Friday, July 31, 2009

Measuring Fun by the Yard

This past weekend, Ben and I did a little work on the yard. My biggest achievements are my new topiaries. I have always wanted some...
I have plans to paint that urn black...finding the perfect size urn in black at the end of summer, proved to be a little harder than I expected. I also need to plant some "filler flowers" at the bases of the trees.

We also did some work around back and remulched. We tried the rubber mulch that is made out of recycled tires and really like. I think we will tackle our front beds next.

Some more photos of the back, although these projects took place weeks ago.

House warming gift from Shannon! Hydrangeas are my favorite! Now if I can just keep from killing it.We love spending time out here. Marley has been dying to join us - he goes crazy when we are out there by trying to climb through the blinds on the back door. We got a harness and leash for him to use but he is NOT a fan.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Kitchen Table Redo

My photo documentation of this project leaves something to be desired but it was fun to do and very rewarding!

When my mom said she was remodeling her kitchen and dining room and asked if I would like to have either one of her tables it was a no brainer for me...YES, PLEASE! I will take the oak table! This is the table I grew up eating at as a kid. The table from my parent's kitchen. The table where I practiced my spelling words. The table where my birthday cakes sat waiting to have the candles blown out. The table where, on occasion, my parents told me I was grounded...or that they were proud of me (depending on the day and the situation). Lots of good memories ingrained in this piece of furniture. Consequently, it worked out quite well as my sister preferred the wrought iron table. Both sisters happy = a happy momma too!

So a trip was planned for my family and the table to come down for the Fourth of July. We had lots of plans to do work on my new house so my mom (like only my mom can) packed her car full of everything we needed/wanted for the weekend. Somehow she was able to fit 3 adults and their luggage, a saw, a drill, a sander, an air mattress and this table in her little Volvo. Way to go, Mom!

My mother had painted the table black. And while I love black tables (I have a dining room table in that color if you doubt me), I felt white would fit my kitchen a little better. So the project began...

This is part of the top before the sanding began:It's starting to come off:
Work it, Momma!

My mother and I got it down to this and thought we had done a pretty good job. When we returned from a trip to Lowe's my dad had put his handiwork on it as well.

Great job, Daddy-o! Such a great job that I agonized over painting over the beautiful wood!

Obviously I got over my agony because the table is now completely white and I LOVE it. I can't wait for MY kids to eat at this table!

P.S. Coming soon...chairs!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

My Favorite Things

that I got for CHEAP!

NUMBER 1

Yellow Bag from Target - $22.99.

NUMBER 2
Ranch Veggie Dip from Aldi - $.99

NUMBER 3
Iced Cafe Mocha from Aldi - $.99

NUMBER 4
Apothecary Jar from Aldi - $3.99

NUMBER 5
Magnetic Bookmark from Dollar Store - $1

NUMBER 6
New Replacement for my emery board and case
from Dollar Store - $1

Old emery board and case cost around $6.
Dollar Store version = better deal!

NUMBER 7 & 8
The Maiden Hair fern made it onto my one of MFT blogs last summer. Imagine my excitement when I found this one on sale (Smith & Hawken store is going under - everything must go) for $8. Followed by a discovery at Target (more Smith & Hawken stuff) of the beautiful pot for another mere $8. Now if I can just keep Marley from eating it!

NUMBER 9
Patriotic Bunting from the Dollar Store - $1

NUMBER 10
Even though it appears there is only one flag on display,
there are actually two.
American Flags from the Dollar Store - $2 for the pair.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Old Man Marley

Since we have had Marley he seems to have put on a few pounds. When we first inherited him, he was a svelte little Tom Cat.But his waistline has grown and he is now a little more, shall we say, "fluffy"?

In an attempt to slim down, he has started exercising.

Here we see him doing some crunches...


Someone told him this would help him regain his hourglass figure.
Next thing you know he will be asking us for a treadmill.


Friday, July 10, 2009

Welcoming Our New Sofa

Bianca arrived bright and early Saturday morning. She is slowly growing accustomed to her new home, but feels a little naked...
since we took away the dreadful pillows she was wearing when she arrived.
We had purchased this little number for her arrival, but didn't feel like it suited her quite as well as we had hoped it would.
So our old sofa generously handed these down to her.

I think she would like some duds of her own...so we are on a search. Until then, she is relaxing in front of Stevie the TV and anxiously awaiting her friend Rosita (pronounced Ro"seat"a) the chair. (Can I get a "whoop whoop" from all my "Friends" fans out there?)

Pepperoni Nuggets

These are always a tailgating/party favorite. Although, my husband needs no party for an excuse to request these - they are one of his favorites!

1. Simply thaw out a bag of frozen dinner rolls (uncooked - should be in dough form).
2. Stuff each roll with pepperoni, cheese (and banana peppers if you so desire).
3. Top with butter, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and Italian Seasoning.
4. Bake until golden brown.
5. Serve with a side of warmed pizza sauce.


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Fourth of July

My parents and sister came down to visit and see our new house last Wednesday. We were so excited to have them here...especially for the Fourth. They sure did work to earn to their keep - more blogs on that later. But on Saturday, we took the day off to grill out and see some fireworks. Ben bought a new grill (his first ever) Friday night and he and dad assembled it in record time.

Saturday we grilled hamburgers (Boca Burgers for Sister), enjoyed corn on the cob, veggies and dip, watermelon, potato salad and topped it all off with a berry trifle.




My sister appreciated my attempt at a star on top of the trifle, lame as it was.

Ben, the Grill Master.

After dining al fresco, we headed to Soho to enjoy a view of the fireworks, visit with Hal and Maghan at Momma G's and delight in some shaved ice.

Happy 233rd Birthday, America! A few more years and you will be caught up with my husband! (love you, honey!)