Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Old Crafty Hen Tuesday

A bottle of Old Crafty Hen
I must confess my reason for not posting many crafty endeavors lately. The reason is that I am in the throws of making my own crafting space. A room just for me. Well, kinda. Unless we have company or one of the kids needs to have some space of their own. Then, I have to share. For the most part, the room will be my craft studio. I like studio much better than room. Doesn't it sound more professional?

In my studio, I will create more ricepuddin' originals button rings and cards. That's when it's done. For now, I'm painting. I'm decorating. I'm organizing. While these are some of my favorite things, I'll be glad when I've completed these steps and can move on to creating.

I'd love to post a Before and After photo comparison. But, alas, I did not take the Before photo. And, since I'm still in the throws, there is not an After yet. Question is, do I dare post a Thus Far photo? Everything is moved to the center of the room and looks like a complete mess. Wonder if there's a way to angle my camera and get decent photos of the room...minus the mess.

Here's a mental picture: The room started out as 4 walls. Painted a soft green. It was the Princess' room before she moved into the larger room left empty when Man-cub and Not-to-big-to-say-he-loves-me moved into the bonus room. The color, although perfect for the Princess, was not so perfect for me. Too soothing. I needed something to ignite my creativity. I went with Turquoise. A color that always makes me smile. We had built-in cabinets constructed across the back wall of the room. There's a cut out for the twin bed that will be for those occasional guests. One side of the bed has a desk, the other has two very large drawers. All across the top are open shelves which I hope to neatly organize with my supplies. I chose to paint the built-in turquoise, as well, but two shades lighter than the walls. Everything else in the room will be black and white.

I cannot wait to complete this project. For no other reason than I'm tired of painting. Well, that and I want to tell the world I have a Studio.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Menu Plan Monday


As our school year is coming to an end, I am both excited and a bit hesitant for the summer to begin. Swim team will keep our whole family busy through the first week of July. That's good and bad. My kids won't be playing lazy in the mornings. Practice starts at 7:15 and is every day, Monday through Friday. Every Tuesday and Thursday night, we'll have swim meets that will have us at the pool from 5:15 until around 10 PM. That means I've got to have my menus planned with easily transportable foods so we don't succumb to Nachos and Pizza from the concession stand. Luckily, I have one more week before that starts!

Here's what I came up with for dinner this week...

Monday: Chicken Parmesan Subs; Chips (Yep, these subs were on my menu last week. Not quite sure what happened but I never made them.)
From Eating Well

Tuesday: Chipotle Rubbed Flank Steak; Cous Cous; Spinach with Toasted Almonds
Photo from John Autry


Wednesday: Moroccan Style Zucchini and Tomatoes; Whole Grain Rolls

Thursday: 5 Spice Turkey and Lettuce Wraps

From Eating Well

Friday: Quesadillas; Salad

Saturday: Date Night with the Hubster; the kids will eat  left overs.

Cheers!
Kit

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday's Something to Ponder

Today if you feel tempted to censor yourself for fear of not being accepted, remember: It’s better to be judged for something you are than to be accepted for something you’re not.
- Lori Deschene founder of Tiny Buddha

Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday Finds

This week, I came across an adorable clock. Lucky for me, I need some clocks. Now, truth be told, I gave up wearing a watch about 5 years ago. I've tried to go back but just can't get used to having a timepiece on my wrist. It's not that they're too heavy, I just don't like to be bothered with the idea that I may be running late for something. Although I hate to be late, I've come to realize, the world does not stop if I am late. Yep. That's right! The world does not revolve around me or my ability to show up. But, like I said, I hate to be late. I don't like to inconvenience people. That's why I need clocks. They get me out the door. So, without further adieu, here is one of the cutest clocks I've seen in a while...

From tatertots and jello

This is a Washi Tape Clock and you can get the tute right here. Well, what are you doing? Don't waste time, go get it!

Cheers!
Kit

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Thirsty Thursday

With the long Memorial Day weekend upon us, I thought I'd post a drink recipe for your enjoyment. Temps here are already in the high 90s so I was looking for a refreshing drink. I've found just the thing.

Raspberry Beer Cocktail. This is a Southern Living recipe so all credits go to them.
Photo: Charles Walton IV; Styling: Buffy Hargett
And, how much do we love these glasses?
They'd be so easy to recreate!

Also, with it being Memorial Day weekend and tons of folks heading to the beach or pool, I'm also posting this tidbit of helpful info I came across yesterday on safe sunscreens.

Linking up to:


Cheers!
Kit

Monday, May 23, 2011

Menu Plan Monday

Image representing Woot as depicted in CrunchBaseImage via CrunchBase
Can I hear a Woot! ? How about a Woot! Woot! ? Last week was my last week of work until the Fall. Being a preschool teacher-assistant is wonderful! This is my first week of Summer. The sun is shining. A gentle breeze is blowing. My kids are still in school. I have no where in particular I need to be today. Oh what a feeling!

Here's the menu I came up with this morning while leisurely planning over a cup of coffee...



Monday: Turkey-Sausage & Arugula Pasta; whole grain rolls
Photo from Eating Well


Tuesday: Home-made pizzas (I use this recipe for my crust); Salad

Wednesday: Steak Burritos; Rice; Guacamole Salad
Photo from Eating Well


Thursday: Orecchiette with Peas, Shrimp & Buttermilk Herb Dressing
Photo from my recipes Anna Williams

Friday: Grilling out with Neighbors - Burgers; Broccoli Slaw

Saturday: C.O.R.N. (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)

Sunday: Chicken Parmesan Subs; Fruit Salad

Photo from Eating Well


Time to refill my coffee...

Cheers!
Kit

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday's Something to Ponder

I'd rather live a life of "oh wells" than a life of "what ifs."

I thought this fitting with all the rumors circulating about the rapture. I hope we are all living our lives so that in the end (whenever that may be) we have no regrets.

Cheers!
Kit

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Friday, May 20, 2011

Friday Finds

This week, I have found a fabulous idea for that entertainment center you no longer need now that you have that flat screen TV.
Photo from My insanity





Isn't this the best idea??? You can read the entire blog post here. Now, I've gotta do some roadside shopping for entertainment centers. Wish me luck!

Cheers!
Kit

Monday, May 16, 2011

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Tortellini Primavera; Whole Grain Rolls

Monday: Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry; Fruit

Tuesday: Gnocchi with Chard and White Beans; Salad

Wednesday: Braising Mix with Pasta

Thursday: Sandwiches

Friday: C.O.R.N (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)

Saturday: Taking White Chocolate Lemon Truffles to a friend's party

Cheers!
Kit

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sunday's Something to Ponder


 The only people with whom
you should try to get even 
are those who have helped you.
- John E. Southard

Monday, May 2, 2011

Menu Plan Monday

There's a lot to celebrate this week.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19:  Children w...Image by Getty Images via @daylife


First of all, the obvious. Bin Laden is no longer a threat. Justice has been served for the families of thousands who lost loved ones; for the millions who saw their way of life change probably forever; for countless number of our military who sacrificed so much to defend us all.

Secondly, Track & Field and Lacrosse have officially ended! This means more family meals around my dinner table. Wait! No it doesn't. Swim Season's here...

And, lastly, the Hubster turns 44 on Friday. Since almost losing him to heart disease when he was 41, every year is both a bonus and a blessing. This year, friends will gather at our neighborhood pool with dishes in hand. The kids will swim. The adults will eat and chat. Fun times await!

Now, on to the menu...
(I'll be linking to Organizing Junkie)

Monday: Swim Team Spirit Night at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. Yummy...Margaritas!

Tuesday: Dilled Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables; Fruit

Wednesday: Polenta & Vegetable Bake; Salad

Thursday: Chicken Adobo Soup with Bok Choy; Whole Grain Rolls

Friday: Birthday Celebration for the Hubster: Noshin' at the Pool (I'm taking Peel & Eat Shrimp and Birthday Cake)

Cheers!
Kit

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sunday's Something to Ponder

A new installment on Oh Swizzle Sticks! I love quotes. My laundry room is painted in chalkboard paint just so I can randomly put up quotes for my family to read and ponder. Today, Sunday's Something to Ponder is born. Hope you enjoy.


You are somebody's reason to smile.


I don't know who first said this. But I like it.

Cheers!
Kit