Old Crafty Hen Tuesday

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.

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'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 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

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

Wordless Wednesday

The Princess

Menu Plan Monday

Image 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