Weekend To Dos 7/7-8 & Menu Plan 7/8-13

D's kids are here for their summer visit so we don't have many house projects planned but instead plan to to some serious hanging out.  Well, at least indoor in the basement hanging out since since 100+ heat isn't conducive to outdoor activities. 

That being said, we still have a few things on the list.
1.  Grocery/Laundry/Cleaning
2.  Watering garden, flowers and lawn
3.  Farmers Market
4.  Finish spreading bark (but only if it isn't already over 80 degrees at 7 am like the past week)
5.  Blog posts and photos
6. Plant veggie seeds
7.  Finish fence post flower project

Of course, we also will be renting some movies, hanging out with the grandparents and playing with Willow.  I know D wants to spend some time alone with the kids, so I figure I will get my projects done during those times. 
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It is a cooking outdoors kind of week.  D loves it, the kids love it, Willow love to go in and out constantly with D and the kids, I love the lack of dishes. Win, win, win, win!

Plus, having the grill fired up is the prefect excuse for making s'mores. We haven't done that yet this summer and it is time!

Sunday:  Salmon with Mornay Sauce
Monday:  Crockpot Roast Chicken
Tuesday:  BBQ ribs
Wednesday:  Grilled Cheese (D has class)
Thursday:  Carne Asada
Friday:  Out of Town
Saturday: Out of Town

Poppy Pillow - Low/No Sew Project

Another belated Mother's Day present post.  My parents were away on vacation over Mother's day so we didn't celebrate until mid-June when we celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day together.

This is another one of my low sew/no sew projects that involves felt.  I think this may be one of my favorite combinations of craft materials!

My mom loves poppies. She thinks they are just beautiful.  She has several pieces of art that includes poppies and her sister made her a cross-stitch pillow with poppies on it several years ago.  So I figured that she needed a poppy something from me too. 

First I made the pillow cover using these instructions using drop cloth for the material. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can use something like Stitch Witchery to make your pillow. 

Then it was off to the internet to find a tutorial on making poppies.  Have I told you lately how much I adore Google? It can help you find anything.  Using the search term "felt poppy tutorial" I found The Wishing Elephant's easy to follow instructions. 

Since I wasn’t sure where my sewing kit was, I used hot glue to make my flowers.  If you do this, be very very very careful. Hot glue is extremely hot and could cause swearing if you get it on your finger. (Or in my case, WILL cause swearing. I need to get some finger protectors if I ever make another one of these pillow.)

Once I had my flowers made, I cut some stems and leaves out of dark green felt.

I put my pillow in the cover and laid out where I wanted the flowers, stems and leaves.

Using fabric glue, I glued everything in place and let it dry overnight.

The next day, I used a bit more glue to attach some of the petals directly to the pillow since they were sticking up a bit too much for my taste.

Then, boom, done!

I think cutting out the flower petals was the longest part of the project but that can be done while watching a bit of TV. 

Mom loved her pillow and she says it looks great in her living room.

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My House Goals 2012 - 2nd Qtr Update

The 2nd quarter of 2012 has come and gone.

This means it is check in time for My 2012 House Goals.

We have several projects completed, several more with progress and too many that haven't been touched or that have been moved to 2013.

Sigh!  Is it possible to add a couple more months to the year so we don't feel so bad about our lack of progress on many of our goals?

Indoor Projects:

1. Master Bedroom - Progress planned

• Major plans scheduled for Labor Day weekend. Originally we had planned to do this project Memorial Day weekend but we ended up working on a mini kitchen update instead.
• We will be installing bamboo flooring, painting and replacing the trim.

2. Rip out and replace flooring in hall bathroom - Moved to 4th Qtr 2013 or even early 2014

• We have totally changed our plan of a mini-makeover and now plan on doing a total gut job including moving the laundry upstairs. We need to do major planning on this one since we will be moving plumbing and electrical. Luckily the ceiling in the basement isn't finished under this area and so it shouldn't be that bad.

3. Living Room- PROGRESS!

• The mantle is half stripped
• Woodwork has one coat of white paint, needs a 2nd and maybe a 3rd
• Tile for the fireplace surround has been selected: 3x6 marble subway tile on the surround; 6x12 marble tile on the hearth
• Shelves and lights have been installed in both cabinets
• Cabinet interiors have been painted
• Need to finish trim on 2nd cabinet
• Need to order additional glass shelves

4. Install baseboards and trim in the hallways, foyer and living room - No progress

• Of course, this lack of progress and no plan to start hasn't stopped us from leaving our compressor in the living room - covered with a towel to disguise it - just in case we get a wild hair and feel the need to start installing trim right.this.very.minute!

5. Set up crafting/sewing area in the downstairs guest room - COMPLETE!

• We decided to set up my craft desk and storage shelving in the back of the downstairs family room so I can watch/listen to the TV while I am at my desk versus being in the the guest room. It isn't totally organized yet since I am still figuring out where to put commonly used things but I love it!

6. Create dedicated exercise area in basement with small TV - COMPLETE!

• We decided to skip trying to get cable in this space since we didn't want to pay for another box so we just hooked up our extra DVD player instead.  Is it perfect? No, but much improved from before.

7. Replace fixtures/lighting in the master and hall bathrooms - PROGRESS!

• We have replaced the faucets but are still looking for lighting.

8. Finish the wall repair in the hallway - No progress

• I am waiting until 3rd Qtr to tackle this project. It is hard to think about getting covered in drywall compound dust when it is so hot. (We don't have central air and it is hot and humid here in MI right now. Boo!)

9. Install curtains/shelving to create a "linen closet" in the back hallway - Moved to 2013

• I found this photo on pinterest that has inspired us (meaning me) to install an actual built-in linen closet in the hallway. D is "thrilled" with this new plan. [insert sarcasm font here]

10. Install new lighting in the hallways - PROGRESS!

• I have the sprayed the lights we removed from the kitchen hammered bronze. They just need to be installed by D.

Outdoor Projects:

1. Replace/repair small deck off kitchen and add stairs to garden - No progress

2. Expand the garden by adding more garden boxes - Moved to 2013

• We have the wood but need to remove a tree that is in the way of where I want to put some of the boxes.  Plus one of our add on projects ate into my garden budget for this year.

3. Build a potting bench - Moved to 2013

• This is going to be one of my winter building projects.

4. Build a strawberry tower - Moved to 2013.

• This is going to be one of my winter building projects.

5. Install fencing around the garden to keep out the critters - Moved 2013

• Since we will be expanding the garden next year, I am just using some rabbit fencing and posts this year. It was a quick, easy and inexpensive solution.
• The "fancy" fencing will wait until next spring.

6. Hire someone to take down two large trees - Progress planned

• We have gotten a couple of quotes that are really high so we are still shopping around.  Who knew tree removal was so darn expensive?

7. Finish steps from garage to garden - COMPLETE!

• We used landscaping timber stained a dark brown, large galvanized spikes to hold everything together and pea pebbles and stepping stones to complete the look. I love it!

8. Clean up/rework the "natural areas" in the backyard - Progress planned

• Remove several plants that we have learned can be poisonous for Willow.
• My brother is going to take the rhododendrons but they should be transplanted in the fall so this will wait until then.
• Cut down some dying/sickly trees for more light
• Plant Columnar apple trees, if I can talk D into it - Moved to 2013
• I need more time to try to persuade him to let me plant fruit trees.
• Or alternatively to find some large pots so any trees I do plant will stay small, which may help to persuade him since he has visions of a yard full of dropped fruit and yellow jacket wasps.

Furniture projects:  PROGRESS!

1 and only 1 goal: Finish repainting/restaining/etc. my "project" pieces.

I currently have waiting for my attention

• 4 nightstands/end tables (plus one I forgot about).
• 2 end tables are complete
• 1 end table sanded and waiting for paint
• 1 dresser
• 1 bar cart
• 3 lamps (not including 1 lamp shade redo).
• 1 lamp painted - need get some fabric to redo the lampshade
• 1 chair
• After closer inspection, this chair is getting a coat of colorful paint and is going in the garden as a plant stand. It needs major work and, with my long list of redo projects, that isn't going to happen. I spent $5 on it so I don't feel like I am out too much money.
• 1 cedar chest
• 2 buffets

Even though our list is long as our arm and we haven't made progress on many of the items, we made some additions (I am not sure what we were thinking!).

Mini Kitchen Makeover - COMPLETE!

• Painted, added tile backsplash, replaced lighting, swapped out beige outlets and plugs for white ones.

Operation No More Grass in the Garden - Almost COMPLETE!

• Added bark chips to cover the grass area in the garden so I don't need to try to mow around the boxes. Yay for no more grass!It was a giant PITA to try to maneuver the lawnmower between the boxes and then follow up with the weed trimmer with it's long extension cord.(This will be completed as soon as the temps drop back to bearable levels not the near 100 degrees we have had for the last 2 weeks).
• This project is the reason the "new garden boxes" are moved to 2013. It took us too long to get this project done and the cost of the cedar bark ate up the rest of this year's garden budget.

Happy Independence Day!

Source

Here's hoping you and your families all have 

a safe and happy Independence Day!

Here are some interesting facts about Independence Day and patriotic sounding places and names.

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation=2.5 million
The nation's estimated population on this July Fourth=313.9 million

Thirty-one places have “liberty” in their names. The most populous one as of April 1, 2010, was Liberty, Mo. (29,149). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

Thirty-five places have “eagle” in their names. The most populous one is Eagle Pass, Texas, with a population of 26,248.

Eleven places have “independence” in their names. The most populous one is Independence, Mo., with a population of 116,830.

Nine places have “freedom” in their names. The most populous one is New Freedom, Pa., with a population of 4,464.

One place has “patriot” in its name. Patriot, Ind., has a population of 209.

Five places have “America” in their names. The most populous is American Fork, Utah, with a population of 26,263.

Ranking of the frequency of the surname of our first president, George Washington, among all last names tabulated in the 2000 Census.

Other early presidential names that appear on the list, along with their ranking, were Adams (39), Jefferson (594), Madison (1,209) and Monroe (567).

Source: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb12-ff12.html 

 Willow Wednesday will be back again next week!

Tout It Tuesday - #13

Welcome to Tout It Tuesday - #13!

I can't believe it has been over 3 months since Tout It Tuesday began. We have had so many link ups and cool projects and recipes, I can hardly believe it.

I know that I pick the Features each week, but I want you, my link up friends, to help me pick one of the weekly Features. I have enable the "Like" button and I hope you will check back later in the week to let me know which link up you like best. The project or recipe with the most "likes" will be next week's Fan Favorite.  So I can't wait to see which project you all like best.

 With that it is time for this week's features!

Couponing & Cooking shared her Cheesy Potatoes on a diet. I love the traditional version of this dish but don't love all the calories. This looks like a tasty alternative with all the same flavors.

Reposure shared her fab industrial pallet table. I love how she made the "metal" posts and caps from PVC and caulk.

The House that Built Us created a cute and easy monogram from burlap, buttons and ribbon. I love how she used clear and shades of white buttons to add dimension.

Practically Functional used fruit to make her own flavored vodka. Trust her when she says not to eat the fruit after it has been flavoring the vodka.

 Make sure to grab the featured button!

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-Featur ed.jpg" /></a>

I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes.

Just a few rules/guidelines.

1. I would love it if you would follow through GFC or Bloglovin'. You can also follow on Twitter where I will be sharing my favorites throughout the week.

2. Please do not link parties or shops. Everything else is accepted.

3. Linking to Claiming Our Space isn't required but I would appreciate it if you would grab my button and either display it with the post you are linking up or under your list of parties.

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-ToutIt Tuesdays.jpg" /></a>

4. Don't forget to click on the "like" button on your favorite project or recipe so I know which one should be the week's Fan Favorite.

5.  Please try to visit at least two posts for each link you submit and leave a comment. Comments make everyone happy!

With all that out of the way, let's Tout It!
 

Chicken, Pepper & Mozzarella Panini

D and I got as Cruisinart Griddler a couple of years ago when it was on discount at Costco. We just love it!  It has seriously become one of our favorite kitchen gadgets mainly because we love things like grilled cheese and paninis. With this, we can whip some up in a few minutes. Cleanup is quick and easy since the plates can go right in the dishwasher.  D got the waffle plates for his birthday so now we can use it for breakfast too.

This panini is one of my favorites.  It is quick, easy and, at least to me, a tasty treat.

Chicken, Pepper & Mozzarella Panini
Source: the depth's of K's brain

Ingredients
2 slices bread
Butter
Chicken breast - sliced into thin strips
Sweet peppers (I used yellow and orange) - sliced into thin strips
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian herb seasoning
Smokey seasoned salt - I like this one from Penzeys

Directions
Turn on the Griddler/Panini press to medium/medium high
Butter the bread lightly on each side
On one half place sliced chicken
Sprinkle with Italian herbs
Sprinkle with shredded mozz
Top with seasoned salt
Place with pepper on top
Sprinkle with more mozz cheese
Place other piece of bread on top
Place on Griddler and cook until done

Slice in half and enjoy!!

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**Cuisinart has no idea who I am, though I do have, and love, several of their appliances.**

My 1st Chalk Paint Adventure - An End Table Makeover!

I have been seeing chalk paint makeovers everywhere in the blogosphere. Of course there is Annie Sloan, the original, fabulous to be sure but expensive! And limited in color. So the crafty and ingenious women and men of the internet have come up with tons of recipes for DIY chalk paint - some use unsanded grout, some use plaster of paris, some even use baking soda.

For my table makeover, I went with a plaster of paris recipe from Elizabeth & Co. 1 part plaster of paris, mixed with just enough water to make it smooth and 3 parts paint. That's it. Easy peasy! Now according to the info I found online, apparently flat paint is best however, I was planning on using oops paint to get just the right shade of light greenish grey and some of that paint was, well, unknown.

Here I am with all my supplies. I am a messy painter so I usually try to paint outside.

I started with this "lovely" table that I got off Craiglist for free.  I had bought a desk and the seller decided to throw in a couch table and end table for free. Not a  bad deal since I got all three pieces for $15.

While it has these cool finials on the bottom, it also has this so attractive plastic brass. I tried to pry it out and that just didn't work. I was afraid I would damage the wood if I tried to remove it.  That "brass" was part of the reason why I wanted to try the chalk paint. It apparently sticks to everything, even without priming.

You can see from the photo below, it took me a while to get the color just right. Yes, you are counting right, there are 7 different color tries at getting the color just the way I wanted it.   I used white, dark grey, light grey and green paint. Thank goodness I made enough to do the 2 coats because I wouldn't be able to recreate it again.

Once I got the color right, things progressed very quickly.

The first coat went on with great coverage. It was a bit rough but the second coat seemed to even it out.

One of the best parts about this paint is that it dries amazingly fast. I got 2 coats on and dried in less than 3 hours.  It would have been less but I was working on other stuff at the same time. (I love multi-tasking!)

Once the paint was dry, I gave it a light sand with a sanding block. This really smoothed it out.

Here it one spot before sanding. You can see that it is a bit grainy.

Here it is after a light sand. The graininess is gone and it is so smooth.

A couple of coats of Minwax Paste Finishing Wax and the table was ready to go back inside.

It is also the perfect spot to put my foreign coin art while I gather the rest of the pieces for my gallery wall.

One other part of the table makeover - I painted the back of the glass top with liquid gilding paint in platinum, like this.

It adds a subtle shine to the table that I just love.

I think it looks fabulous in its new home! 

The paint color is a lighter version of the grey green in the wall hanging right behind it.

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