kgGuqADTGbQOWZTylibXcfDSc3fmv0PsK6HDOSQu5PsYqWHiYNMhU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="easy pineapple dessert @ thriftydecorchick.com" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I’m sure you could use fresh pineapple (just keep the juices!) but wow…this is supposed to be easy remember? ;) </p> <p>You just dump the pineapple in with the cake mix: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbzRWYiQIZSPrDE51v1K35Up9aw75FvQa28ptik2O-nuMAe7SuOch_NnnGXwwho4aItjod0Ge0qtjeEIiB4a5ddrQzgCOYSmhjqjwepbEJUUWhfUbzQUjdZBkRhCH8pWsXvhOGCRFWUg/s1600-h/IMG_5444%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pineapple angel food cake dessert" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6O_4lPLtVQZlAsrPtSY4bBeZIjgXtv4a0xXtmlXxPWG-vzHs6d4yXEuo1pMWyK8XWVSDjAs-WJYaiCeGgXG-XccIVkpteaBQ9AD2U4LmY52ZMCG84DGbZ69iVDCiigNDJSVKve843FI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pineapple angel food cake dessert" width="450" /></a></p> <p>And that’s the only ingredients! When I first saw this I thought, wow, that’s crazy easy! And then I remembered you only need water with the angel food cake mix anyway, but I digress…it’s still easy. </p> <p>The pineapple juice will react with the mix and make it super frothy and fluffy – it was fun to watch: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg-Jm8JFHzF4rUQ3zcaZSqPUGQ9hyphenhyphendK-GkCh9KZivCerMg_pq_XDpH0qcGi3R_sTtAjroQ1hvWxzZmsnDqQAW_stT1FlGxZH-diLa8rDbTzYJY2kbBN4sISEHBf5DTvciq3rH2nxbUrA/s1600-h/IMG_5445%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="easy pineapple cake dessert" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuV-6ak1f8XDVD5xeQUZ4I44PcA7Ic4pBHpVBlxYgovY6ea70-OLsY8lxH5-wbPur5Zq7W6fFWeB5NJM8UzdWz83Hq1OSRoZzcXG0pGAPvALZgrCB8ZdLQ4413MyOxrk64w5xPm6ts5M/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="easy pineapple cake dessert" width="450" /></a></p> <p>The more you mix it the bigger it will get! </p> <p>Then you just pour it into a pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. That’s it! (I ended up using a 9 by 13 pan.)</p> <p>I starting mauwing on it right out of the pan when it was done and it was SO GOOD warm. Wow. YUMMO. </p> <p>But I soon realized I could make a little parfait: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn_MMoHm1wFpN9DYHscDrjIId8gkqTtR2tt5ufQaTewmxzLwMT8B9MvvYSsBMccv3BQsNvi3bd0o5rS6-Rp-Qnw-XQAA6-0Ts1pUmpYAxQwTvC42x_jKyWbHFlUChoekxJ1g97nqJcgI/s1600-h/IMG_5482%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="angel food cake and pineapple easy dessert" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcq5cSzFYtXijl783HXAJBJZ35-42VIcdz1EGX5JhQ0PnHNmnFh6fZU2iaWxru6HRa-5mJTFColb2CG65SaX5N4FyxTNIGJmeNGF9sg9z1wD2ft9e05ActDDq7jHUHcyDJKSD_CS6Jr4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="angel food cake and pineapple easy dessert" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I just layered the pineapple goodness and whipped topping and it was SO. good. The cake was just fine at room temp but like I said, I loved it heated up a little. </p> <p>So there you go – a super easy, really yummy dessert. Perfect for this time of year with the pineapple and great for when you have people coming by and need something fast: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh1APxgCgdztn7Z-CZkfvNe5N8sDKB6Ir04Szq7mRqa40uONzSvjmdlWTGNDP-5MXEm6y837UYPf68JlTvE2P8kb5mPmm8_lE8m7COTTV0-5SZ7uPWOUGijOqQdaEF9xmraYhr2Sbb5U/s1600-h/IMG_5493%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="angel food cake and pineapple, easy dessert @ thriftydecorchick.com" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs6HvLgw-QN4um2tm6-TsdoMx1kpvcdEYtgcDJFv1advRF8Vkz7j56eKrCtbG7sUUco9wDmoy7b7CUXRdsFEvf09z3F2Q_t0zntD4GwDMfot80MwGjV4_9_DbTI7cvuuzwyGxaJqw460/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="angel food cake and pineapple, easy dessert @ thriftydecorchick.com" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Or when you’re home alone in the middle of the day. Whatever. </p> <p>;) </p> <p>I’m off to get more ingredients today so I can make it again this weekend. Have you tried this easy dessert? Any other simple sweet recipes you’ve tried? (Some readers on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThriftyDecorChick">Facebook</a> said they have tried it with cherry filling too – doing that next!)</p> <p>**Check out my other easy recipes <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/I%20am%20cooking%3F" target="_blank">here</a>! </p>

Pineapple angel food cake

OK peeps, I don’t share recipes around here often but when I do you know it’s going to be either really easy or really good or really easy a...

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Shepherd's Pie with BACON

<div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1"></div><div class="separator" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyRDKYMXVWPp2uJIWrfjsqkDF7P3IEKJaRlmiEqOFfHMqThB8dexP1XWb38pU00kok9BJi1M_BJ4m7ygZ5Ar7qd9fKqXVTBMy01mi95xQfFnswQ1FZpVaN980cAzjJKwZkCuDZ_kig1Q/s1600/5-1-13+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyRDKYMXVWPp2uJIWrfjsqkDF7P3IEKJaRlmiEqOFfHMqThB8dexP1XWb38pU00kok9BJi1M_BJ4m7ygZ5Ar7qd9fKqXVTBMy01mi95xQfFnswQ1FZpVaN980cAzjJKwZkCuDZ_kig1Q/s320/5-1-13+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><h2 class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;">Shepherd's Pie with Bacon</h2><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;">The weather's nice and the BBQ is up and running, but sometimes I have to prepare something the kids will eat! So, with that in mind, here's a Shepherd's Pie recipe that my kids will devour. <br /><br /></div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;">(In fact, that's the reason I have only one photo. </div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;">The kids swarmed the kitchen and dug in before I had a chance to plate!) <br /><br /></div><h2 class="section=title" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1">Ingredients </h2><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1"></div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1"><ul sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1"><h2>Pie</h2><ul class="multi" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1"><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="1">1 lb ground beef (I use the fattier kind, <span style="background-color: yellow;">for better flavor, and</span> just drain and rinse) </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="2">1 onion, chopped (I use a small onion) </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="3">2 garlic cloves, minced </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="4">salt, to taste </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="5">pepper, to taste </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="6">1 small carrot, shredded. (Used the cheese grater) </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="6">Frozen Peas</li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="6">Frozen Corn (Large handful or two of peas and corn) </li></ul><h2>Gravy</h2><ul class="multi" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="7"><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="7">3  tablespoons butter </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="8">3  tablespoons flour </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="9">1 (10 ounce) cans beef broth </li></ul><h2>Potato </h2><ul class="multi" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="10"><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="10">8 small potatoes (Yukon Gold is my preferred kind) </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="11">3 tablespoons butter, to taste </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="12">3 tablespoons cream cheese (I use heaping) </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="12">8 oz grated cheddar cheese (4 oz for the potatoes, 4 oz for the top!) </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="12">4  oz Parmesan cheese </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="12">4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="13">1/4 cup milk, to taste </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="13">3 green onions, chopped </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="14">salt and pepper, to taste </li></ul></ul></div><br /><div class="section clrfix directions" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="16"></div><h2 class="section clrfix directions" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="16">Directions</h2><div class="section clrfix directions" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="16"></div><div class="section clrfix directions" sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="16"><ol sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="16"><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="16">Preheat oven to 350°F. <br /></li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="17">Peel and quarter potatoes and cook in boiling salted water until tender. Just stick a fork in one, and if it falls off the fork they're done. I don't know, takes about 15 minutes. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="17">Drain and mash potatoes. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="17">Add 4 oz of cheddar cheeese.</li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="17">Add all other potato ingredients <em>EXCEPT</em> bacon, and combine. <br /></li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="18">In a large skillet, brown beef, onions and garlic. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="19">Drain fat if necessary. I actually rinse the beef in hot water to remove the fat better. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20">Add carrots, peas, corn, salt and pepper. Turn off the heat. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20">Meanwhile melt butter in a pan, and once bubbling, add flour. Stir for one minute, but do not brown or burn. Add beef broth and whisk to combine. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20">Add gravy to the meat and transfer to a clear baking 9x13" pan. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20">Put the potatoes into a gallon baggie, and snip off the corner to "pipe" potato mixture on top of the meat mixture. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20">Sprinkle bacon on top, and top with extra cheese and pepper. If you want it to look super pretty, dust the top with paprika. </li><li sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20">Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and brown. </li></ol></div><div sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20"></div><div sizcache07555496024420529="12" sizset="20">I would serve this with a big, light salad, but Big A and the kids insist on garlic bread with just about everything. So do whatever makes 'em happy. </div>

Shepherd's Pie with BACON

Shepherd's Pie with Bacon The weather's nice and the BBQ is up and running, but sometimes I have to prepare something the kids will ...

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Giant Wall Art DIY

<br /><div align="center">Hello and Happy Wednesday! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Here is a</div><div align="center">HUGE </div><div align="center">FREE </div><div align="center">WALL ART </div><div align="center">DIY </div><div align="center">project I made yesterday. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Mine measures 5 feet across, but you could make yours any size to fit any wall.  </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxdua10MA20YM6HJ90FN6XSxj_Pcc_m7GJBwmj4WKGkYbt0RhJH6XfEADS8mchiiSNmkdkqxw-CYXLLkI1fAgxTOt4237tvs5YKc_fNpQzZHhIpLKYlrXw1C6KZOX16ulE57GikHa7kw/s1600/5-1-13+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxdua10MA20YM6HJ90FN6XSxj_Pcc_m7GJBwmj4WKGkYbt0RhJH6XfEADS8mchiiSNmkdkqxw-CYXLLkI1fAgxTOt4237tvs5YKc_fNpQzZHhIpLKYlrXw1C6KZOX16ulE57GikHa7kw/s320/5-1-13+007.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmJnYjNALjz9Ihm5HhjDb5a0uB5Is1l2GbgS6-QdYdJ7D7hfx0IErXe5XrYrOTi_171iYzv9GhwMuC_paXlCnECSzw6GRmK7uNxZtswNIOkHKXUyjiaOxfcqnv9xQP5t1N8H01YUyuE8/s1600/5-1-13+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This week the temperatures have been in the mid-60's, the flowers are blooming, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and the buds are bursting. You know what that means? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yard work. Hard work. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here in CNY (or at least at my house) Spring brings the <strike>disappointment</strike>  <em>wonderful surprise</em> of everything the snow has been hiding all winter. In our case, it was sticks, sticks, and more sticks. And leaves, leaves and, yep, more leaves - all covered by the snow, before we had a chance to rake them, and now pressed together to the consistency of cement. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet! (And by "sweet" I mean another "S" word. No, it's not "Surprise!")</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the thing. I HATE raking. My back hates raking. My kids hate raking. My hubby hates raking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> This year our yard was so bad, to save my sanity, I decided it was a mind over matter situation. To get through it, I told myself I LOVE raking. I love the exercise (my back is screaming), I love the fresh air (my nose is streaming), I love the wildlife (mangling worms and tearing them in half)... LOVE IT! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, with the help of the troops, I got through it, and we have the yard cleared up - ready for mulch and planting. I suppose it is somewhat satisfying. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">And then I had a thought. I might as well get something out of this - satisfaction? Nah. Not good enough. I want something I can touch and see. Like wall art, of course. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I gathered up the nicer looking sticks and kinda formed a plan in my head. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCLteeZ4G9kQoK8anej-816jxGyYHVf8BIAxRHuizaFwo1OhJbLCGVib9flmV8wHPwGJlzuFVrtYyYvxX27sdJOndnCT7Bx0eQnv5sqkZx7jEko4xJE-YZM1r8ir0McklM1aRZ3-MgZ0/s1600/5-1-13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa5lak4XHg1717CW9XvRyeawJU0AmfZhJk028exTLMku07lUk7ny7zXTw6ZGA4FMdeXfAQoLSGNKhx4NqO4Dr-IteOz4GTBMvh7aewXUU5atQyywT_sRQgx3hjxpp3Y3EpDpALS32UZY/s1600/5-1-13+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa5lak4XHg1717CW9XvRyeawJU0AmfZhJk028exTLMku07lUk7ny7zXTw6ZGA4FMdeXfAQoLSGNKhx4NqO4Dr-IteOz4GTBMvh7aewXUU5atQyywT_sRQgx3hjxpp3Y3EpDpALS32UZY/s320/5-1-13+004.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a large archway from our kitchen to the hall, which requires something large. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I made a 5 foot sunburst, using some of those sticks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I cut out a 6" circle of card board, and covered it in burlap. I used this as a base for the sunburst. It is the center where I glued all of the sticks. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpwJR56bzymwXJYZ8-RQ9sQSmGFTQCJT0F6Zsbs9mGnCod4VDpT29QzvwR_qbhM2z7JKX5tn0RxtXy0uHGyeSLynqgTPKOauc6GetW77Pv1b0cmIyqjUfaFgEbeLZ2sJGGAKJwgyOYxM/s1600/5-1-13+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpwJR56bzymwXJYZ8-RQ9sQSmGFTQCJT0F6Zsbs9mGnCod4VDpT29QzvwR_qbhM2z7JKX5tn0RxtXy0uHGyeSLynqgTPKOauc6GetW77Pv1b0cmIyqjUfaFgEbeLZ2sJGGAKJwgyOYxM/s320/5-1-13+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, I cut the sticks to two different lengths. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCLteeZ4G9kQoK8anej-816jxGyYHVf8BIAxRHuizaFwo1OhJbLCGVib9flmV8wHPwGJlzuFVrtYyYvxX27sdJOndnCT7Bx0eQnv5sqkZx7jEko4xJE-YZM1r8ir0McklM1aRZ3-MgZ0/s1600/5-1-13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCLteeZ4G9kQoK8anej-816jxGyYHVf8BIAxRHuizaFwo1OhJbLCGVib9flmV8wHPwGJlzuFVrtYyYvxX27sdJOndnCT7Bx0eQnv5sqkZx7jEko4xJE-YZM1r8ir0McklM1aRZ3-MgZ0/s320/5-1-13+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center">(I couldn't find my pruners, so I just used needle nose pliers with a cutter. </div><div align="center">Where there's a will, there's a way.)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Being a highly technical person, I then used my eyeballing method to place the sticks. </div><div align="center">For a little more detail on such method, and making sunbursts, go <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-sunburst-mirror-under-8.html">HERE</a>! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I used my glue gun to glue all of the sticks symmetrically on the piece of cardboard. </div><div align="center">I had this cool plate that used to belong to my grandparents, and I thought that would make the perfect center for my sunburst. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilicZuoK30LGM2eGdsnhnDX41YHzBI9ZJfIznWe5iYwXx7YCCWvq2PMhfQhfFuCPhH6gD1hFcc8FCk-jCFOjIpt6H_aKtmGrq5AhNWlWh-W3Pa0BsShuX3wHQ3W9RS9Te5o-LXJ1tkwRw/s1600/5-1-13+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilicZuoK30LGM2eGdsnhnDX41YHzBI9ZJfIznWe5iYwXx7YCCWvq2PMhfQhfFuCPhH6gD1hFcc8FCk-jCFOjIpt6H_aKtmGrq5AhNWlWh-W3Pa0BsShuX3wHQ3W9RS9Te5o-LXJ1tkwRw/s320/5-1-13+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And here it is.  </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmJnYjNALjz9Ihm5HhjDb5a0uB5Is1l2GbgS6-QdYdJ7D7hfx0IErXe5XrYrOTi_171iYzv9GhwMuC_paXlCnECSzw6GRmK7uNxZtswNIOkHKXUyjiaOxfcqnv9xQP5t1N8H01YUyuE8/s320/5-1-13+008.JPG" width="212" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxdua10MA20YM6HJ90FN6XSxj_Pcc_m7GJBwmj4WKGkYbt0RhJH6XfEADS8mchiiSNmkdkqxw-CYXLLkI1fAgxTOt4237tvs5YKc_fNpQzZHhIpLKYlrXw1C6KZOX16ulE57GikHa7kw/s1600/5-1-13+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxdua10MA20YM6HJ90FN6XSxj_Pcc_m7GJBwmj4WKGkYbt0RhJH6XfEADS8mchiiSNmkdkqxw-CYXLLkI1fAgxTOt4237tvs5YKc_fNpQzZHhIpLKYlrXw1C6KZOX16ulE57GikHa7kw/s320/5-1-13+007.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />This is what it looks like through the arch from the kitchen to the hall wall where it resides. (It was difficult to get a good angle for taking this photo, but it does look large and impressive). <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSLHq6vauWTtJq0kJikUafRs_1CDJjuYhkl9z08OFrTQCf0uLsXE7LImFDOnJEjy7ZHwEbv4EzIbjmom5McWsAAcg5QxbWan_JsNuCw4aE6sbPeQTHT40xM2vc6LwhXi-u2Alfm_Ek-Q/s1600/5-1-13+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSLHq6vauWTtJq0kJikUafRs_1CDJjuYhkl9z08OFrTQCf0uLsXE7LImFDOnJEjy7ZHwEbv4EzIbjmom5McWsAAcg5QxbWan_JsNuCw4aE6sbPeQTHT40xM2vc6LwhXi-u2Alfm_Ek-Q/s320/5-1-13+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4zy1Qhkl6XRj4TI2vF42fik53PC-Zqru1q_cZeovGwMBae68Dehj0Cwnn5E83VYiP9Dt9aEhPPXEZf1PIwLOmHXNGNzsAbStRf6_GQDvRrfnEg9_EowckpWMtm1lU368tCd_j2GgzUU/s1600/5-1-13+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4zy1Qhkl6XRj4TI2vF42fik53PC-Zqru1q_cZeovGwMBae68Dehj0Cwnn5E83VYiP9Dt9aEhPPXEZf1PIwLOmHXNGNzsAbStRf6_GQDvRrfnEg9_EowckpWMtm1lU368tCd_j2GgzUU/s320/5-1-13+011.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;">My teen-aged daughter saw the finished product and claimed that she loved it. However, as she walked by it she said, with a hint of suspicion and doubt, "I hope you used <em>quality</em> sticks". </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, yeah, they're quality sticks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, at the risk of sounding repetitive, I made this huge wall hanging for free. Some quality sticks were sacrificed, and a few worms lost their lives, but otherwise it was free. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilicZuoK30LGM2eGdsnhnDX41YHzBI9ZJfIznWe5iYwXx7YCCWvq2PMhfQhfFuCPhH6gD1hFcc8FCk-jCFOjIpt6H_aKtmGrq5AhNWlWh-W3Pa0BsShuX3wHQ3W9RS9Te5o-LXJ1tkwRw/s1600/5-1-13+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><div align="center">So what do you think? Have you used anything from your yard to make a wall hanging? </div></div>

Giant Wall Art DIY

Hello and Happy Wednesday!   Here is a HUGE FREE WALL ART DIY project I made yesterday.   Mine measures 5 feet across, but you could make yo...

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