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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The New Life of an Old Buffet



A couple of weeks ago, I sent my sweet hubby on a mission to find a trundle bed.
No luck with the trundle bed
but he didn't come home empty handed...
He brought me this little treasure
 He scored this lovely for $50!!
 
Obviously, it needed some TLC
and I was more than happy to oblige!
And this is the beautiful transformation...

 
I absolutely LOVE this piece of furniture!
It now holds Shelby's toys and books neatly out of the way.
 
I sanded it down a bit and cleaned it up.
Then I removed the drawers and doors and spray-painted them
Krylon Leather Brown.
Then I spray painted the buffet with
Krylon Bahama Sea.
 
Once the paint dried for a few hours, I used
Minwax Gel Stain in Chestnut to glaze over all of the painted surfaces.
I painted it on and wiped it off with an old rag
{you need to work quickly and in small areas at a time when using gel stain}.
 
 
Oh...and I Mod Podged the inside of the drawers so they are cleaner
{and prettier}!
 
Here are some close-up details...
 I added glass knobs
 
 


I painted over the pulls and dry-brushed them with gold paint.
 
Refinishing furniture is SO rewarding to me...
especially when it's SO inexpensive!!
Happy Me +Happy Budget=Happy Hubby!
That's a win in any book!
 
 
Go score a thrift store find and bring it back to life...you'll be so happy you did!
 
Have a blessed day,
Kim


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Mini Apple Pies

When we invited my In-Laws over for Sunday dinner, last week,
I chose a "comfort food" menu.
Pot Roast with potatoes, carrots, and Brown gravy
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Yeast Rolls
and for dessert...
{nothing says "comfort" to me more than}...
Apple Pie!
Well, I didn't want to make just any old Apple Pie...
I wanted something fun and different.
Then, I remembered seeing these precious little pies on Pinterest
and knew that I had to make
Mini Apple Pies.
 


And this is how I did it...
 
INGREDIENTS:
2 boxes refrigerated pie crust
6 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped into small cubes
1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar + more for sprinkling on crust
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 egg, beaten {for "washing" the top of each pie}
 
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450.
Lightly spray muffin tin with butter cooking spray.  Set aside.
Toss apples and lemon juice in a large bowl. 
In a smaller bowl, combine brown sugar and remaining ingredients.
Pour over apples and toss to coat.  Set aside.
 
  

Unroll pie crust on wax paper {sprinkled with flour}.
Using the top to a plastic container {or any other circular item of your choice}, cut out 12 circles.

Place each circle inside each well of a muffin tin.
Shape to fit.
{You will need 2 pie crusts for the bottom of 12 mini pies}
 
Fill each mini pie with a large spoonful of apple mixture.

Using a pizza cutter, cut thin strips of the remaining pie crusts {I used 1 1/2 regular pie crusts for these}.
Cut various lengths as you need them and weave across the top of each pie.
Brush the top of each pie with egg wash.
Sprinkle the tops with sugar.
{I left my edges a little bit rustic because I prefer that look but if you want them to be "cleaner" and more uniform, you can cut the edges off with a knife and "pinch" them together}.



Reduce the heat of your oven to 350 degrees.
Bake pies for 15-20 minutes or until each pie is golden and the filling is bubbly.
 
Remove from oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before removing from muffin tin.
 
 Aren't they just darling?
And they were SO yummy!
We topped with with homemade vanilla ice cream.  :)
 
These mini pies make such a fun presentation for your company.
They will feel very special!
 
Enjoy!
 
Blessings to you,
Kim
 
 


Monday, August 27, 2012

Reese's Peanut Butter Cupcakes

My favorite candy...in a cupcake?
YES, PLEASE!
 

I have been wanting to make these cuppies for a long time, now.
For some reason, I was hesitant...
maybe I was fearful that they just wouldn't do
my favorite candy
{of all time}
it's due justice.
Or maybe I was fearful that if I combined
my two greatest loves
{of the dessert world}
I would never stop eating them
and my battle to lose these {few} extra pounds
would seem insurmountable.
But my love for the two...
and my sweet tooth 
won me over.
I just had to give it a shot.
And I'm so glad I did
{but my waistline is not}!
 
They are DECADENT!
If you love Peanut Butter & Chocolate
you will simply
ADORE
these!
 
Click HERE for the recipe.


Peanut Buttery Blessings to you,
Kim  :)


Friday, August 24, 2012

Back to School...Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies

 
School is in full swing here in Oklahoma.
The first day of school was a bittersweet day for me...
I have loved having the kiddos at home with me!
This summer flew by way too fast!
But, being a {former} teacher, I also LOVE the
Back To School time of year!
Shopping for school supplies
New school clothes
Meet the Teacher
New friends
It's all SO exciting!
The kiddos were {mostly} excited about going back to school, too.
Here they are on the
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
 The oldest was off at Band Camp
but this is the rest of them...aren't they PRECIOUS!
{{Blessed!!}}
 
So, to celebrate surviving their first day of school, I thought I'd make them a
special treat to enjoy when they got home.

 They love Snickerdoodles
{who doesn't?}
So I made a little variation to the classic recipe...
I added applesauce
{in place of the eggs}
and decorated them to look like apples.  :)
 
They were DE-LISH!

Here's the recipe.
 
APPLE SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES
*Adapted from Our Best Bites*
 
INGREDIENTS:
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened
8 tablespoons vegetable shortening
2 large eggs (substitute 1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce)
Red food coloring/gel paste
Red Decorator Sugar (for final red "sprinkling")
Tootsie Rolls
Green candy melts (or any other green item for leaves...you could cut up green fruit rolls, too)
 
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
Combine 1/4 cup sugar and red food coloring in small ziploc baggie. 
"Smush" sugar and food coloring together until sugar is red. 
Combine with cinnamon in shallow dish and set aside.

 
Cut Tootsie Rolls in 1/2 lengthwise and then each 1/2 in half lengthwise to make 4 strips for stems.
Set aside.
Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt together in medium bowl.
Beat butter, shortening, and remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3-6 minutes.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, about 30 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed.
Reduce speed of mixer to low and slowly add flour mixture until combined, about 30 seconds.
Give dough final stir to ensure that no flour pockets remain.


Working with 1-2 tablespoons of dough at a time (depending on desired size) roll into balls.
Working in batches, roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat and set on prepared baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.


Bake 1 sheet at a time until edges of cookies are set and just barely beginning to brown, but centers are still soft and puffy, about 10-12 minutes.
The cookies should look raw between the cracks and seem underdone.


 
Immediately sprinkle with Red Decorator Sugar while they are still warm.
Insert a Tootsie Roll strip into the top of each cookie and press lightly.
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.
Melt green candy melts according to package directions.
Spoon into piping bag fitted with small tip.
Pipe small leaves onto wax paper and let cool. {They don't have to look perfect...the more rustic the better}  :)

Once leaves are set, pipe a small amount onto the back and attach to the cookie near the stem.
Makes about 2 dozen 3-4 inch cookies.

 
The kiddos really enjoyed their 1st Day of School treat.
I hope yours do, too!! 
 
Back To School Blessings to you,
Kim



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Texas Sheet Cake Cupcakes

I have attended countless BBQ's growing up in Texas.
One of the {many} things I miss about Texas is the BBQ!
I love me some meat!
Brisket
Pulled Pork
Hot links
BBQ Chicken
But even more than the meat, I love the desserts
that accompany the meats.
Especially
TEXAS SHEET CAKE!
The moist, chocolatey, sugary, nutty
goodness that it is!
It is not the prettiest cake you've ever seen.
It's usually served in a sheet pan
with the chocolate frosting smoothed on top
and sprinkled with chopped pecans.
Well, seeing how I'm obsessed with cupcakes,
I have been wanting to turn this favorite Texas BBQ Dessert
into a cupcake.
So I did.
And they were just as good as the original!
 
Click HERE for the recipe.
 
Blessings to you,
Kim
 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Our Very Own Birdie's Eggs...on Canvas!

A few weeks ago, when I was watering my ferns, I found this:
A beautiful, perfect little birdie nest and perfectly light blue little birdie eggs
resting ever so sweetly inside one of my ferns.
I was so thrilled and excited I thought I might cry!
{I didn't cry...really, I didn't!!}

I knew I had to find a way to bring this little miracle,
this little piece of Heaven on Earth
into our home.

I have seen advertisements for printing personal photos onto a canvas
so I decided to give it a try.
And, since I love creating unique pieces of decor for our home...
I felt like this would be the perfect photo...

I played with the colors a bit and I just couldn't capture the blue the way I wanted.
So, I decided to go Sepia...

and I LOVE it!!!!
It's hard to capture the true beauty of it
{since I only have a cheapo camera & no quality photo editing software}
but you get the idea {I hope}.
{I got this done at Staples for $29.99}

 
I got this metal flourish at Hobby Lobby {$7.50...it was 50% off!}
and added it above the canvas.

This is a picture of Shelby at 1 year.
{My sister, Lesa took her 1 year photos and they turned out beautifully!}
{{www.y2photo.net}}


 
I also got this burlap lamp at Hobby Lobby for 50% off.
{LOVE Hobby Lobby!!}
Gotta have me some burlap, ya know! :)

And here it is...all together...
I found this dresser at an antique store nearby...
for $36.00...
it was already painted turquoise!
LOVE!!
{This is in our dining room}

If you have any photos that you're considering turning into a canvas,
I highly recommend it.

Oh...here are our birdies right after they hatched...
 
Aren't they so sweet?
They grow so fast...they flew away just a couple of weeks after these were taken!  :( 
{These pictures were taken by our sweet friend and treasured babysitter, Lacey...thanks, Lacey!}
God is the perfect artist.
I hope you find inspiration in His creation each and every day!

Blessings to you,
Kim

Monday, July 23, 2012

Silhouette Utensil Art

After weeks of searching for the "perfect" trio of artwork
that was unique, rustic, suitable for a dining room, and just the right size,
I finally gave up and decided to DIY-it.
This is what I came up with...

 I downloaded Silverware images for my Silhouette machine.
Cut them out of vinyl,
and applied them to these rustic barnwood frames that I got from Hobby Lobby {for 50% off}!
Click HERE for a tutorial.

DIY projects are so rewarding...don't ya think?

Blessings to you,
Kim

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Pinterest Inspired 4th of July Wreath

Yes, I realize that 4th of July has come and gone
and I have not had time to blog about this
so I'm doing it now...
better late than never, right?  :)
{Actually...this can be called a Labor Day wreath and that way, I'm way ahead of the game}
{{Yeah, right!!}}

 
I think it's safe to say that I love Pinterest.
It's probably also safe to say that I'm {a little bit} addicted!
I saw a 4th of July wreath made of...
BURLAP
and new I had to make one for myself.
So...here's my version.
It was so fun and simple to make.
Click HERE for a tutorial of my
quick
easy
no sew
version.

Blessings to you,
Kim

Pink Champagne Cupcakes


My first experience with Pink Champagne Cake was at one of my baby showers.
My sister brought the most delectable
Pink Champagne Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
It was divine!
{So divine that I proceeded to finish the remaining half of the cake that was left over}
{{all...by...myself}}
{{{within a couple of days}}}
Not my proudest moment
but so worth the extra calories!
I loved that cake so much that {of course} I had to figure out how to make cuppies out if it.  :)
I usually make them with a Cream Cheese Frosting but for Sydney's Birthday,
she requested Pink Champagne Cuppies with Buttercream frosting.
They are just as good...
light
fruity
refreshing
not too sweet
and just a bit "bubbly"!
:)
Click HERE for the recipe.

I hope they make you feel BUBBLY, too!

Blessings to you,
Kim

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Homemade Peach Ice Cream

Ever since I can remember, I have loved Homemade Peach Ice Cream!
That being said, I NEVER buy or order Peach Ice Cream from a store.
Why?
Because it's just not the same!!
Growing up in & near San Antonio, I had the privilege of being close to
Fredricksburg, TX.
Fredricksburg is known for it's peaches.
AND it's shopping!
If you've never been...you must go!

So, I was spoiled early on when we stopped at a roadside Farmer's Market
and I had my first taste of sweet Texas peaches...
in the form of
Homemade Peach Ice Cream!
And since we had a Little Peach birthday party for Miss Shelby,
I just had to make it myself.
It is so heavenly!
Not too sweet
Not too rich
Just creamy, peachy goodness!
Here's the recipe...

HOMEMADE PEACH ICE CREAM
{adapted from www.allrecipes.com}

INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup peach nectar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pint half & half
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
2 cups whole milk

DIRECTIONS:
Puree peaches with the sugar, nectar, and half & half in a blender {you may want to do this in batches}.
In an ice cream freezer container, combine the peach mixture, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla.  Pour enough whole milk to fill container to the fill line {approx. 2 cups}
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to freeze the ice cream.

ENJOY!!


Blessings to you,
Kim




Thursday, June 28, 2012

Amaretto Peach Jam


I think making jam is one of my new favorite things to do!

It is so gratifying for me to see all those little jars
lined up like sweet little soldiers of sticky goodness!
 Just look at them...aren't they so cute!?  :)
This is the batch that I made last night with all the peaches we had left over from Shelby's party.
I put this batch in larger jars to give away as gifts...
and of course, to keep for ourselves.

This jam recipe is absolutely de-lish!
It is my new favorite jam.
It is so good on biscuits {of course}
on toast.
But also good on these Fried Goat Cheese Rounds
that I made the other night
Oh My Lands!
The sweetness of the peach jam
combined with the tanginess of the goat cheese
are a match made in Heaven!

If you have never made jam, I highly recommend that you give it a try!
The reward is worth the effort.
I'm telling you...it is so gratifying
{that is...if you are a closet domestic diva {dork}...like me!}

Click HERE for the Amaretto Peach Jam recipe
Click HERE for the free Amaretto Peach Jam labels
Click HERE for the Fried Goat Cheese recipe

Go get Jamming!

Blessings to you,
Kim

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Family Favorite Breakfast Casserole

Like most of you, I have had many breakfast casseroles in my time.
Some better than others.
I have to admit...I am not a huge fan of the casseroles made with soaked bread.
Maybe a texture thing?
{I think it reminds me too much of the cheese souffle my mom made me eat as a child}
{{Gag-a-rama!}}

Anyways, I discovered a recipe for a breakfast casserole made with
HASHBROWNS
and I've adjusted it a little to suit our taste.


Click HERE for the recipe

Blessings to you,
Kim

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Our "Little Peach" Birthday Party


It is so hard to believe that my little baby
is 2 years old!
This time around I have
worried less
enjoyed more
and treasured every "little" moment!
Not that I didn't treasure the "little" moments with the other two...
but I was always looking forward to the next stage
and didn't realize how quickly they would grow up!
I call Shelby my "Little Peach"
so when I was trying to think of a theme that wasn't
{over done}
I thought...what would be more fitting than a
"Little Peach" theme.

I started with the color palette,
peach and aqua.
I wanted the feel to be sort of 
vintage country fair.
Then I thought of
doilies
fruit crates and baskets
and
simple, fresh food.
{All things peachy, of course}
Here's our beautiful "Little Peach"!
{I made this pillow case dress & bow to match the party}  :)
Here's the invitation

The main tablescape

 I had this old storm door window that I used as a frame for her
1st 2 years in pictures.
I made a rag wreath and put her latest "2 year old" picture in the center.

I was blessed enough to find a truckload of the gorgeous fresh peaches
on the side of the road!

Here's the Menu:
Ham Buns

Vegetable cups filled with Ranch Dressing



Fruit Cups with Marshmallow Dip

 Biscuits with Homemade Amaretto Peach Jam
Mini Biscuits with Homemade Amaretto Peach Jam

And the Dessert Table

Peach Cookies

Gummy Peach Rings

And Peaches N Cream Cuppies
Topped with the Pinwheels that I made.

Shelby's Cuppie got a special "2" topper.

And of course...my VERY favorite thing...


We also had Peach Tea, water, and a couple of Peach Sodas to drink


  

Here are some pictures of the decorations...

 My precious friend, Karen came in town from Texas to help me get ready.
She put together these dangling doilies.
They turned out to be so darling


 I made giant hanging peaches out of lanterns 
 and aqua and peach pom poms

 I created this bunting using the same graphics from
{as well as the invitations, food tags, pinwheels, etc.}
 Happy
 Birthday
 Shelby!
Click HERE for free printables.
I used a vintage lace tablecloth
peach crates
coral roses and peach carnations
blue Mason Jars
a vintage peach can
milk glass
and framed pictures of Shelby
and peach art
as the decor.





For the Party Favors, I made Homemade Amaretto Peach Jam {recipe coming soon}
and packaged it up like this...
and topped it off with these labels...
{free printables coming soon}
It was such a fun party!
I loved watching my vision come together as Karen and I set everything up.
But even more than that...
I adored watching Shelby enjoy herself!
Click HERE to see my "Little Peach" in action!

I hope you've enjoyed this peek into
Shelby's 2nd Birthday Party!

Blessings to you,
Kim

**I'm linking up to Tip Junkie**