Painting Pointers

We painted our office last weekend and have a few tricks to make the task easier:

• Always grab a few extra stir sticks from the hardware store - you never know when you might need them.
• Use old sheets or towels as drop clothes. I use old sheets from college when I had a full-sized bed.
• Instead of pouring paint directly into the roller tray, put the tray in a trash bag. Once you're done, you can take the tray out and invert the bag for easy clean-up. It also eliminates having to clean out the roller tray each time. I also usually pull off my roller pads using the bag as a glove and voila, everything is in one trash bag with very little mess.

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The Curious Case of Flurrie Bunny

Another rabbit post...

He's almost like a child. He literally gets into everything! Check him out trying to eat some peanuts as we attempted to box up our damaged desk top to be returned.

We've also discovered another palate pleaser - apples! He loves them. He's inspired me to whip up some apple cinnamon bread today. Perhaps he'll get a few leftovers. :)

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Souped up Supper

Soup is one of my husband's favorite foods. Lucky for him, I also enjoy it on a chilly winter day. If I'm making a soup from scratch, I'll typically whip up a big pot on the weekend and then store it in smaller containers for lunch at work or for a quick dinner. My favorites to make from scratch include corn chowder, chicken or turkey tortilla and tomato basil.

I have found a way to make a wonderful tomato basil soup that doesn't require an immersion blender. It's soup-er easy!
Combine two cans of condensed tomato soup (I usually go for the reduced sodium variety). Instead of adding water, add two cans full of skim milk; it will make the soup thicker and heartier without adding any fat. Add a 14oz can of diced tomatoes; I love the Glen Muir organic diced tomatoes. Finally, top it off with some fresh basil and parmesan, if you're feeling crazy. Serve with warm, toasted crusty bread. It makes a wonderful, hearty soup and is very quick!
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I heart...Hello Kitty

Santa found this absolutely adorable Hello Kitty contact case for me and it made it's way into my stocking. How cute and fashionable is this little case?! It has it all - a mirror, small tube for contact solution and small case for storing contacts. It's small enough to fit in a beauty bag or be stashed in a purse or desk drawer.

And what gal didn't love Hello Kitty as a child??
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Sunday night dinner

One of the more traditional aspects of my up-bringing was Sunday night dinner. Each week, my Mom would prepare a scrumptious meal that we would enjoy at our dining room table. Sometimes, she'd even pull out the china for a particularly special week.

I've been trying to re-create this tradition in our house the last few months. I think we've been doing pretty well. This week entailed some winter comfort food: meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes and steamed spinach.

Meatloaf:

• 1 1/3 lb ground beef and ground turkey (I did a 50/50 mix)
• 2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 C bread crumbs (using whole wheat bread crumbs will up the fiber content)
• 1/2 Onion, chopped
• 1/2 Green Pepper, chopped
• 1 Egg
• Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix all ingredients well and make into loaf form. Bake in a 9x4 loaf pan for 45-50 minutes.

One of the things I love about meatloaf is you can approach it with the 'everything but the kitchen sink' mentality. You can add just about any vegetable sitting in the fridge - carrots, spinach, green beans. Be creative!

Mashed Potatoes:

• 1 lb white new potatoes, quartered
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 C milk
• Various other spices (I used rosemary and parsley, but fresh chives would be delicious)

In large pan, simmer potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, or until soft. Meanwhile, roast the garlic. Drain and mash potatoes with potato masher. Immediately, add milk and butter. Mix well. Add garlic and other spices and mix well. Serve immediately.

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Office Inspiration

It's about that time...my husband informed me earlier this week that we should probably paint our office this weekend. As part of my never-ending focus on the color scheme, I have turned my eye to my kitchen cupboard: apricots, mustard, chocolate, mushrooms, avocado, espresso.

Must be something about rich colors and flavors during these grey, chilly winter days!

I'm still torn on a wall color but a friend suggested I go with a neutral wall color and employ a great throw for our leather chair and a colorful rug. She knows my sewing tendencies and suggested I find an inspirational fabric for curtains, pillows or seat cushion and go from there. Off to my local fabric store I go!

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Ruth's Chris? Well, almost...

Regarding my New Year's 'resolution' to cook less poultry, I've been doing pretty well. We've enjoyed a fair amount of seafood and a healthy serving of beef. We've been averaging a steak (or two) each week. I think my hubby and I have mastered a healthy, delicious steak sauce. Here's our recipe to recreate a delicious Ruth's Chris-esque experience.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 onion, chopped very small
• Approx 1/2 C red wine
• Approx 1 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
• Approx 1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for approximately 10 minutes until mixture reduces and thickens. Top freshly grilled steaks with the sauce.

I served our steaks with baked asparagus with fresh herbs and a delicious caesar salad. Dig in!

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I heart...unique baby gifts

One of my co-workers just had a darling baby boy and I just HAD to make her something homemade....TA-DA!! I started with a basic long-sleeved onesie and some of my favorite fabrics.

I decided to make one monogrammed (with adorable back 'pocket'), one with a fish and one with a turtle. I found a few patterns from my BH&G Craft Book and modified slightly to fit a 12 month onesie.

I washed and dried the fabric and the onesies (separately of course) to ensure no shrinkage or running from the dark fabrics.

Next, I ironed some 'Heat'n Bond' on the back of the fabric and traced each pattern. I cut out the pattern, peeled off the backing from the Heat'n Bond and then ironed the pattern onto the onesie.

The hardest part of the project was figuring out how to sew the precious animals and monogram so that they would be more durable in the wash - a zig zag stich was the answer, but sewing the tough curves took some time! You can faintly see the stitching in this photo.

This project was actually remarkably easy and quick (and quite easy on your wallet). I credit the low time-commitment to my sorority days when we would make T-Shirts (using the same method) in lightning speed!

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Sunday afternoon with Emily Post

Today's topic: invitations and RSVP's. We've wrapped up the holiday season where there were many fetes and soirees, so maybe now is a good time to spend some time re-examining the proper way to extend and respond to invitations.

Invitations Guidelines:

• Ensure that appropriate information such as date, time, place and any other pertinent details are clearly stated on the invitation.
• Typically invitations should be extended by phoning your guests or written invitation.
• If the party is of the nature where exact numbers are not required (i.e. backyard barbecue), an online invitation such as an evite will suffice.
• Printed invitations are not required except for special events - weddings, special birthdays, retirement parties, etc.

Response Guidelines:

• RSVP is French for 'Respondez s'il vous plait.' In plain English, please respond. Any invitation with this wording warrants a phone call to the host to indicate if you'll attend.
• Phone the host to provide your response as soon as possible. This will allow them to plan for the proper number of guests.
• If you must cancel (we highly suggest that you don't unless there is a serious circumstance), phone the host as soon as possible.
• ALWAYS thank the host for a lovely time. Bonus points for sending a hand-written note or flowers the day after the soiree.

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Berry Goodness

I was perusing my pantry the other night and happened upon a jar of cranberry sauce (the jelly kind) leftover from Thanksgiving. I figured out a delicious (and thankfully easy) way to use it up rather than send it along to the garbage heap or the food bank. I was able to easily transform it into a delicious sauce for our herbed turkey meatballs.

To re-create:
I put the entire can (it was one of the small ones) of cranberry sauce and some chopped tomatoes in my food processor and pureed the mixture. Next, I put the mixture in a sauce pan, added some cran-apple juice from the fridge and added sugar to taste. Voila, a delicious semi-sweet sauce for our tasty meatballs. The bitter/sweet sauce was perfect with the light turkey meatballs and everyone knows that cranberry and turkey accompany each other quite nicely.
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Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight

During dinner the other night, my hubby commented that we must have more candle-lit dinners than most families. I sort of giggled because I do have a strong penchant for lighting our candlesticks that so happily rest in our beautiful silver candle holders* that we received as a wedding gift. Call me over zealous, but dinner is one of the few quiet times each day where we get to catch up so I like to make it special (even if we're still in gym clothes or sweat pants!).

*If you do have some nice silver candle holders, make sure you have a proper wax catcher if you don't use wax-less candles. They sell them at Michael's.

Disclaimer: I love Billy Joel...bonus points if you can identify the song from which I grabbed my title!

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It's "T" Season

It's that dreaded time after the holidays...no, not Valentine's Day; it's worse. It's tax season! I'm a do-it-yourself kind of gal, so each year I drag myself to Office Max and purchase my copy of Turbo Tax/Tax Cut to complete my state and federal tax returns. Ugh! No one likes it. It's like going to DMV; it's simply a necessary evil of life.

However, I have figured out ways to make this time of year less painful. Each year when I begin the previous year's taxes, I start prepping for the following year. Since I have a standard, 4-drawer filing cabinet, I maintain my fair share of files. I add a new file folder (labeled "Taxes 2008" for example) for each year's taxes when I begin the previous year's. That way, I can add receipts or any documents that will be helpful when I start my Turbo Tax Sundays. I also make sure that I file any pertinent documents from the previous year when that tax return is signed, sealed and delivered to the IRS. And when I'm ready to start the dreaded process again the following year, the documents are at my finder tips.
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Beauty Bag Essentials

I've struggled for years to determine if I should/should not carry a beauty bag in my purse. Well now that I carry a large tote back and forth to work, the decision was easy. YES! Because I spend a significant amount of my day at the office, I think I've finally mastered the essentials for my beauty bag:

• Mini compact - mine came from a Clinique bonus, and is the perfect size
• Lip gloss - self explanatory and a gal's best friend
• Band-aids - Just in case you're breaking in some gorgeous new heels...
• Pain reliever - I found some Tylenol Go-Tabs on sale for a total bargain and a few of these are perfect. I also get samples from time to time and these work for a small bag as well.
• Gum / Mints
• Dental Floss - I like the mini box that you receive from the Dentist
• Throat lozenges - especially in this wintery time of year
• Tampons
• Purse-sized perfume - Sephora always has free samples of yummy new scents
• Wet wipes / Small anti-bacterial gel - Just in case you don't live in NJ and have to pump your own gas!

Most of these items, I found in a bathroom drawer and many of them were free! I find that I'm usually prepared for most anything with these items and it doesn't require a massive beauty bag.

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How happy are these supposed homemakers?

In our modern times, I think there is still a struggle for women to either adopt a life as a homemaker or stay in the workplace. Most are criticized (either by themselves or others) for their decisions. I stumbled upon this article online and really liked it. Check it out.
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What's for dinner?

Lately, I've been working harder to do some meal planning over the weekend to prepare for the work week. I utilize our handy white board in the kitchen and ta-da, simple, instant planning capabilities. By thinking about your meals for the week over the weekend, you have time to plan a grocery list as well as incorporate any leftovers into future meals. I like to use leftover grilled or baked chicken breast on a tasty salad for lunch the next day. Here's an example:

1. Monday: Leftover pork tenderloin and veggies from previous Friday night
2. Tuesday: Tortellini with homemade tomato sauce
3. Wednesday: Grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, rice with herbs
4. Thursday: Shrimp with roasted red peppers, onion, garlic and whole wheat spaghetti
5. Friday: Out to eat with friends
6. Saturday: Tuscan Chicken and Bean Soup (a mix we received as a Christmas gift)

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Sunday afternoon with Emily Post

Several years back, I purchased the authoritative source for etiquette - the Emily Post Guide to Etiquette. While several of my friends have laughed, they often call for advice. Who has the last laugh now?

Thank You Notes
Thank you notes are a delightful way to express your appreciation for the recent holiday gifts. In my household, they're a must; if someone takes the time to give a gift, it requires a hand-written thank you note. I love to use a small note card that can accommodate 4-5 sentences. Typically my notes identify each gift (if there are more than one) and why I like it. For example, I received a beautiful lavender candle for my guest bath and used it immediately - I told the giver that I used the candle immediately and it made my room deliciously fragrant! You can also include that you enjoyed seeing them at a recent holiday event or other words or gratitude. Keep it short, simple and sincere.

It doesn't take much to put together a nice note and I know they're always appreciated. Or I know that I always appreciate them!
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Rabbit food...literally

The third member of our family is a furry little bunny, name Flurrie. He was a gift from my hubby (then boyfriend) for my Birthday a few years back, when I was just aching for a pet. I have worked tirelessly to turn him into my little love bunny (aka lap bunny!).

He's a remarkably low-maintenance pet. We leave him in his extra-large bunny cage during the day and by night, he roams the house before we go to bed. He enjoys most veggies in our crisper drawer and occasionally enjoys a nutty chew stick from our local pet store. His favorite veggies include:

• Carrots - the obvious choice
• Organic spinach (I've convinced my hubby that organic is even better for Flurrie)
• Broccoli - the stalk vs. the flowers
• Celery
• Fresh Parsley (the curly kind)
• Fresh Cilantro
  

Flurrie under my toile chair enjoying some fresh celery

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I heart....

FROSTING! I only eat cake because it has frosting...the more, the better. I've struggled to make a good frosting for cookies from scratch, so I've resorted to the store bought variety. I like this tip to make it go farther and make it a little lighter (in texture and for your hips and thighs!)

How to make your frosting expand:
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

If you look hard enough at your grocer, you may find some delicious organic varieties and some without a lot of unwanted additives.

P.S. In the method of full disclosure, I actually make a wonderful lemon cake that has a glaze instead of frosting. It's so incredibly moist that frosting isn't a must.

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Office Inspiration

I've spent a lot of time online and perusing through my back issues of BH&G and Domino to find inspiration from our home office. I think I'm finally starting to have a vision...

I love the fresh look of yellow and white. It's like a fresh dose of citrus to give you energy!

This has a delicious vintage feel to it. I like the symmetry of the photos hung above the desk...it feels orderly.

Rustic, yet vintage and polished, it looks cozy.

A classic home office. I like the incorporation of a book shelf since it will be a crucial element in our office.

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I heart...Slipcovers!

I just had one of those moments where your heart stops when you find something amazing...
I simply adore the slipcovers for these chairs. These embody everything I love about home decor....they're cute, kitschy and best of all, there's a pattern for the slipcovers so you can make them at home! Found them in Southern Living's January edition. They also happen to match the colors of my blog so nicely!
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Handy Tip for the Produce Section

With everyone trying to make New Year's Resolutions and improve the quality of life, I've found some handy tips that I plan to share. I love bell peppers and found this tip of interest. If you can validate this, let me know!

• Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.
• Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

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'Mag'nificent

I sure do enjoy my magazine subscriptions. Well, I should rephrase that: I sure do enjoy my magazine subscription (single)! Currently, I'm just receiving Better Homes and Gardens (sometimes I do wonder if I really am a 75-year old Granny in a 27-year old's body). I've often struggled with how to catalog my growing piles of back issues. I hate to part with a particularly good issue of either home decor ideas, crafts or a great recipe section. For quite sometime, I allowed them to have wanderlust throughout the house - in a basket in the den, in another leather basket in the living room, on the nightstand in the guest room and of course there's a basket to appease my husband in the bathroom. Enough!

In light of our upcoming office re-invention, I decided to add the magazines to the list. I've categorized them by title, year and month. I love these from The Container Store; they look simple and would go with most any decor. I haven't quite made the final decision on the right home for each year, but I'm getting there.
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Green PSA

We've been making small strides around our house to go green. Yes, it's cliche, but it's quite gratifying I've found. I love my Trader Joe's grocery bags. They're huge, durable and they were only $.99 each! You can't beat it! I also love that I no longer have a pile of plastic grocery sacs laying around. I suggest everyone have a few of these in their car at all times - you can use them for groceries, shopping at the mall, wherever you may receive plastic bags!
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I heart...

In preparation for our office re-invention (as I am henceforth naming this project), I've been trying to find online tools for playing with the furniture. Leave it to BH&G to have a VERY simple tool that does not require a subscription to the magazine. It's called arrange-a-room and I highly suggest you check it out in case you're looking to reorganize, re-energize or re-anything a room in your home.
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Homeless Handbags

I LOVE handbags. Seriously love them. What's a girl to do when she lives in an older house with small closets? I can't install the fancy closet systems because there simply isn't room for a wall of handbag shelves/cubbies. So for about a year, my handbags were homeless.

The idea came to me one afternoon. The bedroom that we affectionately refer to as 'the office' was a child's room under the previous owner of our house so we have a full closet schema - rods, shelves, the works. I figured that I could use the lower closet rod for hanging all of my bulkier handbags and totes. It's PERFECT!

You may be wondering what I do with my smaller bags - clutches and those that I wouldn't just leave hanging in the closet. I keep my fancy bags (in case you're wondering, I quantify a 'fancy bag' as any that come with a dust bag with the designer's emblem) in a Rubbermaid tub under the bed (not very glamorous is it?) in our bedroom. If you have an extra closet, I highly suggest it; or if you have wasted space under a high closet rod, install a lower rod to use in a similar fashion.
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I resolve* to...

1. Cook less poultry.
2. Do a cleaning / organizational sweep each day to keep our home looking tidy.
3. Make our office functional and beautiful!
4. Be more patient.
5. Sew some odds and ends to beautify our house.

*I'm not usually into resolutions, but I look at these as self-improvement tasks. :)
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