This Wall is My Nemesis

There is a lot to like about our master bedroom.  It's a large size, and it has a nice layout.  The furniture Brad brought into our marriage is sturdy, lovely, and the pieces fit the room well.  The room's potential is fabulous.  However, its decor reality is dullsville.  I took pictures to post here and in reviewing them was struck by how plain it is (and not just because we currently have no curtains).  I just cannot post the photos. I'm loyal to my home, and I willnot embarrass it that way!  (However, those photos are being saved for when the new is ready to reveal!  On that day, I will even take the back massager off the Shaker rocker.)

I have invested some time this summer looking at on-line stores, home sites, and even Pinterest to find ways to spruce it up and finish our master bathroom (I think the home shows call it an en suite).  I have found some good ways to work with what we have by adding a few things to make it look restful and updated  I have in mind new linens, curtains (think we need them?), two lamps, new shades, throw pillows, mirrors, art, and paint colors  Not magazine worthy or even "pin" worthy, but all good and welcoming. Brad even talked about painting the furniture, but with seven pieces in the room, I'm hoping we can work with it as is--in its currently not trendy golden oak shade.

I was ready to start shopping and to ask Brad to start painting (and eventually install some crown--shhh), until he reminded me...

This wall seemingly has no insulation.  He wants to fix it.  He needs to fix it.  It would benefit us greatly if he did.  To do so he has to rip down sheet rock, have spray insulation installed, and install new sheet rock. The entire wall will be coming down.  He'd like to do it before fall.  I'd like that too, because my side of the bed is there (brrr), and because I cry each time I open our heating bill.  Can you say, "Ka-ching?"  The gas company does each time it issues us a bill.

These pillows?  They are huge, and all last winter they sat in front of the wall under the window to block the breeze.  They no longer match (what I like to call) our (interim) bedding, but I didn't want to redo them or donate them in case winter should come again.  I believe it will.

(Two years ago, we added a lot more insulation to the attic, and it helped some, but it's the great white north on the window side of our room October through April.  If one took one of those thermo-detecting photos from the outside of our home, this widow would scream RED!!!!)

So dear and valuable readers, these measly to snaps are my before photos. My big summer to do list project has stalled.  One day this winter, you will see an after.  Either that, or I will come back and delete this post, and I will continue to shed tears once a month--weeping not due to hormones but due to natural gas costs.  I will start climbing over Brad each morning so I don't have to leave the warmth of my bed on the drafty side of the room.

Plan*:

White bed linens

Two rectangular mirrors over the low dresser (portrait orientation)

Pinky beige walls with a pale blue ceiling (this will have to be sold to the hubs...)

Pillows in burlap, pink, blue, and other pastels

A floor lamp in the alcove

A lamp for the low dresser

Cream shades for the bedside lamps

Rod raised higher (not as pictured) for curtains yet to be found--something breathy and light...

Bedroom ceiling color for bathroom
Cream towels

Drab as it is now, our bedroom is cozy. I want to make it cozier, warmer, and warmer.

*You know what they say about best laid plans, right?  But this is what I'm working with, and it seems like it will make all the difference.

Pizza Quesadillas

Pizza Quesadilla

I pinned a recipe recently that wasn't really a recipe but directions, so I deleted it.  I figured I could do it from memory.  I'm skilled that way--and, oh,  you'll be ridiculously impressed with my mental skills when you see how intricate this is.

Before that though I have to tell you these are delicious, and they're a perfect summer meal when it's too hot to grill or heat up the oven.  Kids will love them, and for this adult who's been disappointed by expensive take-out pizzas of late, they really hit the 'za spot.  The "crust" is thin and crisp, and the insides are customizable just like any pizza.

So, the how to:  Spread a very thin layer of sauce on a tortilla, place it sauce side up in a saute pan over medium heat, sprinkle cheese on it, lay other pizza toppings on it, and then put another sauced tortilla on top.  Warm longer and flip.  Warm the other side, just like other quesadillas. 

How about that? From memory people!  I mean it's two tortillas with stuff in between--it's not Julia Child inspired. Which is also why it's funny it never occurred to this cheese lovin' woman.  Too much sauce can make it slippery, see photo above, so it's good to use less and have some on hand for dipping.

I used sliced black olives and turkey pepperoni in mine, but I would have used veggies had they not already been turned into salad by my husband.

Let me know if you make them. It's rare I can have an impact on my more kitchen-handy friends.

Next...raspberry quesadillas.  Stay with me!

There's Still Time (Wreath Tutorial)

All over the Internet, you'll find fabulous decorations for various holiday decor.  I'm not super big into decorating for each and every holiday, but I did want to do something little and fun for the 4th, and so I made this wreath for our front door.  (That's not our front door, read on!)  The good news is, this is a simple project that kids 8-and-up can do, and you still have time to make one if you'd like.  (And the teacher in me thinks it's great to have the kids do the measuring and cutting.  School when school is out.)

It's so easy, and since I used a wreath and pins I already had, I only spent about four dollars on the rest of the materials.

I started with this cord wrapped wreath I had from a Valentine's Day debacle...

Then using felt from Michael's (.29 a sheet and made from recycled plastic), I cut each sheet into 2" x 2" squares.

I folded them in fourths, how appropriate, and pinned them into the wreath.  Turning them different directions helps create a fluffier look.

Every day of this summer my nails have been nicely painted, except the day I snap quick pictures for a tutorial!  Oh well...

I wasn't sure how much felt to buy, but after finishing it, I can tell you that each white and red space is comprised of the squares cut from one piece, and the blue portion is two pieces of felt.

When I thought I was "done," there were no stars.  I thought it needed some, so I went to Michael's and visited just about every aisle.  Stars were either the wrong size, the wrong color, or too expensive.  Finally I found glittery foam felt (1.79 a sheet?).  I bought one sheet, made a pattern, and cut out the five stars. They are glued to the blue felt with Tacky Glue.

Yesterday when I included this in a post, a young commenter wrote, "My grandma used to make felt wreaths."  (Okay, I paraphrase.)  I was a little worried this looked to grandma-y, so I wrote to this person privately, and she said my wreath was not old-ladyish but fabulous!  (Okay, now I really pararphrase...)

And, it's not on our front door.  The few times I have made wreaths, they wind up where we can see them and enjoy them, on the laundry room door.  No one ever comes to our front door, but this door can be seen from the kitchen and each time we leave the house.  It's all about us!

"Ahem, a hem."

We bought these drapes about 14 months ago at Lowe's, and immediately after Brad hung them, we noted though he was meticulous with hanging the curtain rods, the drapes themselves fell to different lengths.  They were high water drapes.  "No problem," said the hubs, "you can hem them."

Sure.  Except I'm still new to my sewing machine, even though it's no longer new.

I look at that thing as if it's Cujo with a bobbin. Christine with a back stitch.  IT with a tension dial.  Even after last summer's victory of a tote bag, she (he?)  frightens me.  So I waited.  All last summer.  Thanksgiving break.  Winter break.  Spring break. Are you getting this?  I was terrified to work on those drapes with that machine.

As I looked to this summer, I resolved I had to make this project a June project or summer would get away from me again.  The machine would win again.  I would not conquer a feat that most women could accomplish in their sleep.

Saturday night, I threaded a bobbin, and no, that's not a euphemism for something else. I did it.  Then I threaded the machine.(Over spring break, I noted that the foot had fallen off.  Having to figure out how to replace it was daunting.  Yeah, those of you who sew know it snaps right back in, but I had to reference the owner's manual.  Pathetic.)  


On Sunday, I hemmed five panels.  Because they came hemmed, of course, I had to use a tool I'm extremely familiar with, a seam ripper (to find the tote bag post I linked above, I searched my own blog for "seam ripper"). That and pinning took the most time.  Sewing the hems...um, that was easy.

Tonight and/or tomorrow, I finish the remaining six.  Each panel will have, like a fine pair a trousers, a break.

This is not a fine photo, but trust they do now brush the hardwood in a most elegant fashion!

There's No Use Fighting It

     I give in.
     Winter where I lived is ugly.  I can hate it, as I did for years, or I can savor it.  I'm choosing to do the latter.  It only took me until my late forties to decide that.  Pretty sad, since I've lived here all my life.  I've decided to look at winter weekends as a time to just be with Brad, exercise, read, cook, bake, knit,  "craft," and nap.
     This was a lazy three day weekend.  I savored ever picayune moment of it.  I ran silly little errands, I paid bills, I went to church (incredibly well taught message on "The Book of Revelation"), and I made stuff.  I didn't do my homework until late last night.
     Missing Christmas a little bit, so my niece Alice and I made a heart paper chain for the mirror over the fireplace:

     There's something sweetly gratifying about whipping up something quick like this; something childlike in the simple pleasure derived when it's displayed.  I thought Brad would find it silly, but he came down from working in his office and said it was festive.
     While Alice colored (she is almost 19), I made these found-on-Pinterest but modified coasters:

     All that was needed were .16 tiles from Home Depot, one sheet of scrapbook paper, and some Matte Mod Podge. The tutorial found via Pinterest suggests spraying them with clear spray paint, but I opted to seal them with two coats of Mod Podge.  Less stinky that way.  (Total cost, without Mod Podge, $1.23 for the four.)  Loving the little touch of red they bring to the room.
     I used this vintage inspired paper last year too, isn't it adorable?

    (original source cannot be located)

      Friday night, I started reading this, but found I needed quiet to do so, so I've added it to 2012's Mount to Be Read:

     It's quite profound, and I want to give it the time and prayer it's due.
     Instead, I read, Stop Dressing Your Six Year Old Like a Skank:  And Other Words of Delicate Southern Wisdom.  At moments, it was hilarious.
     We ate well too, thank you God for your provisions, and we talked about healthy eating.  It's good to want to make changes we both feel the need for.
     On Sunday night, I tried baked sweet potatoes for the first time.  Look-out, I loved them.  Yes, I'm 51, and yes I know it's weird I never had sweet potatoes--except once as fries--before.  
     On Monday, my friend Katie posted this on Pinterest:

original source

     I made it for Monday's dinner with a few modifications.  Brad does most of the food prep during the school year, so he's open to me trying anything when I'm willing to open a can or two.  It was tasty, and it's today's lunch too.

     It's funny to have written picayune above and then to share many details with you. I'm sure you all had more exciting weekends than mine.  Tell me about them?  

     And now I step into the maelstrom known as the end of the semester...final projects, assessments, grading, report cards.  I feel ready, I feel rested.  Remind me of that?

Projects Worked on Wednesday

When I joined Pinterest for real (after some hemming and hawing and denying of interest), I told myself I would actually work on doing the things I pinned.

So here are the Pinterest versions (my inspiration) and then my attempts aka Ellie Dones from earlier this week (aka Monday).

One:  T Shirt Scarf--no sew!

Ta Da!

So simple. It took me about three minutes.
Really large T shirt, a men's XXL from Target ($4)...

Two cuts.  One to remove the hem and then a second across the chest armpit to armpit...

A stretch...

(I was still in my jammies!)  And a scarf.

I can't say I'll make more of these because I don't need more.  But this red one will be perfect for Fridays at school when we wear red and white to show our school spirit!

Two:  A button covered ornament.

This reminded me of ornaments my mom made back in the 60s, like this one,

So I tried it and came up with this,

I still see some gaps that need to be filled (which I have filled since taking this photo), and I didn't use any olive green or pink buttons (my son nixed the latter), but it turned out cute.  Would I make more?  Perhaps.  It was super easy, and I like it, but it wasn't as cost effective as I would have liked--because I don't have a stash of anything, I had to buy all but the white buttons and red ribbon.  And the originator had some much cuter buttons, so I'd have to do some searching.

Three: Chocolate Strawberry Shots

Had a cute white plate, chocolate chips to melt, cream vodka, "adult" chocolate milk, and frozen whole strawberries all ready to go.

Problem, the berries were mushy when thawed.  So we decided to wait until we have fresh berries to full-on try this.  We took those we thawed and threw them in a blender with this,

and all was well (if not as picturesque).  Now to research what to do with the other products I bought.  It's not really fresh strawberry season, you know, and though I'm not a big drinker, I like the idea of a girlie drink from time to time.

So there you go.  Me, my non-crafty self, having some fun on break.  Ah...break!

"Monet Ugly" Monday

Last week, I revealed that in one aspect (the interrupt-his-wife-while-she's-reading-way) I had married my dad.  This weekend, I realized I AM my dad. My dad was a hard worker and  good provider, and by the weekends he was wiped out.  He'd nap both days, AND if he got sick it was always on the weekend.

We had a three day weekend, and I napped each day, and on Thursday night and all day Friday I was laid out with a sinus headache and slight fever.  (Or you could say I gave into it for those two days.)

Yep, I am my dad.

Anyway, Dad did get things done around the house, and I do too...sometimes.

In my more-awake-but-still-possibly-might-have-a-fever-stay-home-state on Saturday, when I wasn't napping or reading, I made something I'd been "going to get to" since I bought a slew of ornaments around January 15th:

It is "Monet Ugly," looks good from far away, which is perfect because I'm going to hang it here...

at the top of the stairs (and with a nicer ribbon and bow).  But up close, like up close a Monet is full of smacked on paint, it's full of blobs of glue. From far away, even with its lack of symmetry, I like it--and so does Brad!
     (After the photos were snapped I did add a few more ornaments.)
     Now this is NOT a DIY blog because I am NOT Martha Stewart.  Heaven forbid I guide you in creating anything.  But I can tell you that I made this from a styrofoam ring, which I then wrapped in in cheapo gold ribbon and adhered to with hot glue about 55 Meijer after Christmas 90% off ornaments. (I believe it could use more smaller ornaments, so perhaps in January 2012, it will be wearing some, but not until then. And probably not even then.)
     And yes, I did burn my finger.  I am a menace with hot glue.
     And yes, there are, um, glue boogers all over it.  But you can't see them.
     Tricky, eh?  And oh so Monet.

Joy Fraud

I'm not a cook.  I'm not a foodie. I enjoy a good meal, and I love a great dessert (or a mediocre one, or just pretty much anything sweet or frosted), but I would never claim to be a whiz in the kitchen.  I also don't watch any cooking shows.  However, I do own a few cookbooks and have used all but one.  The "one", well,  I've never cracked its binding.  I haven't browsed it, placed a marker in it, or even looked in it for how long to boil an egg...

When we married four years ago, I registered for it.  I received two copies!  People must really like this book.  As for me, when I want to give cooking  a try, I tend to go on-line or ask a friend for a recipe.  It's rare, but it does happen.

So this book just sits on my counter.  Normally if I had something for four years and didn't use it, I'd donate it.  But I can't seem to do so with this one.

I have many questions for you this week:

Do you own this book?

Do you use it?

Should I keep it?

Do you have any books that have turned out to be "just for show?"

Obviously, This is NOT a Decorating Blog

Disclaimer, we are blessed to have a lovely home. 
Okay, moving on...
Wait, disclaimer two, our downstairs is all one golden tan color that just did not photograph well today! 

There are a lot of blogs out there on which bloggers post photos of their own homes as they document their efforts to make their homes into their ideal.  I read a few of these blogs, and they are written by women who are constantly working on improving and repairing their homes, so seeing what they do is actually fun.  These women have a sense of fun about them, and I think that's what I find so appealing. (Anna and Sam are my favorites!)

What I don't get are the "dream home" blogs.  Now, before you jump on me, remember, I don't "get" means the same as I don't "understand," it doesn't mean I'm judging.  I don't understand repeated post after post featuring pictures of home and decor wanted but no finished products!

I can't really get inspired by these "dream home" blogs because:

1. I have a narrow and ineffective imagination, 

2. I can't redo any of our rooms entirely at this point, 

3. I'm so not trendy.  

To me "trend" means something that will soon be "out of style", and it's expensive to keep redoing furniture and accessories to be trendy.  That probably means I'm always out of style.

That's where this need for your opinion comes in.  We have a space that Brad thinks must be filled, but I don't know with what to fill it.

Here it is:

It's the wall between the TV and the window.  For these photos, I just kept stepping back, the last is taken from just inside the kitchen area.  Our downstairs is really one room portioned into four areas:  dining room, living room, kitchen, and eating area.  Yes, we have two tables, but it does work--even though there are just two of us, it is a great room for parties.

Just for fun, here's the dining room.

Right now we're working with Brad's furniture--what he brought into the marriage.  I love the two dining tables, and they're in excellent shape. The living room furniture will need to be replaced in the next few years though, it's starting to look worn.  When we replace it, it all will go--chairs, tables, couch.

Here's the rest of the wall in question, so you can see the "grand scheme," so to speak:

(So, from left to right it's chair, fireplace, TV on table, blankness...)

Anyway, about the wall/space/blankness.  Here is a list of items we have considered installing there and each item's pros and cons:

A framed print or two or a piece of metal artwork, a la the type sold at Hobby Lobby.

Pros--fills the space flat, no protrusions

Cons--can't find pieces we like, 

perhaps something else would also be needed because

it would still be a flat wall, albeit perhaps a more colorful one

An upholstered chair right next to the TV table.

Pros--we do place a chair there at the holidays when we shift for tree placement, and it's nice

Cons--do I want to purchase a chair to go with the current colors when in truth I hope to replace this getting beat up furniture within the next few years?
Here's the chair when moved:

A chest with drawers or trunk of some kind.

Pros--more storage

Cons--would most like still need something above it, anything the same height as the TV table would create a crowded counter feel, more storage would mean holding on to more stuff (I like to purge).

A bakers rack.

Pros--I've always liked them, I've always wanted one.

Cons--too large, would bring too much of the kitchen into the living space, clutter would collect.

An upholstered bench.

Pros--cute and, may I say it, trendy, and cheaper than a chair.

Cons--Brad is convinced people would sit there, lean back and the walls would get marred, would still need a print or something above it, trendy.

A Brad built built-in bookcase.

Pros--it would also hold the TV

Cons--it would need to be filled with stuff (again with the stuff), it would be built-in and what if I didn't like it?

So, all you decorating fans:  What's your idea for this space?

Maybe if you're one of those people always fixing up your house, you'll have great ideas for me!

And if you do...this space is next...dum dum dum...

Do and Go Updates, so to speak

Brad's schedule does not at all jive with mine this summer, and that's okay.  He's out showing houses, I'm tutoring, and we're working hard.  But it makes it difficult to do much with him or go anywhere together, and summer is flying by.

Last week we had dinner out two nights in a row with some dear friends, so that was a gift!

On Sunday, we planned to go into Chicago, about a 50 minute drive with no traffic, to visit the Art Institute.  Millennium Park is nearby, and I hoped to walk in the gardens there.  Thankfully but also unfortunately, we were hit with a rain storm overnight.  Much needed rain disturbed our sleep, so our early start was--well--canceled.  The forecast remained iffy, so instead of classic paintings and architecture in the big city, we went to an auto museum and viewed some classic cars.

Brad's high school ride, his first car ever

The grill of a '37 Packard.
My "art shot" of the day.

We went to a play put on by a local theater group that night.  It starred two of our friends playing eight roles, so it was funny because they were funny. A museum and a play in one day?  Ain't we cultured?

On Monday, we ran errands.  Exciting, no?  While Brad vacuumed the truck ("Moose" as I call it), I found myself fascinated by this vending machine.  I should have brought a book, eh?

Seriously, do people still buy these?

She'd really be so delighted if you would...

Can you imagine if you got pulled over and your car smelled like a pina colada?

And what's with the blue camo?

When we stopped for gas, he spied two plastic bags flying through the sky.  Can we all just practice saying, "No thanks, I don't need a bag?"  Since I was using his camera and the sun was really bright (in other words, I had no idea what I was snapping), you can only see the one.

Can you see it?  Right along the left edge of the photo, almost exactly at the halfway point.
Object in photo is much closer than it appears.

Me standing there snapping pictures made the woman at the next pump stare at the sky.  When Brad explained there were bags floating, she stared at me.  Okay ma'am, let's try this, "No thanks, I brought my own bags."  Now that wasn't hard, was it?

Some of our Dose of Fiber girls came over that afternoon.  I'm working on a purse for myself, and another rectangle for our Ronald McD House throw--one with a pattern, eep!  I also promised one of my tutoring girls I'd make her American Girl Doll a scarf.  Not much progress on any of these projects...Did a lot of yarn frogging the past two days, rip-it, rip-it.

 Rectangle with (no) heart pattern (yet).

It goes without saying this is my purse, right?

Later that night, Megan and Maeve came over and we feasted on strawberries and dip--hello cream cheese and Fluff--and made homemade Parmesan and garlic pretzels.

This was the first time I'd worked with yeast.  My favorite part was punching it down.  I started rolling the dough, Brad got involved, Megan asked to play help, and it was fun. They turned out okay.  Not sure if I'd make them again.

I'm also working on a Christmas wreath.  Here's how far I am...

Oh, and I'm previewing this book to determine if I need to buy it to help me learn the essentials.  Looks like a likely purchase:

The author claims if I work through each project, I'll know everything I need to know about sewing. That's a mighty promise since there's so much I need to know!

The minutiae of my life.  Are you still awake?

Tomorrow I'm off to Lake Geneva for an overnight with girlfriends.  More fun!