Peach and Thyme Cobbler and enjoying best summer in years...

Hello there, hope you all are enjoying Summer 2013, I know I am. This has got to be the best summer I have had in years. So much planned and happening I could just bust! Last week I went to my first Red Rocks show and had a blast, Boo and I have been working at his place painting and getting ready for his housewarming party that is in a few weeks, Liam and I have been spending many hours at the pool and getting ready for his first sleep over. Its a jam packed summer and I feel like its all going too quickly. We have a fun filled week of party after party and cannot wait to cook and bake and have fun with the people I love! What are your Fourth of July plans?

We have been getting some amazing peaches here in Colorado; they are some of the best in the country, comparable to Georgia peaches. Last week I stocked up on a bunch and new I had some baking in order. I thought I wanted to make a pie, but opted for a cobbler instead and not just any cobbler, Peach Thyme Cobbler. You heard me right "Thyme" as in the herb. Its one of those combinations that speak volumes and I used some of the thyme that I planted in my little patio container garden.

DIY Headband and my past weekend...

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend, mine had a little work with some fun and excitement squeezed in! I've been in a crafty DIY kind of mood lately, there's so much that I have lined up to do and I'm excited to share them with you.

This past weekend was my dear friend, Jen's birthday. Jen is one of the most amazing, caring, and giving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She is part of my Colorado family and I truly feel blessed to have her in my life. I knew I wanted to make her a headband for her birthday to add a little pizazz to her birthday festivities that she always has lined up. She's defiantly a little hippy and I knew this would fit her personality perfect, and I also made one for myself.

Happy Birthday, Jen! I love you!!!

I got to debut my headband on Saturday at the OAR concert at Red Rocks with Boo. Red Rocks is constantly named one of the best venues in the country, if not the world. The place is pure magic, beautiful and stunning, a place that has to be visited! I've been there for hiking and the summer series Film on the Rocks, but this was my first concert and it was phenomenal! Boo and I had such a great time, we look forward to going back for more shows.

Start with small fake flowers and leather lace.

Measure leather 38" and cut 3 strands. Tie a knot at one end and braid, secure with another knot at the end. 

                                         

Hot glue flowers, however many as you wish. 

Secure around head with small knot or bobby pins.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer and getting a chance to explore and have fun!!!

Black Bean Corn Salad and a thinking of Dad...

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you enjoyed your weekend and had an opportunity to spoil the great dads out there. My dad lives about 1000 miles away from us, so Liam and I sent out cards, pictures, and drawings last week for him. The last time we visited was during fall and we had the chance to go to the apple orchard, it was so fun and Liam still talks about our time spent there with Grandpa. We love and miss you Dad!

Flavor Packed Pasta and dealing with negative opinions...

Hope you all had a great weekend, mine was filled with lots of work and hanging with the Boo. He just moved into his first house, so lots of painting and decorating have been taking place. I love every single minute of it! 

If you all recall on Friday I posted a recipe for whole wheat donuts and a short story of Liam and his love for them. Shortly after that was posted I received my first negative comment as a blogger. In short I said that Liam would do anything for a donut, and as a reward for being good during my hair and dentist appointments, he will get a donut. I deleted the comment immediately cause I don't want anything negative on here ever, but after talking to a few people about it they said that I should have left it to see what others have to say. So here is what this person had to say... "this boy has sit through numerous dentist visits" I'm not surprised! If you are feeding him balls of dough smothered in regular sugar - then you are setting yourself up to be your dentists best friend. There has got to be a healthier way to bribe a kid that rot his teeth out of his head. 

My child is given sweets, only during special occasions or times when he deserves it for being good. He doesn't even drink juice, soda, or chocolate milk, mostly regular milk or water. He will choose broccoli over potatoes. So to the person that was so concerned with what I give my child, you should know the whole story before you give your opinion. My child is one of the healthiest kids I know or ever have known, and that's all my doing. 

OK now onto something tasty...

I'm eating really light lately since summer weather is here. I wanted a pasta that had a lot of flavor and some protein. So I came up with a whole wheat pasta tossed in some sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. There's also a little cayenne pepper for a nice kick! Its a perfect summer pasta dish. 

Whole Wheat Donuts and what my child will do for a donut...

So today is National Donut Day, obviously a day that we celebrate in this house. Liam and I both have a love for anything sweet and Liam especially has a thing for donuts. This kid will do anything for a donut, its usually what I use as bribery for good behavior or helping me out. I kid you not, this boy has sit through numerous dentist visits and hair appointments that last upwards to two hours all for a donut! I'm always surprised with how well behaved he will be for a single donut, I should buy him a dozen.

My love for donuts started early as well, I remember my grandma "mommo" making this little donuts that she called mousy's, essentially fried dough that was in the shape of a mouse. My sister and I still reminisce about those. We would stay at her house on the weekends, go to church on Saturday afternoon, come home have dinner, watch the Golden Girls, and Mommo would make some mousy's. Memories I will never forget! 

The Neiman Marcus Cookie and whats been happening in my crazy life...

Hello everyone! I hope that you are enjoying the start of summer, I know that we are around here. Things have been crazy awesome in my life. I'm now only working one job, for the past 3 1/2 years I have had at least two jobs, sometimes three. And I'm so happy about that fact that I only have to focus on one now, I can finally breathe and sleep.

Liam finished school a couple weeks ago, it was bittersweet. I've seen so much growth from him in his first year of preschool, its amazing! His teachers loved him, he was described as a fair friend and always up for an adventure. I'm so proud of my baby! We plan on doing a lot of fun outdoor stuff this summer, camping at the top of the list. Its just him, me, and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Can't wait to share our adventures with you guys.

And probably the most exciting thing is that I found love. I have been single for the past 3 1/2 years and I have found someone that makes me so happy. He's the most honest, sweetest, reliable person that has come into my life in a very long time. It was all very unexpected, I wasn't "looking" for anyone, and in comes the missing piece to my puzzle. We have shared so many great times together and I only look forward to more. I love you, Boo!

Part of the reason I have been MIA lately is because I haven't been feeling like baking or creating. I've had so much on my mind that one more thing couldn't possibly fit. But I'm excited to be back, hopefully full swing before I know it.

Now, on to baking...

A couple weeks ago a coworker told me about the Neiman Marcus cookie recipe, hers were unsuccessful and she was asking for some pointers. I've seen this recipe on Pinterest and decided to give them a try. I really like this recipe, it was equally nutty, chocolaty, and chewy.

Happy Memorial Day...

I know its been a long time since my last post and I apologize for that. Life has been hell'a busy and exciting and I'm just enjoying the ride. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the warmer weather, I sure am.

I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day.  Most of us forget what Memorial Day really is, yeah its an extra day off of work or school or a BBQ with friends, but ultimately to remember those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces.

The military has always been near and dear to my heart, I was practically raised in a VFW. My mother still to this day works at Post 1563 in Merrillville, Indiana. Both my grandfathers were veterans, many friends are active or reserves, and my new love is a retired Marine. I have much respect and love for these brave souls.

So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to all those whom have put their life on the line to protect us, THANK YOU.

Almond Butter Cups and bartering for a sitter...

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been a little MIA lately, lots of exciting things have been happening and have distracted me from the kitchen and the computer.

I originally pinned this recipe and thought that I would save it for Christmas gifts or a hostess gift, but when I need a sitter last week I used them to help me barter for a little help. Liam has a sitter that we love, but money has been a little tight; so friends have been helping me out. Its great to have friends that are there for us all the time. And paying for childcare in pastries is always a plus!

Liam got to spend some "man" time with my BFF's boyfriend, Caleb. Karen and Caleb are truly like family to us. Liam really looks up to Caleb and I know that he has a great time with him. I wish I could be a fly on the wall and watch their interaction, I'm sure it is hilarious.

Remembering a Fashion Icon and Lime Meltaways...

Its a sad day for fashion lovers everywhere, the great Lily Pulitzer has passed. She was known for her brightly colored prints that are recognizable from miles away. As the story goes it all started with a juice stand, she needed a print to cover the juice stains and thus the fashion empire was born. I've always imagined getting one of her cute shift dresses for a vacation to the beach.

Need some advice...

So I picked up these candle holders up at the Goodwill for $2 each...any advice on colors to paint? I'm thinking a royal blue, not sure!

A Breakfast Smoothie and Saving a Buck...

Mornings around here are pretty relaxed, Liam usually sneaks into bed with me and we cuddle, talk about the dreams we had, he plays a game on my iPhone, and I try to sneak in a couple more minutes of sleep. But some mornings are very rushed, especially school days. We both aren't big on breakfast and eating early, but I always try to get him to eat something. And one of the best and most convenient is a smoothie, just throw it into a cup with a lid and straw and your off.

I try pack as much healthy stuff in these as possible. We all know kids can be picky about veggies, Liam's actually pretty good about them. He loves broccoli, carrots, green beans; I'm actually pretty blessed and amazed at this kid. 

Here's one of our regular smoothies its the Banana, Spinach, Blueberry, and Greek Yogurt. The banana to fill him up, spinach for all the vitamins and nutrients, yogurt for calcium, and blueberries because they are a super food. I know what your thinking, "spinach in a smoothie?" yeah, its awesome, you cannot taste the spinach and it takes it from healthy to super-healthy!

I get most of these ingredients at Costco, saves me a lot of money shopping there every two weeks. I never imagined that I would ever shop at a wholesale store until I started realizing how much money I was saving. And the samples are always a plus! 

I used to be a person that would choose convenience over doing it myself, until I noticed how much money I was throwing away or making other people rich. And one of those areas was the smoothie store, you know which ones I'm talking about..the ones with the long lines and overpriced blended fruit drinks. Well no more my friends, its all about saving a buck or $10. 

What do you do at home that saves you a lot of money?

Banana, Spinach, Blueberry, Yogurt Smoothie

makes 2

1 Cup Frozen Organic Blueberries

Handful of Fresh Organic Spinach

1 Banana

1/3 Cup Greek Yogurt

1 Teaspoon Agave Nectar

1/3 Cup Milk

Place all ingredients in blender and blend up!

A couple more projects finished...

Hey everyone, hope you all enjoyed your Easter weekend! I did for sure, had a great time with a friend on Saturday evening and spent all Easter day with Liam and my "Colorado Family" up in the mountains.

Its been taking me so long to finish projects lately, cause I keep adding more stuff to my never ending to do list and I start a new project before the last one five are complete...have to work on that!

I gave you all an idea that I was redecorating an ottoman in my post about redoing my table and chairs. I was so stoked when I found this cute chevron fabric and knew it was for my current ottoman. This piece was a thrift store find a few years ago, snagged it for $5 and recovered it with that bright retro fabric. Its seen better days; since Liam uses it for a desk, dining table, and a diving board.

 I'm in love with my curtains that I purchased from Ikea a while back! I took down the awful vertical blinds that are in every apartment in America (shh...don't tell my landlord).

The whole project took me about an hour to do, not including drying time for primer and paint. I just ripped the old fabric off, lightly sanded the legs with 100 grit sand paper, primer, paint, and new fabric.

2 coats of both primer and paint... 

I can't express how much I love it! It really brightens up the space. Next is the chair behind that ottoman, going to get a dark grey fabric, but finishing up everything else I have started. 

I also started and finished something that I wanted should have started 4 years ago and that was Liam's growth chart. I kept coming up on images on Pinterest of giant looking rulers and went with that look, something that will grow along with him as opposed to something cutesy and babyish. 

my new "Lips"print from The AESTATE, sitting in its temporary home...

I started with a bare piece of birch, measuring 6 foot tall, 4 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. Lightly sanded it. Before staining I wrote a special message to him, something that will make cry every time I look at it, HA! 

I applied 2 coats of stain, after its said and done I wish I would have done 3. It has this blueish grey tint to it, that really flows with the rest of the apartment. 

To finish, I painted numbers on with some black acrylic paint and a stencil. It looks really cute and Liam loves getting measured! I'm hoping that he will one day reuse the growth chart for something creative, fingers crossed!

Do you have any projects that you've finished recently?

Italian Easter Bread and traditions...

Well it looks like spring is finally here, even though we have snow in the forecast early next week. Last night I stayed up late to make some of this Italian Easter Bread that I had pinned. It looks so good and I always like to make a fresh bread on the holidays. I never had this bread before, nor had I ever heard of it; so I asked around and apparently its a tradition that is taken very seriously in some Italian homes. 

The only traditions that I recall from my childhood during Easter would be the typical church with Mommo, dinner at moms, dying eggs, and let us not forget the awful pink frilly dresses! I used to wish I came from a huge Italian family, something out of the Sopranos' without all the violence and crime. 

Do you and your family have any traditions? 

This bread is fairly easy and it is delicious, the whole process took a few hours. The original recipe called for a pinch of salt, I changed it to 1/4 teaspoon and it still wasn't enough, so next time I would up it to 1/2 teaspoon, it was just a little on the flat side for flavor. 

Easter Cookies and reminiscing my cooking years...

Its so hard to believe that Easter is this weekend, where is this year going? Liam and I will be taking a trip up into the mountains to enjoy time with friends, also known as "our Colorado family". Its always an amazing time surrounded with food, laughter, and great people.

Last week I started experimenting with different recipes for rolled sugar cookies. I have been using the same recipe for years now, its one from my first job out of pastry school; working for Chef Charlie Trotter. The man is a legend in the culinary world and I feel privileged and honored to have worked for him and learned from his team.

This time of year we would be so busy, prepping for both Easter and Passover. Pumping out tons of sugar cookies and coconut macrooons to name just two things. I always loved the rush of a busy kitchen and the comradery of the team. We all had one goal and that was Excellence! If it wasn't delicious and beautiful, it wasn't hitting our guests mouths. I miss working in a kitchen a lot, its something I have always struggled with (passion vs. priority). I do believe one day I will be back with a team, but for now its free lance projects and working on raising Liam.

After testing three new recipes, I came up with this one that I like the best.

Wishing for spring and some patio inspiration...

Over the weekend we had another visit from old man winter, leaving spring just a figment of our imagination. Its hard to believe that Easter is this weekend. Liam and I will be spending the holiday up in the mountains with our "Colorado Family". Its always great to get up there and relax with our friends, something we both look forward to often. 

I have been envisioning what to do to our little patio space, I know I want to plant some herbs, tomatoes, and flowers; as well as have a little seating area. So much to put into the little space.

Here are a few examples of what I'm thinking...

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I also have plans of transforming an old piece of furniture into something special...stay tuned for that!

Recalling starting over and dreaming of a better kitchen...

Most of us have started over at least once in our lives. Whether moving off to college, surviving something out of your control, rebuilding yourself after a breakup. Whatever the case may be, we have all been there. I have more times than I care to remember and one time the memory of it all still haunts me to this day.

A few years back I lost everything I owned and everything that Liam had collected in his one and a half years on this planet. We were moving back to Colorado after living in the past 10 months in Florida, that's another story I may one day share with you. I was pulling a trailer behind my Jeep and 500 miles into our 2500 mile journey my car started acting up. One of my best friends at the time was with me, as well as a 17 month old Liam. We were in the middle of Florida on a holiday weekend and the Jeep started smoking and sounding rough. I pulled into a Jeep dealership, they took a look at it, and explained that the weight of the trailer was too much for my transmission to handle and that if I continued to pull it the transmission would drop. I was in a state of panic, I had to get back to Colorado in three days to start a job. I had no money and nobody around that I could trust to help me with this car.

I asked the gentleman at the dealership if there was a Goodwill or Salvation Army I could donate everything too and he said that the owner "buys stuff". My reaction was "WTF do you mean, he buys stuff?" Turns out he did it as a part time thing, buying and selling. So, I emptied the entire trailer right on the grounds of the parking lot of this dealership. There was so much stuff, things I had from when I was a little girl, souvenirs from my travels, art, photos, clothes, furniture, and all of Liam's stuff too. It was so much to handle. I kept what could fit into the Jeep and left everything else behind. The owner gave me $850 for everything, not much for a lifetimes worth of shit. I kept telling myself "its just stuff and most of it can be replaced". It was a decision that I made in a few minutes, feeling pressured by time, stress, and the heat and humidity of Florida in the middle summer.

Would I do it all over again, I don't know; I would probably take more time to look everything over and decide what was really important and what wasn't. There are some things I will never see again that hurt, like my grandmother's sunglasses, a wood carving from Jamaica, some of my original paintings, and my cooking and baking equipment.

The 3 year anniversary of this event is approaching and most of my stuff has been replaced, it was a humbling experience. I learned what was important and what isn't. You learn to live off what you have and how to make do. Setting up our home (small apartment)  has been a fun and rewarding experience. Most everything started as thrift store finds, hand me downs, or stuff off the side of the road. I'm excited to share with you some projects I have planned in the near future.

Today I'm really wanting some new kitchen stuff, this is actually dream equipment. I might one day have it all. I have been using the same crappy stuff for 3 years and I'm just dreaming. Plus I wanted to create a mood board, it was actually a lot easier than I thought. Writing this blog has been fun, I'm actually learning a lot and hope that you enjoy reading it. I'm not trying to recreate the wheel, just have fun and hope to inspire someone else as well.

So, here it is....

(1)//(2)//(3)//(4)//(5) 

What's your starting over story? 

Project complete and finding treasure...

It's finally complete and right on schedule I might add! Its exactly as I pictured it in my head that one day back in January, at the Goodwill store. I shared with you a couple weeks ago that I was starting this project and have slowly worked on it, weather causing delays. I couldn't be happier with the results.

It all started with this ugly thing right here.

I fell in love with it instantly and pictured it painted white and reupholstered with a light fabric. I knew I wanted yellow and grey. The grey chevron is for an ottoman that I'm redoing too and the yellow is for some pillows.

The process is fairly easy, just takes some patience and a little hard work to pull it off. 

I love this tag that I found at the bottom of every chair, it dates back to 1972; but I'm certain this set is much older. Under the awful flowered fabric was this even nastier green stuff. 

After removing the cushion I sanded the entire surface with 220 grit sandpaper and wiped it clean. Next, a coat of primer.

And I added some 1 1/2 inch foam for some cushion for the tush. Just trace an outline from the seat.

Next is the fun part...staple gun. I regretfully don't have pictures of this process, but it fairly simple. Just cut a piece of fabric that is bigger than your seat, staple in center once and while pulling taught staple around. This was fun, but the next day my palm was so sore! After primer has dried (I gave mine a full 24 hours) apply a coat of paint. I used Rust-oleum in Heirloom White with a Satin finish. The chairs were good with one coat of paint, but the table needed two. I finished the table with Rust-oleum sealer in Clear Matte. You'll want to raise your piece off the floor so you get good coverage on the legs, I used the lids from the paint cans.

Like I said, I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I love getting my hands dirty and fixing something up myself. The whole piece really lightens up the space!

The whole project came in at $123...

$50 for table and four chairs at Goodwill

$13 for fabric at Hobby Lobby (with a 40% off coupon)

$40 paint, primer, sandpaper at Home Depot

$20 for foam at JoAnns (with 50% off coupon)

Yesterday Liam and I took our regular trip to Goodwill with hopes of finding something for the home, we weren't having much luck (he will tell you otherwise, cause he came home with a huge toy jet that makes tons of noise); then out of the corner of my eye on the other side of the store I found this...

I know what your thinking...WTF, right?!?! But upon further inspection I found something that may be my new favorite thing...

It only took a few snips from the trusty wire cutters! I'm thinking of hanging it above the new table and chairs. 

Have you found any treasure lately?

Pasta Bolognese and remembering the first city I fell in love with...

Hello everyone, hope you all enjoyed the holiday weekend! I'm not one to usually celebrate St. Patrick's Day, except for maybe cook corned beef, but I couldn't even find the time to make it this year. Today was my "Saturday", I'm always off on Mondays and have a chance to relax, shop, cook, and just hang with Liam. He wanted pasta for dinner and I haven't made this Bolognese recipe in some time, so I figured why not?!?!

Project update...

A couple weeks ago I showed you a project I was getting started on. I have been slowly working on it and the weather has slowed me down a little bit. I wanted to give you a sneak peak at what its looking like. I am projecting I will be finished on time with all my projects. 

I am really excited about it, its really looking nice; Liam even agrees with me. My next project is doing something with that awful looking couch and getting an antique dresser for a media cabinet. So much to do, so little time. I hope you all are doing well! 

Any suggestions for the ugly sofa?

Girl Scout Week and Homemade Samoas...

Today marks the 101st birthday of the Girl Scouts and this whole week is known as Girl Scout Week. I was doing some research on the company and learned so much about our favorite cookie sales persons. I never belonged to the Scouts or Brownies, but always assumed it to be some special club that sold cookies at random times of the year, all while wearing an unattractive uniform. Now I know different and wish I could go back in time to be a Girl Scout myself. Times have changed for these little girls too, there are now apps available through ITunes that help you locate your favorite cookie and most of them carry credit card readers on their IPhone as well, which I'm sure helps their little business.

The Five Skills that are taught are goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics; everything that I think are so important for young girls to learn and carry with them throughout life. Somethings I could use a lesson on even today!

I pinned this recipe awhile ago on Pinterest and knew that I had to make it, after I missed this years sales. My favorite Girl Scout cookies are Samoas, its their second popular cookie after Thin Mints and preceding Tagalongs.

Home stretch and gratitude...

Restaurant Week is almost over and I will finally have a day off on Monday after working 20 days in a row. This is my third year in a row doing this, working days on end only wishing it would be over. I'm exhausted, cranky, and sore; and most importantly I miss Liam. I haven't been able to put him to bed or read him his bedtime story and I miss that. Its the simplest things that make me feel complete and I feel like I'm failing at that right now. I cannot wait for next week to spend every minute with him, just him and me hanging out.

We are expecting a huge amount of snow this weekend and I am not looking forward to it at all. Hate to be a Debbie Downer, but it just adds that much more stress right now. But spring is right around the corner and I look forward to the change in seasons. Liam is wanting to plant a garden, we will be planting a container garden on our small patio. I look forward to sharing that with him, we both are very excited.

Last night my little blog here hit 600 views and I'm so thrilled! Its a work in progress and I want to THANK everyone for reading and following. I have plans to really take it to the next step, such as getting an original look and a logo, and investing in a good camera. I really appreciate everyone for believing in me and giving me such wonderful feedback.

Until next week, have a great weekend!

Skinny Chicken Enchiladas and Supporting Local...

It's that time of year again, spring is right around the corner and summer will be here before we know it. So what better time than now to start watching what we eat. I'm not one to count calories or ever say no to a cupcake, but I do choose to eat fairly healthy. I gave up fast food some time ago and I feel so good about it, both inside and out. I would much rather spend my hard earned money supporting a family owned restaurant that serves food that's good and good for you.

I never made this before, found it on Pinterest and made it yesterday. I thought it was really good, but found it to be a little too spicy for Liam. I will make it again, only cutting down on some of the spice. What makes this recipe "skinny" is the use of whole wheat tortillas that are not fried, and boneless skinless chicken breast.

Most of this meal was created using local products and I feel so good about that. I always look for the local produce before buying the imported stuff. Its time that we open our eyes and support those around us, there's a sense of pride when you buy from your neighbor. This summer I have plans to take Liam to local farms to show him where the food actually comes from; we're both really excited about it.

Excited about a new project...

A few months ago I purchased an old dining table and chair set from Goodwill. Its a mid century modern set that I fell instantly in love with. Its like nothing I've ever seen before, it sits really low to the ground and fits in with my most of my pieces. It needs a little TLC and I'm excited about finally starting it. 

I've been redoing furniture for a long time now, I love finding an old piece and making it new again. It all started in junior high when I was in wood shop and I refinished an old dresser that had been in my family for a long time, my sister still has that piece.

These chairs have seen better days, but they are pretty solid. I have been sanding away for the past few days, bought the paint and fabric to cover them. I'm so excited about this project, its going to tie the whole apartment together.

I'm in love with the fabrics, yellow and grey are one of my favorite color combinations. The yellow chevron is for some pillows, the grey chevron is going to be for my ottoman that I'm going to redo, too. My goal is to have this all done by the end of the month, along with a couple other DIY projects I have lined up. 

                                           Are you working on any projects for your home?