tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61181436673066885292023-11-16T07:46:48.143-08:00miken's crafts & moreMikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-26379017078669681682013-07-21T18:21:00.000-07:002013-07-21T18:29:51.031-07:00our first housewe bought an old house. 1933 is when it was built to be exact. it has great bones but doesn't have the most stellar details or charm but that's ok - we're excited to add them and make it our own! we will be restoring original elements into this house and making it into a home.<br />
<br />
<b>round 1: the essentials to make it livable </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<u>painting</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
there is minimal wallpaper so that shouldn't take too long to get off (hopefully) but we do need to paint all the walls and ceilings. we will be painting the baseboards and ceiling white and all the walls everywhere a light gray like in the pictures shown below. it'll add a little bit of contrast without darkening the house or being distracting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVRuvrN24ZakOiCQBGgYg_X-QWtWKrHnlYTCOqlF0p_05fQnZKWR2Zy-mAXV_teoCcu_94Pd0jMzo_LIbPjh8xB4U7nla-XTtam1JzHXWEU2K8aVKUF3hn7L7R-9St4it8oBrsmME7r8/s1600/grey-painted-room.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVRuvrN24ZakOiCQBGgYg_X-QWtWKrHnlYTCOqlF0p_05fQnZKWR2Zy-mAXV_teoCcu_94Pd0jMzo_LIbPjh8xB4U7nla-XTtam1JzHXWEU2K8aVKUF3hn7L7R-9St4it8oBrsmME7r8/s320/grey-painted-room.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
this bathroom is a bit modern (which is not what we'll be doing) but the color scheme (walls, floors, cabinets, countertops, etc.) is going to be similar in the house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ6T9mqoP-dV5ph0V80OrnIc6BRsl2AeywCz1nWc5T6GSF_OYLTpvUmArE7SntYCKCzKhbG9Yoc8Fb_3VkTsi32jAAzwx0uTxaboo7zVMsKH9fC3Xy6ptA5EWeG_jpJAUaTlAIGS0VLo/s1600/5161968f0ede4464_4190-w422-h444-b0-p0--contemporary-bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ6T9mqoP-dV5ph0V80OrnIc6BRsl2AeywCz1nWc5T6GSF_OYLTpvUmArE7SntYCKCzKhbG9Yoc8Fb_3VkTsi32jAAzwx0uTxaboo7zVMsKH9fC3Xy6ptA5EWeG_jpJAUaTlAIGS0VLo/s320/5161968f0ede4464_4190-w422-h444-b0-p0--contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
we're going to be having a painting party this week and have invited family and some friends to come help. hopefully it gets done in a snap! should be interesting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<u>hard wood flooring</u><br />
we pulled back the carpet in the corners and know there is hardwood floors throughout the living room, hall, and bedrooms. it's hard to tell from corners of a room what condition the rest of the wood floors are in. we may have to have them refinished before we move in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlYLotI72euGKiAGp4-dzzKUzk8gC5W0_ciHTzSr-CszyY6RrzDWXfveC-3R5rbCjKlWTEYvPiYfHFBZ2GNQMxgh5EO2jzKuoF1xK_5nX8PBVxDnt3dpaO2c5VhjcK5KiQcXFsrZKnys/s1600/refinishing-x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlYLotI72euGKiAGp4-dzzKUzk8gC5W0_ciHTzSr-CszyY6RrzDWXfveC-3R5rbCjKlWTEYvPiYfHFBZ2GNQMxgh5EO2jzKuoF1xK_5nX8PBVxDnt3dpaO2c5VhjcK5KiQcXFsrZKnys/s320/refinishing-x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
this we plan on having a professional do. kind of not willing to spend that kind of energy or time on this and potentially screw it up. we have a few other repairs that will need to be made by a plumber and an electrician too before we move in. </div>
<br />
<u>kitchen and bathroom flooring</u><br />
turns out the kitchen and bathroom do not have hardwood floors under the carpet but there's also no linoleum or asbestos either. who puts carpet in a kitchen and bathroom anyway?? we plan on doing long black slate tiles on the floor in both the kitchen and the bathroom like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU_PX5xUIvHbOj3o6vStZRkoAwOyeCihVEHRmRO0EQsPNZkU8vUhyphenhyphenFskifv1s6nsUR1cGXkJ6IlupBZFu0PX6sUSPD3N1NMhFZyCQ46CfgMbYto_dF9x5IRKStHfokPHTYhmVqVjogV4/s1600/Gaja-black-slate-flooring-P6178B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU_PX5xUIvHbOj3o6vStZRkoAwOyeCihVEHRmRO0EQsPNZkU8vUhyphenhyphenFskifv1s6nsUR1cGXkJ6IlupBZFu0PX6sUSPD3N1NMhFZyCQ46CfgMbYto_dF9x5IRKStHfokPHTYhmVqVjogV4/s1600/Gaja-black-slate-flooring-P6178B.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4SRmNL2Vzx2krzjS9an93X-bc7z2FjeW07FwNZ32aZIlSe8YwuSUq8GzHdL6tMRxHG8zo6qW2iJwN413YyliHQZpfRSb_Hw0iCb6zscSh0qu-Ej8DlPS6gJ9_6dkb_ucP9Ke-GzCmYQ/s1600/Kitchen-Floor-Tile-Ideas-for-Modern-Kitchen-by-Natural-Balance-Home-Builders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4SRmNL2Vzx2krzjS9an93X-bc7z2FjeW07FwNZ32aZIlSe8YwuSUq8GzHdL6tMRxHG8zo6qW2iJwN413YyliHQZpfRSb_Hw0iCb6zscSh0qu-Ej8DlPS6gJ9_6dkb_ucP9Ke-GzCmYQ/s320/Kitchen-Floor-Tile-Ideas-for-Modern-Kitchen-by-Natural-Balance-Home-Builders.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and we'll see how this goes but we plan on doing this part ourselves. yikers! kinda nervous but eager to learn. i'm probably going to be doing most of it myself as eddy has concentrated summer school going on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>cleaning</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
give everything a once and twice-over and we'll be ready to move in. there was a lil' old lady that lived there that had a cat and we don't really need our kitties getting sick (or ourselves). excited to clean it up and start adding our own germs to the house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
so... to sum it all up: hardwood floors, dark tile kitchen, light gray walls with white trim. i can see it now!</div>
<br />
<b>round 2: the get-it-<i>more</i>-livable phase</b><br />
<br />
<u>kitchen back splash</u><br />
well right now there is none. there is a LOT left to be desired in the kitchen. as with any kitchen or house we could pour a ton of money into it BUT we're not going to. we're going to make it as cute as it we can with the stuff it already has. maybe in time we'll feel the need to rip everything out and make it more functional but not yet.<br />
<br />
just like in these pictures, we plan on using white subway tiles with black edging tiles and black tiles for the details. we're again going to attempt to do the tile work ourselves. we'll see how that goes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3y82IMGS4dRAuzN16r7ZG41XtQG-vdgzESFN1LA2Y3kI6SCgFFT_a6hwDYbPB8Ae-vtklsJ9TOMCQrch4CCmEj9oXxjLOH2O8ot16snsXtdc5qq1JQrfWc0VQ6zqYjvOzDZBAQsaAuc/s1600/Kitchen-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3y82IMGS4dRAuzN16r7ZG41XtQG-vdgzESFN1LA2Y3kI6SCgFFT_a6hwDYbPB8Ae-vtklsJ9TOMCQrch4CCmEj9oXxjLOH2O8ot16snsXtdc5qq1JQrfWc0VQ6zqYjvOzDZBAQsaAuc/s320/Kitchen-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP5ivlcJX-0HgJlwV52lU9qZckec_QmbGbkleciOzmpoRo2TOjsIQOybVGZ05MmtXXs-REJiI6VNMGdfSu86L3fk0usLq8o_-gR_2RhFTe_mgxn9YhQv28TcLI9vGpW84lklTtQBna4U/s1600/Kitchen-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP5ivlcJX-0HgJlwV52lU9qZckec_QmbGbkleciOzmpoRo2TOjsIQOybVGZ05MmtXXs-REJiI6VNMGdfSu86L3fk0usLq8o_-gR_2RhFTe_mgxn9YhQv28TcLI9vGpW84lklTtQBna4U/s320/Kitchen-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
i LOVE this kitchen. not necessarily the floors but the tilework and details that make it more 1930s and 40s style which i am obsessed with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>bathroom shower tile surround</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
right now there is only a bathtub upstairs; no shower. that might be ok for a few but not for most and not for us. we're going to have a plumber put in the shower head before we move in and then work on putting the tile in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
we plan on using white and black subway tile just like in the kitchen. one thing about this house - we want to make it classic and flow well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlD4SO9wZbEJCsSaJvQOyxfzoHE0yubxLXT9VSCJqJ5Srmwrous9EZBURJ3dFximwtzQq1al2Q5xwVWm-T8esnsFTX6CS3qQ2R_AhQsVxm72L0IZE6C47XDihJQiYll_fwndlriNoDJA/s1600/hdstrs09_bathroom-after_s4x3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlD4SO9wZbEJCsSaJvQOyxfzoHE0yubxLXT9VSCJqJ5Srmwrous9EZBURJ3dFximwtzQq1al2Q5xwVWm-T8esnsFTX6CS3qQ2R_AhQsVxm72L0IZE6C47XDihJQiYll_fwndlriNoDJA/s320/hdstrs09_bathroom-after_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp1u55c81w7rCOJkrizan8l7sBS6RDu5I8ZbgJLTItRXkDfeng7ffc_cJ1RAvB2bpBU6Y3VyzZorRdVEXHpHLE4RjNQeOTVOGDkMqzSBkblhKNIWPgcUxNeKssE8S23eTKCBq5rbeq5w/s1600/04-30s-bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp1u55c81w7rCOJkrizan8l7sBS6RDu5I8ZbgJLTItRXkDfeng7ffc_cJ1RAvB2bpBU6Y3VyzZorRdVEXHpHLE4RjNQeOTVOGDkMqzSBkblhKNIWPgcUxNeKssE8S23eTKCBq5rbeq5w/s320/04-30s-bath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-wVwTcKRD6PGz1JAT6-DGrOyrw1aGbzn-k3wym3oWvi28mzf5NKef_IKeSqcSRvXfMnztd0_qb8yRnDDD3OvhjaruSBBNV-o4YCRky0cZgTzuN0gU0WSMdy54iqCFzMtQsAcWETjNGc/s1600/DSCF9018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-wVwTcKRD6PGz1JAT6-DGrOyrw1aGbzn-k3wym3oWvi28mzf5NKef_IKeSqcSRvXfMnztd0_qb8yRnDDD3OvhjaruSBBNV-o4YCRky0cZgTzuN0gU0WSMdy54iqCFzMtQsAcWETjNGc/s320/DSCF9018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt6nRhf1up5tst4H7wRfbLyQLmbQmwMlAcMXs2_vysq5iSGnMkmDgp4EkQgq1u1LNErgSPNj6UkYn2hIAakUZs8GVme3mtCNYeq_xSb55Rc07fxKwkofdsE4FwA9gUCXY9yYPwGOpPeU/s1600/williams1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt6nRhf1up5tst4H7wRfbLyQLmbQmwMlAcMXs2_vysq5iSGnMkmDgp4EkQgq1u1LNErgSPNj6UkYn2hIAakUZs8GVme3mtCNYeq_xSb55Rc07fxKwkofdsE4FwA9gUCXY9yYPwGOpPeU/s320/williams1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<u>kitchen and bathroom countertops</u><br />
right now there is light laminate and while we'd love to just tear out all the kitchen cabinets and countertops we really need to just make them work without pouring much money into it. and for them to work it's going to require me putting in a little work to make them decent looking. at one of the apartment properties i used to help at they refinish the laminate countertops with this stuff. it really does look pretty good so that's what i'm going to do. a very inexpensive semi-permanent fix.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-GtmlH8BA624wC_JUJm80VpRJrKy8th16pWCJUGiiYzQNQ5YhPjRnMRXC54Yz57WFmCPMpDDIyfmBEgL7c8o27_Mv52Og6qi5JUsrPaOp3iqbSFGHljFPqNe-26rDwlKhdLET8MumkQ/s1600/020066204532lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-GtmlH8BA624wC_JUJm80VpRJrKy8th16pWCJUGiiYzQNQ5YhPjRnMRXC54Yz57WFmCPMpDDIyfmBEgL7c8o27_Mv52Og6qi5JUsrPaOp3iqbSFGHljFPqNe-26rDwlKhdLET8MumkQ/s1600/020066204532lg.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>kitchen and bathroom cabinets</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
right now the cabinets are a dark laminate brown. very 70s. i'm going to paint them and update the hardware. perhaps painting all white but i'm really considering painting white on top with a dark khaki tan on bottom. we'll just have to see once the other elements are in play if that will look good. the picture below gives a general idea of what i'm looking at. the bottom cabinets shown are a little more chocolate brown than what i would want. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bCPQirsYstVxN3ra8r_kMrsX9SD8qzkOdYrUdokBrbWSImZ-Askfq6JcYYSwIh8fDNj59gIPFfSgsYjjJKFapbrtdzU-lvyu-7V4yeXP0e8aACSv-qaLRK30szgMVqusjoEdYj0mqYs/s1600/cabs3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bCPQirsYstVxN3ra8r_kMrsX9SD8qzkOdYrUdokBrbWSImZ-Askfq6JcYYSwIh8fDNj59gIPFfSgsYjjJKFapbrtdzU-lvyu-7V4yeXP0e8aACSv-qaLRK30szgMVqusjoEdYj0mqYs/s320/cabs3-1.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>round 3: the non-essentials</b><br />
<br />
<u>inside</u><br />
we're looking at adding a stackable w/d upstairs, crown molding, replacing the mirror closet doors, updating lighting, and other fixtures and smaller details. over time i think the house will go from ok, to good, to great. time, hard work, and some money. that's all we need... right??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg8rUPl1wPR1P6bgBuekqhWdcXnsIdkFYX1mZm4inIacJOfzX0mvIwwWE8Is3yMei4bZGrGG6Syh9fOX2C4Pjst9jruNFPUR9UeBUBmwyd66VaqgEAwSXDOk-zVjcL3GZiG6R86rkmBo/s1600/house+lighting+dot+org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg8rUPl1wPR1P6bgBuekqhWdcXnsIdkFYX1mZm4inIacJOfzX0mvIwwWE8Is3yMei4bZGrGG6Syh9fOX2C4Pjst9jruNFPUR9UeBUBmwyd66VaqgEAwSXDOk-zVjcL3GZiG6R86rkmBo/s320/house+lighting+dot+org.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8V3ZKnHAoqe4SdBTDE9GKO_2ksHVlSv9ac3EZcZbTowYFt7zYSfvxSEfXZeEOoXJGMwtcaP5sVVuUbHjhVHupBHOSe_SebrndLdrR0kU3SoHw7uZ9Gf3tsSk7EkrMfRiwJPA0iJ_Uro/s1600/ikea+19.99.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8V3ZKnHAoqe4SdBTDE9GKO_2ksHVlSv9ac3EZcZbTowYFt7zYSfvxSEfXZeEOoXJGMwtcaP5sVVuUbHjhVHupBHOSe_SebrndLdrR0kU3SoHw7uZ9Gf3tsSk7EkrMfRiwJPA0iJ_Uro/s320/ikea+19.99.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKCMqxuQrl_AaCwnvQB8JB_PzKQE8bGh0-d83sz0ru-IV3D5CtlJrOhHt3iv4pamR744lhjA-crNgGdVWnfHPcWhmDH4ohbloVwQsYj5CvlNiiNJzqan9B6MNZfuZ-1udoLY7UXtTT3g/s1600/ikea+69.99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKCMqxuQrl_AaCwnvQB8JB_PzKQE8bGh0-d83sz0ru-IV3D5CtlJrOhHt3iv4pamR744lhjA-crNgGdVWnfHPcWhmDH4ohbloVwQsYj5CvlNiiNJzqan9B6MNZfuZ-1udoLY7UXtTT3g/s320/ikea+69.99.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
we have an apartment downstairs that needs a few things to get it up to code too... lots to do lots to doooo! we'll just have professionals do that though so i'm not too worried about it. we're just going to wait for the current renters to move out to make the changes.<br />
<br />
<u>outside</u><br />
i want to paint the front door and screen doors, we need to fix the chimney, level the ground in the front yard, do lots of yard work, remove the pavers in the front walkway and pour cement, and we want to add a firepit in the backyard and maybe eventually a hot tub! we need to have the low hanging power lines in our back yard moved. we're planning on focusing on the outside stuff starting next spring.<br />
<br />
and that's it... ugh. i'm choosing not to be overwhelmed. i'm just excited to get started. one thing at a time. :)Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-8888942630486177382013-03-23T11:29:00.002-07:002013-03-23T15:15:21.888-07:00chicken tortilla soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H5owcIWAiojXxapO_B1q2JSMceZDWd1DEo6N1JsxaJjYo9tdaSVbSyHGiAmvJgELU11Dj5ysUPwjlaRML5MMwp3K4CUwDyoye259X0VN94ODK5Dp9jdya-WOREYJ_ttrSUFsyhMYv34/s1600/Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H5owcIWAiojXxapO_B1q2JSMceZDWd1DEo6N1JsxaJjYo9tdaSVbSyHGiAmvJgELU11Dj5ysUPwjlaRML5MMwp3K4CUwDyoye259X0VN94ODK5Dp9jdya-WOREYJ_ttrSUFsyhMYv34/s400/Soup.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<b>Chicken Tortilla Soup</b><br />
(great freezer meal option!)<br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1lb chicken breast, trimmed<br />
15oz can sweet whole corn kernels, drained<br />
15oz can diced tomatoes, drained<br />
5C chicken stock<br />
3/4C onion, chopped<br />
3/4C green pepper, chopped<br />
1 serrano pepper, minced (spicy! - if you want to cut down the spice factor use 1/2 serrano)<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/4 tsp chili powder<br />
1 1/2 tsp salt, divided<br />
1 tsp ground pepper, divided<br />
Toppings: Monterey Jack cheese - shredded, seasoned tortilla chips<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
To your slow cooker add first 9 ingredients plus 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp ground pepper. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.<br />
<br />
Prior to serving, remove chicken breasts and shred. Season chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Return shredded seasoned chicken to slow cooker bowl. Stir gently.<br />
<br />
Top off with a generous helping of shredded cheese and seasoned tortilla strips.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6 servings of approx. 1.5 cups</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Freezing:</b></div>
<div>
If making this for a freezer meal just put all raw ingredients (minus toppings) in a gallon freezer bag and freeze flat. Label the bag with cooking instructions. Once ready to use let thaw in fridge for 24 hours. I separate all my freezer meals into 2 quart sized bags since it's just Eddy and I to feed so far. That way we can save one of the meals to eat at a later date. :)</div>
<div>
<br />
Photo credit and recipe given to pincookie.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.pincookie.com/slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup/">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-2075251541250795752013-03-22T12:42:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:59:47.167-07:00crock pot chicken fajitas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpqm0_WcDuXE2zq7qInXdm9K7nIVqM6w5-ElOXqS5GuKjWMvacwV7xT0HSZKoRnmbCbP9IrvuFXoJA1puwl6zpPSbdnppw5rkNWa8p1hInCQnByHeGtaO40TAbSB9Ff7WONRX34jStUk/s1600/Fajitas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpqm0_WcDuXE2zq7qInXdm9K7nIVqM6w5-ElOXqS5GuKjWMvacwV7xT0HSZKoRnmbCbP9IrvuFXoJA1puwl6zpPSbdnppw5rkNWa8p1hInCQnByHeGtaO40TAbSB9Ff7WONRX34jStUk/s400/Fajitas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Chicken Fajitas</b><br />
(great freezer meal option!)<br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><b>½</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
2 peppers (your favorite) - cut into strips<br />
1/2 onion - diced<br />
1 1/2 pound chicken breast<br />
1/2 cup chicken broth<br />
taco seasoning packet<br />
1 tsp. chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp. paprika<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
You will also need tortillas, and toppings of your choice: cheese, sour cream, shredded lettuce or cabbage, avocado, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Cook all ingredients (minus tortillas and toppings) in a slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. When it's cooked, shred the meat and add it back to the pepper mixture and serve on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.<br />
<br />
<b>Freezing:</b><br />
If making into a freezer meal, put all raw ingredients (minus tortillas and toppings) into a gallon sized freezer bag. Label the bag with the instructions. Freeze so that the frozen contents of the bag can be placed directly into the crock pot without thawing. Once ready to eat just put frozen contents of bag in crock pot and cook as directed. I separate all my freezer meals into 2 quart sized bags since it's just Eddy and I to feed so far. That way we can save one of the meals to eat at a later date. :)<br />
<br />
Comfortably feeds 4 adults<br />
<br />
Photo credit and recipe goes to savingyoudinero.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/">HERE</a>.Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-33989662095453799422013-03-21T12:24:00.000-07:002013-03-23T14:39:48.141-07:00crock pot hawaiian chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ1ffPYLQqcY4Wrm9lJy0FPQtNYl1Hj2ptiggK4GUakISWbbAVsbnlJ96yRFOLylM93PM0IqN1ZWc9D0QLOop-Plx6cw6BKHQ2KrJf08wR24MNZxr_fCdDvLzJME6OD-gAcocGI4_RjE/s1600/hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ1ffPYLQqcY4Wrm9lJy0FPQtNYl1Hj2ptiggK4GUakISWbbAVsbnlJ96yRFOLylM93PM0IqN1ZWc9D0QLOop-Plx6cw6BKHQ2KrJf08wR24MNZxr_fCdDvLzJME6OD-gAcocGI4_RjE/s400/hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken</b><br />
(great freezer meal option!)<br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><b>½</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
2-3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts<br />
½ cup white sugar<br />
½ cup vinegar<br />
3 garlic cloves, minced<br />
2 Tablespoons soy sauce<br />
½ cup of pineapple juice (use what’s in the can)<br />
½ can of large pineapple chunks<br />
<div>
½ tsp. salt<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Cook 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Serve it over rice and enjoy. While I am cooking the rice I like to shred the chicken and put it back in the juice before serving. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If making into a freezer meal, put all raw ingredients (including chicken) into a gallon sized freezer bag. Freeze so that the frozen contents of the bag can be placed directly into the crock pot without thawing. Once ready to eat just put frozen contents of bag directly in crock pot and cook as directed. I separate all my freezer meals into 2 quart sized bags since it's just Eddy and I to feed so far. That way we can save one of the meals to eat at a later date. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuLnr88K_Wz4Dq1jZL0ALZ6VKlC4SAbHzfGSzdoFcRar21KYECCUpuNrLwN7eL3OVqCK2CBgHbLFqbJZ4hu8TXMd80sIy__JLnoJqRJQrVV2qjMwa2cp1z96-Q6ie-pLuWtnN-xxLL_M/s1600/hawaii+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuLnr88K_Wz4Dq1jZL0ALZ6VKlC4SAbHzfGSzdoFcRar21KYECCUpuNrLwN7eL3OVqCK2CBgHbLFqbJZ4hu8TXMd80sIy__JLnoJqRJQrVV2qjMwa2cp1z96-Q6ie-pLuWtnN-xxLL_M/s400/hawaii+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Photo credit and recipe go to savingyoudinero.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2011/12/22/updated-crock-pot-hawaiian-chicken/">HERE</a>.</div>
</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-87727321192239540872013-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:16:01.113-07:00white chicken chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsCjdmoGtV_wPML5RD4SGVFMxTd3obFDxauLIzRfBi_0vsb2I9qqbTGSXXenpPjkuqp2FN1ftkOmHdydYOpR6DZq4lXYHcnG0gs9IdKlx_nmsFKtdxHAdt0wnCUCCARaRyJnHoVyEKXE/s1600/chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsCjdmoGtV_wPML5RD4SGVFMxTd3obFDxauLIzRfBi_0vsb2I9qqbTGSXXenpPjkuqp2FN1ftkOmHdydYOpR6DZq4lXYHcnG0gs9IdKlx_nmsFKtdxHAdt0wnCUCCARaRyJnHoVyEKXE/s400/chili.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>White Chicken Chili</b></div>
<div>
(great freezer meal option!)</div>
<br />
<b></b>
<b>
Our rating: ★★★★★</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div>
1.25 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)</div>
<div>
2 cans (15.8 oz) great northern beans - rinsed and drained</div>
<div>
1 can (15.5 oz) white hominy - rinsed and drained</div>
<div>
1 envelope (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix</div>
<div>
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chilies</div>
<div>
2 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom</div>
<div>
optional toppings: green onions, cheese</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
1. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hrs or high 4-5 hrs.</div>
<div>
2. Before serving, stir gently to break up chicken pieces.</div>
<div>
3. Garnish with desired toppings</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6 servings 1.3 cups each</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This recipe took 2nd place in the ward chili cook off out of about 20 chilis! :)<br />
<br />
<b>Freezing:</b><br />
If you want to make this a freezer meal just put everything raw (minus the toppings) into a gallon sized freezer bag and lay flat in freezer. Label the bag with cooking instructions. Let thaw in fridge for 24 hours before putting it into your crock pot once you're ready to use. I separate all my freezer meals into 2 quart sized bags since it's just Eddy and I to feed so far. That way we can save one of the meals to eat at a later date. :)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Photo credit and recipe given to Betty Crocker and the original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-white-chicken-chili-with-hominy/a02b3c72-60ee-4c64-838b-227bf0a3a479">HERE</a>. </div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-46542723715509885442013-03-19T14:23:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:16:10.588-07:00baked creamy chicken taquitos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvROslzj8EyGpRe5dWpBHTZOdqm9slZFmT5c5pdZ4AP74MP_As7X9ySHEQWTv0Mn4aP7a3IUWS2h9w82hVtyNBCESCJqAhjgxO3ORS7VZx3emqr-xd7boJazisX517PnE7HVaWa2LENQ/s1600/Taquitos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvROslzj8EyGpRe5dWpBHTZOdqm9slZFmT5c5pdZ4AP74MP_As7X9ySHEQWTv0Mn4aP7a3IUWS2h9w82hVtyNBCESCJqAhjgxO3ORS7VZx3emqr-xd7boJazisX517PnE7HVaWa2LENQ/s400/Taquitos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos</b><br />
(great freezer meal option!)<br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><b>½</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1/2 c. (4 oz) cream cheese (light works fine in this recipe)<br />
1/3 c. green salsa<br />
1 T. lime juice<br />
1/2 tsp. cumin<br />
1 tsp. chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp. onion powder<br />
1/4 tsp. garlic powder<br />
1 tsp. dried cilantro<br />
2 T. sliced green onions<br />
2 c. shredded cooked chicken (I use canned chicken and it works great)<br />
1 c. grated Pepperjack cheese<br />
about 20 (6 inch) flour tortillas<br />
salt<br />
cooking spray <br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.<br />
<div>
<br />
Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it’s soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and Pepperjack cheese and combine well.</div>
<div>
Place 2-3 Tablespoons of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges and roll it up as tight as you can. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Cook:</b></div>
<div>
Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the filled taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle some salt on top.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.<br />
We love to dip these in a "salsa ranch" dip (we just mix together equal parts salsa and ranch dressing- that is what is in the picture), but it's also great with cilantro ranch dressing, guacamole, sour cream or salsa.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Freeze:</b></div>
<div>
If making these into freezer meals I recommend only using small flour tortillas as opposed to corn. Use better quality flour tortillas to avoid tortillas splitting or breaking (I learned that the hard way!). Load the tortillas with the prepared mixture following the same instructions above and put directly into gallon sized freezer bag instead of cooking. Label the bag with cooking instructions. I personally like to make a couple batches of these so they last us a while. Whenever we're hungry and don't want to make anything we just take a couple out and throw them in the oven using the same cooking instructions. Great for lunch or dinner! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Photo credit and recipe goes to sixsistersstuff.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/09/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos.html">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-23110427413758501512013-03-18T16:14:00.000-07:002013-03-23T16:20:08.019-07:00crock pot teriyaki chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13FLM4KYWaWFErTmXLmhziHYwGMnZpkapm-mpsA0izk_uTckrbnSryHhQMa7uTNkXQ4YqhBZBCShGRLEUF3i6wCKdKghP8kU7zVJEw8H3nyEkm_wfJUjm_fT-A2Hj-0XYRrRqSKtJiCo/s1600/teriyaki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13FLM4KYWaWFErTmXLmhziHYwGMnZpkapm-mpsA0izk_uTckrbnSryHhQMa7uTNkXQ4YqhBZBCShGRLEUF3i6wCKdKghP8kU7zVJEw8H3nyEkm_wfJUjm_fT-A2Hj-0XYRrRqSKtJiCo/s400/teriyaki.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(great freezer meal option)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★½</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1 lb chicken </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1 c chicken broth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1/2 c soy sauce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1/3 c brown sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
3 minced garlic cloves</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
cornstarch</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
sesame seeds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Place all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Remove chicken. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of cornstarch in 5 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened. Cut chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice and steamed vegetables.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Freezing:</b></div>
If you want to make this a freezer meal just put everything raw (minus the cornstarch and sesame seeds) into a gallon sized freezer bag and lay flat in freezer. Label the bag with cooking instructions. Let thaw in fridge for 24 hours before putting it into your crock pot once you're ready to use. I separate all my freezer meals into 2 quart sized bags since it's just Eddy and I to feed so far. That way we can save one of the meals to eat at a later date. :) You will still need to cook as directed and then add the cornstarch mixture following the same directions.Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-68578333307970555322013-03-17T17:22:00.000-07:002013-03-23T17:23:42.779-07:00crock pot pulled pork bbq sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNLY9ksvr0cXZfd2t34qHZ63FAVwdwW0JZHY-FRbb9DYOr-U_Uzqj3wh_Boip78YMv7m1pX3oMKUG2DFmtPlpjW67ZMGD2vf0eDnLYR5uP2Cislrv183aoMeLdvLCfzpESkXlJh-atmQ/s1600/pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNLY9ksvr0cXZfd2t34qHZ63FAVwdwW0JZHY-FRbb9DYOr-U_Uzqj3wh_Boip78YMv7m1pX3oMKUG2DFmtPlpjW67ZMGD2vf0eDnLYR5uP2Cislrv183aoMeLdvLCfzpESkXlJh-atmQ/s320/pork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Crock Pot Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches</b></div>
<div>
(great freezer meal option!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
2 lbs pork roast (shoulder or butt)<br />1 large onions<br />1/2 cup ginger ale<br />9 oz. (1/2 bottle) favorite barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray's)<br />Barbecue sauce, for serving<br /><br /><div>
<b>Directions:</b><br />Slice the onion and place 1/2 in crock pot. Put in the roast and cover with the other half of the onion. Pour the ginger ale over the contents of the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. Turn roast over after 3-4 hours.<br /><br />Remove the meat, strain and save the onions, discard all liquid. With two forks, shred the meat, discarding any remaining fat, bones or skin. Most of the fat will have melted away.<br /><br />Return the shredded meat and the onions to the crock pot, stir in the barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for another 2-3 hours on low.<br /><br />Serve with hamburger buns or rolls and additional barbecue sauce. Any leftovers freeze very well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Serves 5.<br /><br /><b>Freezing:</b></div>
<div>
Cook as directed. Freeze ready-made sandwiches - a scoop of meat on a bun, individually well-wrapped with plastic wrap. These make a great quick meal or snack. To reheat, remove wrapping, wrap in a paper towel, and zap 1-2 minutes in the microwave or in the oven tightly wrapped in foil at 400 degrees for approx.15-20 min or until cooked through.<div>
<br />Photo credit and recipe to food.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/pulled-pork-crock-pot-131018">HERE</a>.</div>
</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-2252396224643696102013-03-16T17:52:00.000-07:002013-03-23T18:01:03.456-07:00broccoli cheese soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DLfwA1Jj-AyON06HWq5Uy19qTCFXhCakFxIkpn3mL9tKISR-4xvAw8HqPMYkgBpZFbweuGGksgX3EIC4RihiGT2hIhIYraWXiwyiLHf09BU4n880iPutCA1ZSJ7aDT23oIR1NKVT1xE/s1600/cheese+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DLfwA1Jj-AyON06HWq5Uy19qTCFXhCakFxIkpn3mL9tKISR-4xvAw8HqPMYkgBpZFbweuGGksgX3EIC4RihiGT2hIhIYraWXiwyiLHf09BU4n880iPutCA1ZSJ7aDT23oIR1NKVT1xE/s400/cheese+soup.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<b>Broccoli Cheese Soup</b><br />
<div>
(great freezer meal option!)<br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★½</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 c. carrot, finely chopped<br />
1/4 c. celery, finely chopped<br />
1/4 c. onion, finely chopped<br />
1/4 c. green pepper, finely chopped<br />
1/2 c. fresh broccoli, cut in small pieces<br />
1 3/4 c. chicken broth<br />
2 c. milk<br />
1/4 c. flour<br />
1/2 t. paprika<br />
1/2 t. salt<br />
4 oz. Velveeta cheese<br />
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1/2 c. shredded provolone cheese<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
In stockpot, heat first 6 ingredients to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Combine milk, flour, paprika and salt in a bowl. Add to broth mixture. Cook until thick and bubbly.<br />
Add cheese and stir until melted. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Freezing:</b></div>
<div>
Cook as directed. Once sufficiently cooled pour into gallon or quart sized freezer bags. Freeze flat in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator once you are ready to use. Warm up in a saucepan until hot. Do not boil. Serve with your favorite bread.<br />
<br />
Recipe came from the book "Don't Panic, Dinner's in the Freezer" and the original recipe is also posted online <a href="http://addins.kwwl.com/blogs/side_of_weather/2012/08/broccoli-cheese-soup">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-91760521237812089252012-03-14T22:39:00.000-07:002013-03-23T16:02:55.688-07:00chair reupholsterySo I did my own dining room chairs reupholstering. I was gung-ho about it, bought my seersucker white and tan striped fabric online, it came in the mail and then... it sat around for months. Such is life! Finally, with a little last minute motivation I got the staple gun out and got it done. I love how it turned out! No more nasty stained seats to be embarrassed about. Brand spanking new!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJDoUBdrJiC_hW7whTNsIOcwZquDMlu0TFgVR5FVuAnNpoJBmlZaU9g62_7nm6u62_vI9M5vI6yvLthIOHWLNyrMJ3nOcYC8Db-wvAHmxkeXF1V0-EgxVWb7YgxWG7CCPnsr-Ag99GgU/s1600/IMG_8061a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJDoUBdrJiC_hW7whTNsIOcwZquDMlu0TFgVR5FVuAnNpoJBmlZaU9g62_7nm6u62_vI9M5vI6yvLthIOHWLNyrMJ3nOcYC8Db-wvAHmxkeXF1V0-EgxVWb7YgxWG7CCPnsr-Ag99GgU/s400/IMG_8061a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuImLmEPiafDf6pyGlWHh2gnqrq9fbzOL7TXaHk2K9p1DzqTW_IzHdPHEDhgKSA8Sk4pl7ZO6ANM31pwRo1FduEzGerneFPXXYeBIcH4A8SB088oJS-2fJIq1eIUmdopUcDOlOv9RD7E/s1600/IMG_8060a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuImLmEPiafDf6pyGlWHh2gnqrq9fbzOL7TXaHk2K9p1DzqTW_IzHdPHEDhgKSA8Sk4pl7ZO6ANM31pwRo1FduEzGerneFPXXYeBIcH4A8SB088oJS-2fJIq1eIUmdopUcDOlOv9RD7E/s400/IMG_8060a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...and I realize I've been gone for pretty much a lifetime. But that doesn't mean I haven't been doing anything. :) Stay tuned. Eventually I will post again. Promise!</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-59788023550721313772011-11-06T22:50:00.000-08:002013-03-23T14:44:25.591-07:00golden pork chops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a perfect Sunday dinner meal. The definition of comfort food. My husband and I loved this. I've literally never cooked with pork chops until now. I've been wanting to try preparing other types of meats besides the typical chicken, hamburger, and pork roast. I have a couple pork chops left so maybe another recipe will be coming soon when I try something else with them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDKtdP8xcQDEJ6UEnpUvx-EUE55dMiXVeAYo4d-UYUh2zIu7MoIxzWeyw1cfCM6uiSzPSj6OT2nPdb6kdCp_oZAA-FJN7OfXi7TMTn9bY8_hSkn9u4sjr1He-DSEeuml7_ezR2U7IQTY/s1600/195205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDKtdP8xcQDEJ6UEnpUvx-EUE55dMiXVeAYo4d-UYUh2zIu7MoIxzWeyw1cfCM6uiSzPSj6OT2nPdb6kdCp_oZAA-FJN7OfXi7TMTn9bY8_hSkn9u4sjr1He-DSEeuml7_ezR2U7IQTY/s320/195205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Golden Pork Chops</b><br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
4 pork chops<br />
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br />
<div>
1 tablespoon crushed minced fresh garlic<br />
1/2 tablespoon butter or margarine<br />
1/2 onion, chopped<br />
1/2 cup fresh sliced mushrooms<br />
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed <u>golden</u> mushroom soup<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).<br />
<br />
<div>
Put butter, garlic, onion, and mushrooms in a large frying pan. Saute the vegetables on medium until soft. Move to medium mixing bowl. Mix in soup.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rinse pork chops, pat dry, and season with seasoned salt and pepper. Brown them in same pan used to saute vegetables. Place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with soup and vegetable mixture.</div>
<div>
Cover with foil, and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 45 minutes. Uncover, and bake for 15 more minutes (note: time could be less or more depending on the thickness of the chops). Pork chops are done when their internal temperature has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>My comments:</b></div>
<div>
I added a few more seasonings to the pork chops to my liking. This is best served with mashed potatoes because the remaining sauce works perfectly as gravy! I also served with a side of corn. We will definitely be having this again!<br />
<br />
Photo credit and recipe go to allrecipes.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/golden-pork-chops/reviews.aspx?SortBy=Helpfulness&Direction=Descending&Page=2">HERE</a>.</div>
</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-17653464423174545272011-11-01T22:30:00.000-07:002013-03-23T16:05:03.188-07:00diy framed screen earring holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me and my good friend Kristi made these earring holders a couple weeks ago. Probably couldn't have been a more easy project and it turned out great!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's how mine turned out... :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrlBCOXzzuMYxFmo8xmcFiSZniZokk3k3plmtD-dY7Us4jZtlpuoxAF-YPy14IbkUTSidN2o5nMNU6jhJHEH64AQsprl5j3nFRjaw7Ng73eNU-FiaAaFmgp0Bpg4zctQRbbYuFVSEz2o/s1600/IMG_5030a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrlBCOXzzuMYxFmo8xmcFiSZniZokk3k3plmtD-dY7Us4jZtlpuoxAF-YPy14IbkUTSidN2o5nMNU6jhJHEH64AQsprl5j3nFRjaw7Ng73eNU-FiaAaFmgp0Bpg4zctQRbbYuFVSEz2o/s320/IMG_5030a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We bought frames from the D.I. for $1 each</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL2ae6MeNsLuQ0Wfqa3-LSCcDGE0n7gQAmBHiTPKQOsLTDAxeN3UkfFdvOx72VZzNRElNjylxr7orXtFJUzXgzAP7tKqStPjcJ7Z5uqFZVjozGl7XdGD6gCJBz0FMg_vbHGVXxGkGfs4/s1600/IMG_4546a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL2ae6MeNsLuQ0Wfqa3-LSCcDGE0n7gQAmBHiTPKQOsLTDAxeN3UkfFdvOx72VZzNRElNjylxr7orXtFJUzXgzAP7tKqStPjcJ7Z5uqFZVjozGl7XdGD6gCJBz0FMg_vbHGVXxGkGfs4/s320/IMG_4546a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We sanded them and painted them. Kristi painted hers all turquoise and I color-blocked mine with a creamy white and turquoise. As you can see below I used black masking tape to make a clean line with the turquoise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnuKny42fiYvJWnWhCEsLpV_SqXNyEZ6NNZ2bXiGdpGtxRcuHO51FOQr_7Cc1MNhFqz_Srhxy_dh5rD2I5l_Pot5wXv-PtXaSYRhVlyAyYoz20EIv0Y00RFgAYHc-qHqWddrjIvQNTQk/s1600/IMG_4550a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnuKny42fiYvJWnWhCEsLpV_SqXNyEZ6NNZ2bXiGdpGtxRcuHO51FOQr_7Cc1MNhFqz_Srhxy_dh5rD2I5l_Pot5wXv-PtXaSYRhVlyAyYoz20EIv0Y00RFgAYHc-qHqWddrjIvQNTQk/s320/IMG_4550a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had an electric staple gun which we had used for the first time... as you can see some of the staples were a little iffy but effective! I'm sure using hot glue would be effective as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbEn2LBiGzdfjqUmh0TNx2yvyQb7841KWrxmWmPM6oE6hBv9oMOXnG2FHRjcFNv0-WWYYp25dMFpU9Gwl13vSArxgg7-r6E_YoOYiDXfGKR7dxize90Rl5gRWk87HRMCCxc549jQIU0I/s1600/IMG_4551a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbEn2LBiGzdfjqUmh0TNx2yvyQb7841KWrxmWmPM6oE6hBv9oMOXnG2FHRjcFNv0-WWYYp25dMFpU9Gwl13vSArxgg7-r6E_YoOYiDXfGKR7dxize90Rl5gRWk87HRMCCxc549jQIU0I/s320/IMG_4551a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We also stapled on the ribbon to hold it up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DAzaTTNDAP4SCEejck15ZtJtWrUNTSzpN1Btf-Dzm4QGQp57HjLNzmsB4nbHdrHgQTTWdw-Abpwc9vN33C3RdnCZutc0B6JjtwlHbkTJ36DZUp1eoZTOsPJ3Cp9Jum10qq64jyrqu5I/s1600/IMG_4554a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DAzaTTNDAP4SCEejck15ZtJtWrUNTSzpN1Btf-Dzm4QGQp57HjLNzmsB4nbHdrHgQTTWdw-Abpwc9vN33C3RdnCZutc0B6JjtwlHbkTJ36DZUp1eoZTOsPJ3Cp9Jum10qq64jyrqu5I/s320/IMG_4554a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also glued large beads on the back corners to set the holder a little further off the wall so the earrings don't hit the wall when they poke through.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHdm40hEPsvQW47u_-jOcEKxKccBghWQXLn2fVvVidalZKyd4GeVzk8J0uiN-Siblja3lJZPrKVwjjsrgzDSEcvnuHYxcte5aKMZbNMo9-rv9YaTaf5GPawRGYmfCFize4rEE1g0Pc0Q/s1600/IMG_4558a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHdm40hEPsvQW47u_-jOcEKxKccBghWQXLn2fVvVidalZKyd4GeVzk8J0uiN-Siblja3lJZPrKVwjjsrgzDSEcvnuHYxcte5aKMZbNMo9-rv9YaTaf5GPawRGYmfCFize4rEE1g0Pc0Q/s320/IMG_4558a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here's Kristi's :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OF6izzDJTy7X2W6P2nf_ebp9x6FY2eClHY9pXLvinj-WV_xTZi9q_ETMiBdI7uOoCURo2h66LT3TWJFVQGZB1YrxgfQZzyIGV3XHoLkDDxmpKvuDX9px9fIN9BxhmWDtwoQ1dAGJRL4/s1600/IMG_4559a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OF6izzDJTy7X2W6P2nf_ebp9x6FY2eClHY9pXLvinj-WV_xTZi9q_ETMiBdI7uOoCURo2h66LT3TWJFVQGZB1YrxgfQZzyIGV3XHoLkDDxmpKvuDX9px9fIN9BxhmWDtwoQ1dAGJRL4/s320/IMG_4559a.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-4124860153356457502011-10-12T13:12:00.000-07:002013-03-23T14:50:08.442-07:00super creamy zesty italian crock pot chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32J1Ts1TMFbl-u5lSfQ3Z1L5V88sFrqjW0FfwfyF4gTjb3L8ff5Cw6FnT-KD-MCwrmtyNaUaasj3Q8Skkix8TnS-v51znLnloliza3yae0-r_6BK2Hmkn0aOFIQa49eiU6wS4S-EfUJU/s1600/IMG_4545a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32J1Ts1TMFbl-u5lSfQ3Z1L5V88sFrqjW0FfwfyF4gTjb3L8ff5Cw6FnT-KD-MCwrmtyNaUaasj3Q8Skkix8TnS-v51znLnloliza3yae0-r_6BK2Hmkn0aOFIQa49eiU6wS4S-EfUJU/s400/IMG_4545a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Zesty Italian Crock Pot Chicken</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts<br />
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese<br />
1 can cream of chicken soup<br />
1 tbsp. margarine<br />
1 packet zesty Italian seasoning (we use 1<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">½</span> for extra flavor)<br />
4 cups cooked rice<br />
optional 2 cups sauteed or steamed vegetables (i sauteed some Kroger brand key largo blend frozen vegetables)<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Put frozen chicken breasts, soup, and margarine into crock-pot.<br />
<br />
Cook on low 3-4 hours. After about an hour open crock-pot, add cream cheese and zesty Italian seasoning, Stir everything together.<br />
<br />
When complete, shred or cut chicken into chunks. serve over steamed rice with vegetables of your choice.<br />
<br />
<b>My comments:</b><br />
After you cut or shred chicken you may want to let it sit in the sauce for 10 minutes or so to let it soak in.<br />
<br />
Others have substituted the rice for pasta noodles. Bowtie and angel hair pasta is supposedly very good but I haven't tried it yet.<br />
<br />
Crock-pots vary so therefore your cooking time may vary also. Cook until chicken is cooked all the way through and tender.<br />
<br />
Recipe is from kraft.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/community/recipe-exchange/UserRecipeDisplay.aspx?group_id=1&user_recipe_id=223510">HERE</a>.Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-67866253858977097772011-10-10T13:28:00.000-07:002013-03-23T16:06:58.096-07:00latest craft ideas & inspirations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Haven't quite gotten onto the Pinterest craze yet but here's a few things I suppose I would "pin" if I were on there a little more. Some ideas I'd like to try out along with a couple inspirational rooms. i got these ideas from <a href="http://apartmenttherapy.com/">apartmenttherapy.com</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
DIY home-made clocks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNU3kQrEDeKi9tf6kjkH1OWl1DPGTP1ZZHoYwLy31oxjLXY7OIQpKyftVkjmYwgWKiRe30Cr0Ke6nIjmg0RS0n9w65Lpd_2uDZRnva3srYP2Gohch3KFOBGvCDjNVtYD7nSc9RKBqQ2k/s1600/uncommon_store_profile_100711_1_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNU3kQrEDeKi9tf6kjkH1OWl1DPGTP1ZZHoYwLy31oxjLXY7OIQpKyftVkjmYwgWKiRe30Cr0Ke6nIjmg0RS0n9w65Lpd_2uDZRnva3srYP2Gohch3KFOBGvCDjNVtYD7nSc9RKBqQ2k/s320/uncommon_store_profile_100711_1_rect540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
DIY scrabble decor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr5G8S_imqxEc34hmELiLqyqc9D47FB80zdKrWFWG7l0mxQypAzYb72cnB3i9dUnPUCi3MDdGskyjnFJboGQ-vd2YiHgUEzIUvSuPugGSdMHaI21BW6elmmkHsv-yMxIM9eSKqXJIJtc/s1600/leaving+work+behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr5G8S_imqxEc34hmELiLqyqc9D47FB80zdKrWFWG7l0mxQypAzYb72cnB3i9dUnPUCi3MDdGskyjnFJboGQ-vd2YiHgUEzIUvSuPugGSdMHaI21BW6elmmkHsv-yMxIM9eSKqXJIJtc/s320/leaving+work+behind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
DIY modernized vases</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5hsaDvkpL9SDjRex1isIZ0TstfCBx0U08NyjNEucQ3CQzpmEVBikIMclOiEs1XFA-tI5ZPPq1V5Hyg6LBpwk3CNu70MU6JRMSYjtzOrubdwxMbAWZw9Z8fBOoeYH14RkchwuGZb-97U/s1600/vaseafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5hsaDvkpL9SDjRex1isIZ0TstfCBx0U08NyjNEucQ3CQzpmEVBikIMclOiEs1XFA-tI5ZPPq1V5Hyg6LBpwk3CNu70MU6JRMSYjtzOrubdwxMbAWZw9Z8fBOoeYH14RkchwuGZb-97U/s320/vaseafter.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wooden chandelier decoration</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPDVP-lBVdDSyI4hqy2yxwVCikt4lI5Th2jsKjj-oNWYe1QvcWbonRofzSbNbtrAhIphO1lHZAGpJnpu_p9puIzAHstuuxopDjeQx-30szWFAvBu1UnWigHyUwxB4ivZk2a4Q1k4W4UU/s1600/uncommon_store_profile_100711_4_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPDVP-lBVdDSyI4hqy2yxwVCikt4lI5Th2jsKjj-oNWYe1QvcWbonRofzSbNbtrAhIphO1lHZAGpJnpu_p9puIzAHstuuxopDjeQx-30szWFAvBu1UnWigHyUwxB4ivZk2a4Q1k4W4UU/s320/uncommon_store_profile_100711_4_rect540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Home theater room (seriously how cool is this?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2k9xttFcs-h9mcvI5d-EckeuGTbt5xD2lHFxxlEktYUVyKzs4xAZnYq-CR6NiUM3eHOr0nvT4BW4XvWYREL_lgwgrfwrO3PumNuPKrxbI8r5FSvcmHbq3tukpsXCuV_LGsqkYJbedMs/s1600/10-5-hometheatermorganlindseypinterest_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2k9xttFcs-h9mcvI5d-EckeuGTbt5xD2lHFxxlEktYUVyKzs4xAZnYq-CR6NiUM3eHOr0nvT4BW4XvWYREL_lgwgrfwrO3PumNuPKrxbI8r5FSvcmHbq3tukpsXCuV_LGsqkYJbedMs/s320/10-5-hometheatermorganlindseypinterest_rect540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Craft room. Oh Pottery Barn, you get me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZeXugqhfqnMcyHSCoEuhxak4ML_kOjsjXG6GaBk5o2Bnc6g-MtPJb1vyXZI0CGkUZYedoqEkalMuDnibtOKIqKf2L5i-WDawVvWhBg0IY71CUg7UHlVGLJmLjnimtpGn8G-dxUhu3Rs/s1600/10-5-craftroomdesignmom_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZeXugqhfqnMcyHSCoEuhxak4ML_kOjsjXG6GaBk5o2Bnc6g-MtPJb1vyXZI0CGkUZYedoqEkalMuDnibtOKIqKf2L5i-WDawVvWhBg0IY71CUg7UHlVGLJmLjnimtpGn8G-dxUhu3Rs/s320/10-5-craftroomdesignmom_rect540.jpg" width="254" /></a> </div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-87479145914103349292011-09-28T12:16:00.000-07:002013-03-23T14:58:22.995-07:00chicken club pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqx6De9ll_STqjWAukW4VxKphix0NZ0_42rzIQDv_8oj1mu4qcQHo2YUJRN_COetyYrh1GD0nKhlEZKhu569IAvSw4xBpvTbt1apecF7VAQwpUk0CBxIBa5Ar-B9vjvfFpFLvmUJT8x8/s1600/Chicken+Club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqx6De9ll_STqjWAukW4VxKphix0NZ0_42rzIQDv_8oj1mu4qcQHo2YUJRN_COetyYrh1GD0nKhlEZKhu569IAvSw4xBpvTbt1apecF7VAQwpUk0CBxIBa5Ar-B9vjvfFpFLvmUJT8x8/s1600/Chicken+Club.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Chicken Club Pizza</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★</b><b>★</b><b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 can (13.8 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust -OR- a pre-made pizza crust<br />
1/4 cup mayo<br />
1/2 cup ranch dressing, divided<br />
1-1/2 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese, divided<br />
1-1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken<br />
8 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled<br />
1-1/2 cups finely shredded lettuce<br />
1 tomato, finely chopped<br />
1 ripe avacado - sliced (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Heat oven to 400ºF.<br />
<br />
Unroll pizza dough on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray; press into 15x10-inch rectangle. Bake 10 min (I did not do this: I used a pre-made pizza crust; see picture below).<br />
<br />
Mix mayo and 1/3 cup dressing; spread onto crust. Top with half the cheese, chicken, remaining cheese and bacon.<br />
<br />
Bake 5 min. or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado; drizzle with remaining dressing.<br />
<br />
Feeds 3 hungry adults or 4 adults with breadsticks and salad or side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Boboli pizza crust</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NywZaFBmj1_h8QQrY_wB6m8NYY-u-R7_t1ivp2oQgd-t63f4EePQW_xJ-gcfMjFf0WpwT5GvoIaTbMQDTy2lUzWCJUDFkDLTgAKu-s15ImhW_pHnFoP_2fIlRD73mL15CozLy3NmJHw/s1600/boboli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NywZaFBmj1_h8QQrY_wB6m8NYY-u-R7_t1ivp2oQgd-t63f4EePQW_xJ-gcfMjFf0WpwT5GvoIaTbMQDTy2lUzWCJUDFkDLTgAKu-s15ImhW_pHnFoP_2fIlRD73mL15CozLy3NmJHw/s1600/boboli.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Greek Vinaigrette Dressing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqFxYp4EazwcxVc2xkh1IEdMY_9T5CBSy7UmKrlVTgSG2Rbs_5z5mGcsG6IWgBtrHQbUKxa9Tf6-7gyst-JU__Aog2_1JiSkxj2iysVq5kOzr3BfMkOdQV5fs4HChrxiJRcXPWLuUlV8/s1600/greek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqFxYp4EazwcxVc2xkh1IEdMY_9T5CBSy7UmKrlVTgSG2Rbs_5z5mGcsG6IWgBtrHQbUKxa9Tf6-7gyst-JU__Aog2_1JiSkxj2iysVq5kOzr3BfMkOdQV5fs4HChrxiJRcXPWLuUlV8/s320/greek.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Top pizza photo credit and recipe go to kraft.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/chicken-club-pizza-123038.aspx">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-58162958419568093582011-09-04T14:41:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:03:40.166-07:00peach shortcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7c3zMK8tRL9dohmglYsovUfOaBYEoDKKJtDb-Bu98b491nWquWLQlrrIYbF275h2KUg1QioYEwTU4aZlwQYeG4x9qj6D0d-vOCKO4stz5Eopj-axHxfE3LKJA6lYmMSKJn23Hc693Cs/s1600/Peach-Shortcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7c3zMK8tRL9dohmglYsovUfOaBYEoDKKJtDb-Bu98b491nWquWLQlrrIYbF275h2KUg1QioYEwTU4aZlwQYeG4x9qj6D0d-vOCKO4stz5Eopj-axHxfE3LKJA6lYmMSKJn23Hc693Cs/s1600/Peach-Shortcakes.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Peach Shortcakes</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b><b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
1 c. flour<br />
1/4 c. plus 2 tsp. sugar, divided<br />
2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. lemon zest<br />
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) cream cheese, cubed<br />
1/3 c. plus 1 tbsp. milk, divided<br />
3 large fresh peaches (1-1/4 lb.), sliced<br />
1-1/2 T. lemon juice<br />
1 c. thawed cool whip whipped topping<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Heat oven to 425ºF.<br />
<br />
Mix flour, 2 T. sugar, baking powder and zest in large bowl. Cut in cream cheese with 2 knives or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/3 cup milk until mixture forms dough.<br />
<br />
Use floured hands to divide dough into 8 pieces; shape each into ball. Place, 3 inches apart, on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray; flatten to 3/4-inch thickness. Brush tops lightly with remaining milk; sprinkle with 2 tsp. of the remaining sugar.<br />
<br />
Bake 12 to 15 min. or until golden brown. meanwhile, combine peaches, remaining sugar and lemon juice.<br />
<br />
Cool shortcakes slightly; split in half. Fill with peach mixture and cool whip just before serving.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Makes 8 shortcakes.</div>
<div>
<br />
Photo credit and recipe go to kraft.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/peach-shortcakes-117981.aspx">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-7578440940997003292011-09-03T14:25:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:10:07.505-07:00creamy tomato & chicken spaghetti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdedA2k2TnU8_mLnouzbf96GXQrg4N3XsoCacQQVCcQhiO1QQ9Vx0xFP4Klq1Zs97PmvmT_1YfwZOdYXvpkGfqwmElmNWiA74irhXYzv99Cg2L1SPxuhVsNlDocpQL2KKi6hDEPi2uqM/s1600/Creamy-Tomato-and-Chicken-Spaghetti-52193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdedA2k2TnU8_mLnouzbf96GXQrg4N3XsoCacQQVCcQhiO1QQ9Vx0xFP4Klq1Zs97PmvmT_1YfwZOdYXvpkGfqwmElmNWiA74irhXYzv99Cg2L1SPxuhVsNlDocpQL2KKi6hDEPi2uqM/s1600/Creamy-Tomato-and-Chicken-Spaghetti-52193.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Creamy Tomato & Chicken Spaghetti</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★½</b><b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div>
1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked<br />
2 c. frozen stir-fry vegetables (i used fresh broccoli and cauliflower and carrots)<br />
1 T. oil<br />
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips<br />
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained<br />
1/4 c. kraft zesty italian dressing<br />
1/2 c. (1/2 of 8-oz. tub/bar) cream cheese spread<br />
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Cook spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, adding stir-fry (or fresh) vegetables to the boiling water for the last 3 min.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 6 min., stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes and dressing; bring to boil. Simmer on medium heat 4 min., stirring occasionally. Add cream cheese spread; cook and stir until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended.<br />
<br />
Drain spaghetti mixture; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with parmesan.</div>
<div>
<br />
4 servings of about 2 cups each.<br />
<br />
Photo credit and recipe go to kraft.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/creamy-tomato-chicken-spaghetti-97931.aspx">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-30462494820619006152011-09-02T14:10:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:14:47.113-07:00cheesy ham & apple panini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHaDMbqadS4pdTHLDi0zuTSSIt8Ln5B8-SCc28QpF8IWiqmUVDneX7hmbHpFJeGxPsgmjyRMMpTn4hNkpvuroAVAl4VjqE_gWODtivEf5jWSJc1ukV8-l-e7qOrlWHj3GuJoeZ9DU47U/s1600/Cheesy-Ham-Apple-Panini-58339B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHaDMbqadS4pdTHLDi0zuTSSIt8Ln5B8-SCc28QpF8IWiqmUVDneX7hmbHpFJeGxPsgmjyRMMpTn4hNkpvuroAVAl4VjqE_gWODtivEf5jWSJc1ukV8-l-e7qOrlWHj3GuJoeZ9DU47U/s1600/Cheesy-Ham-Apple-Panini-58339B.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Cheesy Ham & Apple Panini</b><br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b><b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div>
2 tsp. mayo<br />
1 tsp. grey poupon dijon mustard<br />
2 slices sourdough bread (I used regular white bread)<br />
1 thin red onion slice<br />
4 thin slices deli meat ham (I used hillshire honey ham)<br />
6 thin apple slices<br />
1 slice colby jack cheese<br />
1 tsp. olive oil<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Heat panini grill. I used my George Foreman grill.<br />
<br />
Mix mayo and mustard; spread onto bread slices. Fill with onion, ham, apples and cheese.<br />
<br />
Brush outside of sandwich with olive oil.<br />
<br />
Grill 3 minutes or until golden brown.</div>
<div>
<br />
Photo credit and recipe go to kraft.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/cheesy-ham-apple-panini-119105.aspx">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-77128580768321724282011-09-01T13:48:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:22:34.871-07:00tangy apricot pork<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_f1d3OlBdv7HvVk8paGEc9jdRW9Abk1Za_KxiYAxWx5op_UlAiELF4Qst5ORQ1dTFWvLSnS9wydm3Je8aBRIG2OlsJdVT9qPu5BGe271EPk-Ecl4WId9c3vn9QNhSqvlNo76g_cLw08/s1600/pork.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648610602412897538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_f1d3OlBdv7HvVk8paGEc9jdRW9Abk1Za_KxiYAxWx5op_UlAiELF4Qst5ORQ1dTFWvLSnS9wydm3Je8aBRIG2OlsJdVT9qPu5BGe271EPk-Ecl4WId9c3vn9QNhSqvlNo76g_cLw08/s400/pork.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 295px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Tangy Apricot Pork</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
2-pound pork sirloin tip roast
<br />
1 c. apricot preserves
<br />
3 T. yellow mustard
<br />
3 T. worchestershire sauce
<br />
2 <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">¼</span> cups water (divided)
<br />
<br />
<b>directions:</b>
<br />
Put roast into crock pot with 2 cups of water. Cook on high for 4 hours. Take roast out, shred with fork and dump out crock pot, removing any ickies from the bottom. Put the shredded pork back into the crock pot. Mix preserves, mustard, worchestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup water in a bowl. Add to crock pot and mix until pork is well coated. Continue to cook on high for 1-2 more hours. Serve warm.
<br />
<br />
We made this along side <a href="http://mikencrafts.blogspot.com/2011/09/cheesy-funeral-potatoes.html">THIS</a> cheesy funeral potatoes recipe.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Photo credit and recipe go to vittlesdivine.blogspot.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://vittlesdivine.blogspot.com/2010/04/tangy-apricot-pork.html">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-57365907533214265552011-08-31T13:38:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:32:44.489-07:00cheesy funeral potatoes<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUofsThGPiZ_T_gi0uGdr6vKoKCJXZSg5m7QF5fQunMhi5Bd-xqlj49CnGcLWQ_GNA81r8-gtWmtW-oYf5H_TkfgG-wGLQJiIfRz1TkawgPn6J3zue4FzyNaFBhMO042IH4ctbb_30LVg/s1600/funeral+potatoes.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUofsThGPiZ_T_gi0uGdr6vKoKCJXZSg5m7QF5fQunMhi5Bd-xqlj49CnGcLWQ_GNA81r8-gtWmtW-oYf5H_TkfgG-wGLQJiIfRz1TkawgPn6J3zue4FzyNaFBhMO042IH4ctbb_30LVg/s400/funeral+potatoes.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Cheesy Funeral Potatoes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 26-ounce bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns (about 9 cups) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can (10 ¾ oz.) cream of chicken soup </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 c. milk </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3/4 c. sour cream </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded (i used 1 ½ to be extra cheesy!) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp. salt </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/8 tsp. pepper </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 T. butter, melted (and divided) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 c. diced onion </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Directions: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Melt 1 T. butter in small saucepan and saute onions until soft and onions start to carmelize. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mix soup, milk, sour cream, 2 tbs melted butter, cheese, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add sauteed onions. Slowly stir in hashbrowns and mix well. Pour mixture into lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake covered on 350 for 25 minutes. Take cover off and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Photo credit and recipe go to vittlesdivine.blogspot.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://vittlesdivine.blogspot.com/2010/06/funeral-potatoes.html">HERE</a>.</div>
</center>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-54320415351118923692011-08-25T10:30:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:38:53.897-07:00sesame chicken<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZO0VHkxMDfpFuBG8d38MCYffLXKjvEZfaMgA0WrRFxo8rjQXtSaQ0Gza9gZ8LMaB_6pYiw6SpTbPWpdylbBLKvFWFPdxIDEq_U7VeQZ4VCSqim9DPsy-GWaXhZc9GhpWiptq5aovxBn8/s1600/sesame.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644847486284347938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZO0VHkxMDfpFuBG8d38MCYffLXKjvEZfaMgA0WrRFxo8rjQXtSaQ0Gza9gZ8LMaB_6pYiw6SpTbPWpdylbBLKvFWFPdxIDEq_U7VeQZ4VCSqim9DPsy-GWaXhZc9GhpWiptq5aovxBn8/s400/sesame.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 308px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b>Sesame Chicken</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b><b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed of any fat and cut into bite-size pieces <br />
2 T. flour <br />
salt and ground pepper <br />
2 T. olive oil <br />
1/2 c. soy sauce <br />
1/2 c. sugar <br />
2 tsp. sesame seeds <br />
1 stalk green onion, chopped** <br />
2 c. white or brown rice, cooked according to package directions <br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
In a bowl, combine soy sauce and sugar and stir well to combine. Set aside. <br />
<br />
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces (make sure they are not wet) and flour. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. <br />
<br />
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. once hot, add chicken. Cook, stirring often, until cooked through, about 5-10 minutes, depending on how large or small your pieces are. <br />
<br />
Transfer chicken pieces onto a plate and put the pan back on the heat. Stir the soy sauce mixture again (some of the sugar will have settled in the bottom) and pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan. With a wooden spoon, scrape the cooked bits on the bottom of the pan while the soy sauce mixture simmer. Let simmer for 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add the chicken back into the pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and toss well, coating all the chicken pieces in the soy mixture. <br />
<br />
Serve over rice and garnish with green onions*. <br />
<br />
Comfortably feeds 4 adults. <br />
<br />
*Do try not to leave out the green onions. The tiny bit of Asian flavor that they add is really nice and really helps bring it all together.<br />
<br />
Photo credit and recipe goes to vittlesdivine.blogspot.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://vittlesdivine.blogspot.com/2010/02/sesame-chicken.html">HERE</a>.Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-60878638731402582432011-08-10T12:17:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:44:29.376-07:00brushed & baked bbq chicken rolls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJobEBs7Hzxn5ErIEZdIphFgwzsO0OJzBDIv2iMj0sWoWdYzt7P5cVt1onWJngFJwbRyno1mqfIg_k1v5vpx8v1uF1SEeWyA7V6PeHJjtE9YqT974Ui1mMSSMV76Nik8uJL6MUsbAJoU/s1600/bbq2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639308721790576626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJobEBs7Hzxn5ErIEZdIphFgwzsO0OJzBDIv2iMj0sWoWdYzt7P5cVt1onWJngFJwbRyno1mqfIg_k1v5vpx8v1uF1SEeWyA7V6PeHJjtE9YqT974Ui1mMSSMV76Nik8uJL6MUsbAJoU/s400/bbq2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 288px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div>
<b>Brushed & Baked BBQ Chicken Rolls</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div>
24 rolls</div>
<div>
Mayonnaise</div>
<div>
Baked chicken breasts, shredded</div>
<div>
BBQ sauce of your choice (I used Kraft Honey BBQ Sauce)</div>
<div>
Cheddar or provolone cheese, shredded or sliced</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Brush sauce:</b></div>
<div>
1/4 c. melted butter</div>
<div>
1 T. mustard</div>
<div>
1 T. worcestershire sauce</div>
<div>
2 tsp. poppy seeds</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Optional toppings:</b></div>
<div>
lettuce</div>
<div>
tomatoes</div>
<div>
sliced apples</div>
<div>
cole slaw</div>
<div>
carmelized onions</div>
<div>
avocado</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
Mix together shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated. Slice rolls in half. Spread thin layer of mayo on top and bottom of the inside of each roll. Assemble rolls with BBQ chicken and cheese. Place assembled rolls on a cookie sheet or stone. Mix together the melted butter, mustard, worchestershire sauce, and poppy seeds with a whisk. Brush this mixture all over the tops of the rolls and cover with tin foil. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Peel open sandwiches and add additional toppings as desired.</div>
<div>
<br />
The poppy seeds are not necessary when making this recipe. they don't add a ton of flavor, but they do look good. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Photo credit and recipe go to vittlesdivine.blogspot.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://vittlesdivine.blogspot.com/2010/10/brushed-and-baked-bbq-chicken-rolls.html">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-25803389647669409412011-08-09T12:03:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:51:40.796-07:00thai chicken pasta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Kw5Wz1vRwKsmYchka0CpDK9QSeanNOAfjwx8C3H3WPgPaWajwzOndGHOBL8RQ8bBmXratb9mdANM2sZhReOYj5CUCoUhULHCTNCmaKr7PLZchiXZG9rLgdRvnl5F0Ql0_vkthjtv-go/s1600/thai+chicken+pasta.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639307207036162402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Kw5Wz1vRwKsmYchka0CpDK9QSeanNOAfjwx8C3H3WPgPaWajwzOndGHOBL8RQ8bBmXratb9mdANM2sZhReOYj5CUCoUhULHCTNCmaKr7PLZchiXZG9rLgdRvnl5F0Ql0_vkthjtv-go/s400/thai+chicken+pasta.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div>
<b>Thai Chicken Pasta</b><br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★</b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div>
12 ounces linguine (NOT 16 ounces!)</div>
<div>
2-3 breasts of cooked and chopped or shredded chicken. (I used 2 somewhat large ones)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Sauce:</b></div>
<div>
1 tablespoon sesame oil</div>
<div>
1/2 cup green onions, chopped</div>
<div>
1 cup finely shredded carrots</div>
<div>
3 tablespoons minced garlic (yes, you read that right -- 3 tbs. surprisingly, it's not too much)</div>
<div>
1/2 tablespoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced</div>
<div>
1/2 cup honey</div>
<div>
just a tiny bit less than 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter</div>
<div>
1/2 cup soy sauce</div>
<div>
3 tablespoons rice vinegar</div>
<div>
1 and 1/2 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce*</div>
<div>
Cilantro and additional green onions to garnish (i did not do this)</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
Cook pasta in a large pot of water according to package directions, breaking pasta into thirds before boiling. Drain and return to pot. Set aside.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Heat 1 T. sesame oil in heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add green onions, carrots, garlic and ginger. Saute until vegetables soften, about 4 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Combine honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar and chili-garlic sauce in a bowl and and mix well. Add to vegetables. Add Chicken. Simmer sauce 2 minutes. Pour sauce over pasta and toss well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Chili-garlic sauce looks like this: (I found mine at Buy-Low but you can usually find it at Smith's and sometimes at Walmart)</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bfTe7r0cNqOj9kqW0i9Od0bnGaPUPN46Zc2ffsq1gDQhkth_tnHl-Lv5VEjBscrc5zsW4Nh8WAufFdGiLaMAaYvYPvOU0vWP-2xynoHrTq8zAMGQj-LEmGBsz3RJmSZmhjRqY1fdy00/s1600/Chili+Garlic+Sauce.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639307162735549394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bfTe7r0cNqOj9kqW0i9Od0bnGaPUPN46Zc2ffsq1gDQhkth_tnHl-Lv5VEjBscrc5zsW4Nh8WAufFdGiLaMAaYvYPvOU0vWP-2xynoHrTq8zAMGQj-LEmGBsz3RJmSZmhjRqY1fdy00/s400/Chili+Garlic+Sauce.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
<div>
Pasta photo credit and recipe goes to vittlesdivine.blogspot.com. The original recipe can be found <a href="http://vittlesdivine.blogspot.com/2010/07/thai-chicken-pasta.html">HERE</a>.</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-75024621458694743762010-08-19T15:21:00.000-07:002013-03-23T15:58:35.940-07:00foil dinners<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mFiALDDuSO1ijWYrGUtDs5uol2isQ8NuzaUz5pzPu1cUhKEo0gQF17DzzLke8IgWb5y0fa1CtJ6U9L9_zRdm9OZOmt-VFwk-vsRhX0cjz8gAqtLFL4AWvJFYnapCJH-0fHV1cyy6Vdo/s1600/P1010861a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507250209767208450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mFiALDDuSO1ijWYrGUtDs5uol2isQ8NuzaUz5pzPu1cUhKEo0gQF17DzzLke8IgWb5y0fa1CtJ6U9L9_zRdm9OZOmt-VFwk-vsRhX0cjz8gAqtLFL4AWvJFYnapCJH-0fHV1cyy6Vdo/s320/P1010861a.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><b>Foil Dinners</b><br />
<br />
<b>Our Rating: ★★★★★</b><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b> (Makes 2 dinners)<br />1 lb. thawed hamburger<br />2 large russet potatoes<br />Vegetables of your choice (I use 1/2 onion and 1 red pepper)<br />Salt and Pepper<br />Spices of your choice (I use Mrs. Dash and Garlic Salt)<br />Optional: Can of cream of mushroom soup or velveeta cheese sauce<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.<br />
<br />Put salt, pepper, and spices on your hamburger and knead it into the hamburger. Flatten and spread out your hamburger over the foil. Peel and cut up your potatoes and vegetables and put over hamburger. Put more spices on top of everything.<br />
<br />Optional ingredient: If you want to add cream of mushroom soup you will add a half can to each foil dinner. If you want to leave the soup out and make cheese sauce to put over afterwards or just leave it plain you can do that too.<br /><br />
Fold up your dinners making sure that nothing is going to bubble out. Coat with a Couple sheets of foil if needed. Put on a cookie sheet and bake for 1 hour.<br />
<br />
Optional ingredient: For the cheese sauce just cut up cubes of velveeta (about 1/4 of a package) and put about 1/4 cup of milk and microwave. Stir and microwave until liquid.<br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFcL7oTncOqvAi0BPO2e1Fi44CMpZN-UvCri0wmHmtoXMpJN18HxNqA93uf-IypSqiciHlA6w9FrjA6c0guEJSlF9IwFp4o44hWoaviBIHaQJWAoe7CUB6Kh4x3K16zuCYqkxbMueR2c/s1600/P1010862a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507250159263932594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFcL7oTncOqvAi0BPO2e1Fi44CMpZN-UvCri0wmHmtoXMpJN18HxNqA93uf-IypSqiciHlA6w9FrjA6c0guEJSlF9IwFp4o44hWoaviBIHaQJWAoe7CUB6Kh4x3K16zuCYqkxbMueR2c/s320/P1010862a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118143667306688529.post-6585564776062536082010-08-18T14:29:00.000-07:002011-10-12T12:30:15.652-07:00diy easy black-out curtains<div>
<b>Do you wake up feeling like you need a nap? </b>This is the story of my life! Have you considered that while you sleep you might need complete darkness to get the deep sleep you need? I never considered this in the past. After the first night of putting my curtains up I felt completely rejuvenated! I literally can feel the difference in the amount of energy I have from day to day. This might sound like a sales pitch but I'm dead serious! I get a deeper sleep having complete darkness. I had NO idea and was not expecting that this result would come from curtains but I definitely want to tell everyone about it! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Curtains are expensive. It might be just me but the only ones I can find that I like even slightly are a fortune! Maybe I am cheap but I am not willing to spend $30+ per panel for curtains. Make your own curtains... in minutes!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633;">
</span></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633;">Here's Mine:</span></span></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tkCHfjnsZYgpgNbOsyUKtgN7ewhv6BfTqtTJJnLPJB7P5IpC8_iZZTKPYFOBai_onE5rnqRwHOoibtbyGxBcVmtm9p7s-kCQL2qF6LoNeX4bayApyHq5dM-cVnOT0Wc9BQu09Yxbv3s/s1600/P1010873a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507242847910862850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tkCHfjnsZYgpgNbOsyUKtgN7ewhv6BfTqtTJJnLPJB7P5IpC8_iZZTKPYFOBai_onE5rnqRwHOoibtbyGxBcVmtm9p7s-kCQL2qF6LoNeX4bayApyHq5dM-cVnOT0Wc9BQu09Yxbv3s/s320/P1010873a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYavGtKiXHJDy5yD7LVmDDnB6hogXpogSNKrjDomjl9Iok48cga1oTbLkFYx6bWXBkMCqXyvz3UOWiTV-1iWR7sxDGnOMRqFl65G9hb8rsO4Vd77hO1MEiH_coblh6kzMIU67-vu7YmaQ/s1600/P1010855a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507242809651877282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYavGtKiXHJDy5yD7LVmDDnB6hogXpogSNKrjDomjl9Iok48cga1oTbLkFYx6bWXBkMCqXyvz3UOWiTV-1iWR7sxDGnOMRqFl65G9hb8rsO4Vd77hO1MEiH_coblh6kzMIU67-vu7YmaQ/s320/P1010855a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVu3q2BCs2NposGDtJmkfZ76xVhToYNlOYQnu0JedGP7hgF40YAXs9smmAsYaKSU9865ef-Z23J3ueJxCZOaBjqX2hlFVehAOwOK_BmNqvVz9JiPIVgCEXHDa5Y_SRgA5pbILTq6yqZ8/s1600/P1010856a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507242740671804642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVu3q2BCs2NposGDtJmkfZ76xVhToYNlOYQnu0JedGP7hgF40YAXs9smmAsYaKSU9865ef-Z23J3ueJxCZOaBjqX2hlFVehAOwOK_BmNqvVz9JiPIVgCEXHDa5Y_SRgA5pbILTq6yqZ8/s320/P1010856a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My blinds are closed yet there is still ALL this light!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P_CNhfyUlz37WE3XUwNnJzDX7tpx1qaqVCNU6AzyVkd0wUVHm8_4vh2xhAo1Oo-1RSK3wLUzvOM1HmyRDCQ2q_8vgzZhx19QJ1wcente_6VPv1rhhWDT7J6HKW_GQXOXbSNtGmvVP48/s1600/P1010866a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507242669127275874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P_CNhfyUlz37WE3XUwNnJzDX7tpx1qaqVCNU6AzyVkd0wUVHm8_4vh2xhAo1Oo-1RSK3wLUzvOM1HmyRDCQ2q_8vgzZhx19QJ1wcente_6VPv1rhhWDT7J6HKW_GQXOXbSNtGmvVP48/s320/P1010866a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Curtains closed... it's night time in the middle of the day!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQL2cXog-BYCdJDRIMpcKkmVHi4p8eS7UICyOAUhaR-bdyTrr3E0Bo-uiGqb5wRm82-DwyC-SIUXToeXYHOB6zUiN1I7jlUICPNTlVFKuYHoS7XhmYBpw6lv2RFGbBKrfz5VA7kW9Uqw/s1600/P1010864a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507242591968832274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQL2cXog-BYCdJDRIMpcKkmVHi4p8eS7UICyOAUhaR-bdyTrr3E0Bo-uiGqb5wRm82-DwyC-SIUXToeXYHOB6zUiN1I7jlUICPNTlVFKuYHoS7XhmYBpw6lv2RFGbBKrfz5VA7kW9Uqw/s320/P1010864a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yess!!!!!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_0OtzHNAAffGjVFOZuKeMxT_8ZtJKF5nfdcqgX0ilxrIBQVRNofGSJaqA47W1OV_rsg-xoJI-cpftintLQb2R0KSsCZo4KleYb2IPL1iuWxpnc9OeodA23aNU08Jkauujg4icmEMwHQ/s1600/P1010857a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507242478658440514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_0OtzHNAAffGjVFOZuKeMxT_8ZtJKF5nfdcqgX0ilxrIBQVRNofGSJaqA47W1OV_rsg-xoJI-cpftintLQb2R0KSsCZo4KleYb2IPL1iuWxpnc9OeodA23aNU08Jkauujg4icmEMwHQ/s320/P1010857a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #996633;">What I Used:</span></b></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<b>"Blackout" Fabric (Can be found at any fabric store - I got mine at Hobby Lobby)</b></div>
<div>
Measuring Tape
<br />
2 Twin Sized Bed Sheets (Found mine at Target)</div>
<div>
Iron & Ironing Board</div>
<div>
Curtain rod & Clips (Found mine at Target)</div>
<div>
Scissors
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I measured my windows first and held up a twin sized sheet horizontally and it fit from top to bottom with extra on the sides so i went and bought a couple sheets of my choice (2 windows to cover for me) and some "blackout" fabric. <b>Blackout fabric is the most important ingredient in this recipe!!</b> I brought them home, ironed my sheets and folded the extra fabric on the sides over and made a seam with the iron. I cut the blackout fabric to match up to my sheet. I clipped the sheet and the blackout fabric behind onto my curtain rings and installed the curtain rod. Seriously with shopping and everything this project took 2 hours. If you would like to have 2 panels for your window (1 on each side) you can always cut your sheet in half and sew a seam too. I chose the easier route. I would definitely recommend getting a good sturdy curtain rod. The one I got is pretty crappy cause i went for the cheapest. Spending a couple extra bucks on the hardware will make a big difference. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc9933;">Goodnight! ♥</span></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Mikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10471905479092785477noreply@blogger.com1