Menu, Menu, Menu..............

Took the lil' princess to downtown Columbia today with her Auntie and baby cousin to see the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus Elephants Parade into town.  

I don't think the lil' princess knew what she was looking at, but she had a good ole time!!  I think she enjoyed all the other little kids around her, but I love watching her when she is having a good time.  

She is becoming such a good little walker.  I love watching her grow more confident, but it reminds me how fast she is growing up and isn't my little baby anymore.  Her aunt caught this cute little pic of her walking back to the car after seeing the elephants.

So here is the whats on the menu for this week.  I'm gonna declare now that I'm sticking to this!!

• Monday 1/31 - Pizza night {no, not homemade....yummmm}
• Tuesday 2/1 - Swedish meatballs, rice & something green
• Wednesday 2/2 - Asian chicken lettuce wraps & Veggie Fried Rice  {I've never made these, but devour them every time we are out....I'm a bit excited to see how they turn out}
• Thursday 2/3 -  Crockpot sloppy joes with homemade rolls & sweet potato fries
• Friday 2/4 -  Beef Stew a la crockpot & grilled cheese sammies
• Saturday 2/5 - Farmer Roy's night
• Sunday 2/6 - Leftovers

I'm linking up as always over at the Organizing Junkie.  

Gotta check this girl out!!

I know I've already mentioned Ana White before when I posted the beginning of the Farmhouse Table {almost done with it by the way, pics to come soon}, but seriously I am in love with her site.  I visit it at least daily and usually it ends up being more than once a day.  Just check out some of these projects.  My to-do list is growing so long.

I love that her site not only highlights her own projects, but guest and other bloggers can share their awesome projects as well.  These washer and dryer pedestals with organization is simply brilliant.  I love it better than any pedestal I've ever seen in a store.

I want this little table so bad.  I think it may be my next building adventure.  I have the perfect place in my oddly shaped living room for it.

I told the farmer that I wanted this media cabinet system from Ikea:

But check out this plan on Ana's site.  I think I'd rather build my own media cabinet.  I'm sure it would ultimately be better quality and actually made out of real wood as compared to composite stuff.  I'm not sure which would be most cost effective, but seeing how I have to drive 2.5 hours to Ikea it probably all evens out.

This is a must for our family room in the making.  {ever notice the lovely blue room in some of my pics?  that will one day be the family/dining room and no, it won't be blue}  I love the hidden storage.

 

One day far, far away when we are able to build a new laundry room and make our current washer & dryer location our mudroom, this is a must.  I can already see it in my mind and it's beautiful, beautiful I tell you.  See that wood there.....that will be for shoe storage, ahhhh shoe storage.....a girl can dream.

I could go on and on sharing, but I'll show you just one more.  This is definitely going to be my next project.  I think I'm gonna make two of these and retro fit another one with two baskets to fit in the hall linen closet next to the kiddos bathroom.  I can't wait to see how much easier this is going to make laundry day.

Go on over to her site and check out the hundreds of plans and ideas she has.  She is my new idol.  Also, check out her community.  There are awesome message boards where members share projects.  It's great to see how other great crafters/DIYers take her plans and make them or tweak them a little.  It's a wealth of knowledge and a great place for inspiration.

Big Girl Room in the making……

I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been planning the Lil’ Princess’ big girl room in my mind since she was about 6 months old.  I’ve actually been working on it for the last 2 months or so.  It’s taking me awhile to get it all done, but the end is now in sight.  Last Thursday I finally got a project done that I’ve had bookmarked since I saw it.

Go check out this book sling tutorial over at Penny Carnival.  Aren’t they just the coolest, cutest thing ever.  I thought so, and I fell in love when I stumbled upon them one day.  I knew I had the perfect place in the soon-to-be big girl room.

 

Believe it or not, they were so easy to make.  I think sewing on the rick-rack and making the appliques took longer than getting the sling itself put together. 

I found my double curtain rod hardware at Ikea.  They came in a 2 pack for $3.99!!  I found the dowel rods at our local hardware store for a mere $0.89 each.  Also, I picked up 1 1/2 yards of pink fabric for $3.50.  I actually only ended up using 1 yard of fabric and lined the sling with white fabric from the sheet I picked up from Goodwill for $2.13.  I already had the fabric for the "A" and "Z" in my stash along with the rick-rack.  All in all this project has cost me about $15.00 to complete so far.

I really want to find some cute little knobs to go on the ends of the dowels and paint them, but I couldn't wait to go ahead and get them up.

They actually hold a lot of books.  I was a little surprised that I could get as many in them as I did.  The lil' princess has already checked them out and they managed to stay up despite her pulling on them, so I think we're good.

You can probably tell, but I went for a pink and green theme for her room.  I found a super cute ladybug fabric forever ago and made her that quilt hanging on the chair.  The quilt is actually for her pallet bed that I'm also slowly getting done.  I have all my hardware for it & I've gotten it cut to the proper size, but I still have to get it sanded and painted.

Also, remember the sheet I picked up at Goodwill?  Here are the curtains that I made for the long window.

There is also a smaller window in this room that I have a curtain for.  Yes, I was able to make all these curtains and line the book slings for $2.13!!  Now that's what I call a deal.

I can't wait to share the finished project with you soon.  I still have several projects in this room to finish, but I'll keep you updated!

Linking up at these uber cool sites:

Menu Planning Monday.....well almost.....

I just never found the time yesterday to sit down and plan the menu for the week.  It was really obvious when the farmer and I stared at each other around dinner time trying to figure out what we were going to eat.....I hate that, I really do.

Apparently a woman's brain has a way of blocking out how you feel when your pregnant.  I forgot how tired you are during your first trimester.  I'm ready for the next few weeks to fly by and my energy to come bounding back to me.  Finding the strength to do anything other than take care of the little princess has been a struggle this last week.

Speaking of the little princess, check out this beauty:

Now if that isn't a face only a mother could love, I don't know what is.  I was actually trying to capture her licking the last little bit of ravioli off her plate before she launched it to the floor {fun, I know}.  Poor child, guess I should feed her more so she doesn't have to lick her plate.

Okay, here's what's on the menu for this week:

• Monday 1/24 - Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli  {this was so good the last time...}
• Tuesday 1/25 - Country Fried Steak, Mashed Taters & Sugar Snap Peas
• Wednesday 1/26 - Beef Stew a la crock pot & Grilled Cheese Sammies
• Thursday 1/27 - Cornish Game Hens in the Crock pot, Scalloped Potatoes & broccoli
• Friday 1/28 - Salmon, Brown Rice & Mixed Veggies
• Saturday 1/29 - Farmer Roy's Choice
• Sunday 1/30 - Leftovers!!

If you notice some repeats from last week, that's because I wasn't very good about sticking to the menu last week.  Like I said, I was tired.....oh well, made this week easier.

As always, I linking up over at Organizing Junkie.  So, go check out the other cool peeps that Menu plan like me!!

And the award goes to.......

Me!!!!  Yes you read that right.  I've been recognized by the awesome Dana at 3 Pink Cupcakes for the Stylish Blogger award.  Isn't she sweet?  Go check her out and those adorable baby girls.

Here's how it works.  Just like in kindergarten, we all have to play by the rules:

1. Thank the awesome person that gave you the award.
2. Share 7 embarrassing interesting things about yourself
3. Award 10 RECENTLY DISCOVERED great bloggers.
4. Let said 10 bloggers know about their awesomeness of this prestigious award.

Here are 7 things you wouldn't be able to live without knowing about me {much like these}:

1. I have a tendency to find a shirt or pants I like and buy 2 or 3 in different colors.  I know it's bad to do that, but I can't help it.  It's a sickness.  
2. I like to pretend I'm a good cook but truth be told.  If I don't have a recipe to follow, I couldn't make it.  Fake it until you make it baby!!
3. I secretly wish I was famous.  Like that type of famous that could act and sing.  Realistically I can't do either.
4. I've been outside of my house pretty much naked.  I live in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees.  I love that I could do that everyday and no one would ever know.  Well, until now.
5. My hubby is my bestest friend.  I can't survive a day without talking to him.
6. I love cheesy chick flicks.
7. I love shows like Glee and movies like Chicago.  I wish we could all live in musicals.  Wouldn't life just always be happy?

Others at the cool people's table.  Go check them out and I'm sure you'll see why I picked them:

• Apples and Elephants
• Baby Fields
• Grow Baby Grow
• The Testosterone Adventures
• Whimsies of the Wee
• Three Loud Kids!
• The Smedley Family
• Gardenview Cottage
• Just Add Whine
• Creative Outbursts

Peepshi.......Say what??

I failed yesterday.  I ran all morning looking in thrift shops for hidden treasures and then had a work meeting last night.  By the time I got home I was exhausted, so therefore I neglected the blog.  On another hand, I am happy to report that I found material for the little one's new curtains for a whopping $2.13, whoooo-hoooooo!!!  I'll be sure to share pics when I get them made and up {btw if anyone can find the hanging part of my curtain rod, I'll owe you forever}.

So I know a few days ago I posted this picture and promised an explaination, so here it goes.  Consider this a "crafty" food project the Farmer and I did last Easter.  The Farmer found this site and couldn't wait to try his hand at making his very own sushi peeps or peepshi.  We decided to whip them up for Easter dinner at his mama's since so many of the little princess' cousins were gonna be there and lets be honest, the kids are gonna get a kick out of this more than the adults.

  The ingredient list is super simple:

• Rice Krispie Treats {we were lazy and used the pre-made kind....the baby was only a few months old....stop judging me}
• Fruit Roll-ups {I think the site actually said to use Fruit by the Foot, but we just cut ours into strips}
• Peeps in a variety of colors

The Beginning........

Now if you really don't like peeps for eating, this is where you can get your revenge.  Grab a sharp knife and saw the little heads off some of the peeps. 

Theraputic isn't it?

I actually like peeps, so for me this is kinda sad.  Poor little peeps.  Oh and don't cut them all up,  you'll use a few whole pieces too.

The murder scene.....

Now, here comes the fun part.  Cut your Rice Krispies up and go to it.  Go ahead, get creative.  Make some Nigiri sushi or Sashimi or Makimono or whatever you want to call it.  Have a good ole' time.   Here's what we came up with.

Doesn't it all look yummy?  We just used a basic cutting board to serve it up.  Completed the look with a bit of extra Fruit Roll-ups to look like the ginger and a pair of chopsticks.  The little one's loved it and devoured it.  I think this would be super cute for a Asian themed kids Birthday or just for a quick snack for the little one.  I know it's silly, but we had so much fun.  Enjoy ya'll!!

In my best Racheal Ray voice....Yummo!!!

I know I'm pregnant and all, but this just look delicious!!

My sweet sis-in-law made something along these line at Christmas time and I think I single handly devoured all of it {sorry hubby}.  I have to pack up the child in a bit and head on out to the store so I'm think about picking up the makings for these.

Check out how super easy they look to make:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups crushed thin pretzel twists
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon fleur de sel or other flaky sea salt

Directions: 

1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Combine butter, sugar, corn syrup, salt, and two tablespoons water in medium-sized heavy saucepan. Clip candy thermometer to side of saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring as little as possible, until thermometer reaches 300ºF (hard crack stage), about 10 minutes.
2. Remove saucepan from heat and immediately stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. Stir in crushed pretzels. Quickly pour toffee onto prepared baking sheet, spreading it as thinly and evenly as possible. 
3. Let toffee cool slightly until it just begins to harden, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle toffee evenly with chocolate chips. Let it stand until chocolate has melted, about two minutes. Using a spatula, spread chocolate evenly over toffee. Sprinkle chocolate with fleur de sel. 
4. Transfer baking sheet to refrigerator until chocolate has hardened, about 1 hour. Break toffee into large shards. Store in airtight container on countertop or in refrigerator for up to three weeks.

 Ummmm.....I don't see this lasting 3 weeks around these parts.   I'm drooling now....off to find a towel.

Menu Planning Monday

Yum, Yum.....

Yeah, it’s Menu Planning Monday!!!  Is it sad that I’m so proud of myself for sticking with this for 3 whole weeks now?  It really is making my life around dinner time so much easier.  Oh and shhhh….don’t tell but I’m really, really starting to look forward to this every Monday.  This may be partly because I usually feel a bit brain dead on Mondays from working all weekend and these post don’t require too much on my part except glancing in the freezer.

I promise to do a post soon explaining the above pic.  No, those aren't chickens wearing seat belts.  Those are my peeps hommie!! 

Here’s what will be on the table when the dinner bell rings:

• Monday 1/17 – Chicken Pot Pie {a farm favorite}
• Tuesday 1/18 – Red Beans and Rice {from the freezer}
• Wednesday 1/19 – Work meeting so it's everyone for themselves
• Thursday 1/20 - Cornish Game Hens, Scalloped Potatoes & broccoli {not sure how I’m gonna prepare the hens, any ideas?}
• Friday 1/21 – Country Fried Steak, Mashed Taters & Sugar Snap Peas
• Saturday 1/22 – Farmer Roy’s choice
• Sunday 1/23 – Leftovers 

I'm linking up again over at The Organizing Junkie go check out all the other uber cool people. 

I have an announcement.....

I've been struggling all week whether or not to share this EXCITING news, but today I decided to go for it.  Some may think I'm crazy to do it all ready, but I'm too happy to keep it in.  I'm feeling a little mischivious today, so I'm gonna make you scroll around my page to figure out exactly what I'm talking about!!  Have fun searching. :)

Too Cute Thursday....

Cruisin' with my kitty.....

Please forgive my bedhead look!  It's playtime!!

Homemade Farmhouse Table

I've been dreaming of owning my very own Farmhouse table ever since we moved into this new house.  I mean hello, I live on a farm so this MUST be a necessity, right?  When I found this table and this table over at Ana White's, I just knew it had to be fate.  Sure I could have pinched pennies for years and spent $1000+ on a table, but I'm cheap and that was just never gonna happen.  Plus the thought of doing this ourselves just sounded cool.

After getting some awesome gift cards for Christmas and discussing it with the hubby, we decided to go for it.  We bought our wood and all the supplies we needed for about $125.00.  We will need to spend a little more on stain, but $125.00 for a farmhouse table is awesome!!  In my opinion that is. 

So, the hubs and I worked on the plans for our very own table.  Ana's tables are awesome but were a little narrow and long for our space plus I really wanted to incorporate turned legs in our design.  After a bit of sketching we ended up combining the two table plans.

Lil' Princess on her way to help

The world around here in SC has pretty much been on hold for the last few days due to the blizzard of 2011.  Since the farmer was home for his 3rd snow day from work we he got busy.  He managed to get the frame built and top cut out.  It looks great so far and I can't wait to get it all together.  For now I'm living with saw dust and wood pieces in what will one day be our family room/dining room but strangely enough it makes me happy to see it this way.   I can't wait to share with you the finished product. 

21 things…..

Ohhh go check out this post over at The Story of Us.  I’ve been a little stumped and having a difficult time coming up with something to post about today.  I’ve got so many projects going on around the farm right now that I can’t wait to share on here but nothing is quite ready yet. 

Hopefully I can actually get through this without retyping it over and over.  The little princess has a new game…….every time I open the laptop she makes a bee line over to wherever I am to close it.  Sounds like fun doesn’t it?  Try it about 100 times then tell me how you really feel.

 1. I proclaimed for years to friends and coworkers that I was never going to get married and if I did I didn’t think I ever wanted kids.  Look at me now.  Couldn’t imagine my life without my farmer or lil’ princess.

2. I met my hubby online.  Most people are shocked by that.  Well actually we “met” in a bar, but found each other online.  I knew he was the one after only about 3 dates. 

3.  Have you ever had a really, really bad day and at the end of it realized you were wearing your panties inside out?  I have.

4.  I found the little princess’ name by Googling “names that go with the middle name Ruth.”

5.  I cannot stand scarey movies.  Like "can’t-stand-with-every-hair-on-my-head" kind of can't stand them.  I’m a real life chicken.

6.  I’m completely OCD about cleaning, but only if I’m in the mood.  Watch out though if I start cleaning and you come behind me and mess it up, you are liable to get the wrath. 

7.  I once worked in a fast food restaurant.  For 3 days.

8.  I’m famous in my family for many things.  One of these was for getting stuck backwards in a kitchen table chair.  I had to be sawed out.  Yes, I had chubby legs as a child.  Quit laughing now.

9.  I secretly will leave the paper towel holder empty to see how long it takes for the hubby to put a new roll on.  I’ve lasted 4 days one time.

10.  I carried a blankie around until I was almost in the 4th grade.  My parents made me give it to our dog as a pull toy.  I’m still bitter about the dog eating my blankie. 

11..  With my job, I’ve seen more penises than I’d care to ever admit.  I’m a nurse people, a nurse.  I know what you were thinking. 

12.  I’ve been arrested once in my life when I was 18.  I was stealing political signs.  Sadly I wasn’t political at the time, just being stupid.  Really, really stupid.  And no I didn’t have to do any time in the slammer.

13.  I have a real fear of trampolines.  I hurt myself on one as a kid and never really liked them that much anyway.  I secretly hope my children never want one.

14.  As a kid I was terrified when we had to cross over a bridge in the car.  When we use to have to cross the Memphis bridge, it would make me cry.  I have in fact gotten over this. 

15.  Speaking of bridges, one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever been through in my life involved The Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain.  This involved my older sister.  Enough said.

16.  I cannot do a cartwheel.  I’ve tried but with no success.  It’s quite entertaining to see me try.

17.  I once stuck a bead up my nose and it got stuck.  Yep, brilliant I know.  Sorry mom for that doctor bill.

18.  I’m a complete baby whenever I have to get a shot.  I can give them all day long, but don’t you dare come at me with a needle.

19.  I love microwave popcorn more than I should.  I really, really love it mixed with a handful or two of M&M's......now my mouth is watering......

20.  I love the Harry Potter series.  I don’t care that I’m 31.  I’m not skeerd to admit that I’ve read all the books no less than 4 times each and have been thinking about doing it again soon.

21.  I’ll never forget the way I felt the first time I laid my eyes on the lil’ princess.  Makes me wonder why I ever felt the way I did in #1.