Vintage Simple

This would be my new favorite blog!!! HELLO!! Can I just move into this kitchen! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything about it. I could make a HUGE list of my favs starting with the butcher block counter top. Let's not forget the apron front sink, the leaded glass window, the tin tile backsplash. I could go on and on. Oh Maria, you could come rescue my kitchen any day!

A Celebration!

We begin this day anew. Many wonderful memories of you. A time to thank you for everything you have done. We've been through it all and you came out shining in the end! The Lord's presence with you Dad. We know there are things you still wanted to do on this Earth, but God had better plan's for you. We know that you are safely in his arms and can no longer feel any pain from the sickness. We know you only have Joy. You were a strong man and I am privileged to be your daughter and carry on for you. Love you Daddy--rest in peace--06/27/2009

Moo Shu Chicken

We are so tired of eating the same ole' thing! And with summer break upon us, I needed some new quick recipes to feed the family. It is so hard to find new recipes everyone likes and feed two teenage boys on a budget! With the day off, I decided to go through a few old clippings and try some new recipes.

We devoured this one so quickly--I couldn't get a picture of it. We LOVED IT!! It's a keeper! I consequently started a black binder with the new ones that are golden!

Moo Shu Chicken

1 Tbl. dark Oriental sesame oil
6 scallions, sliced
1 tsp. chopped garlic
1 bag (16 oz.) coleslaw mix
1 bag (10 oz.) short-but cooked chicken strips, cut in thinner strips
1/3 cup bottled hoisin sauce
2 Tbl. lite soy sauce
1 pkg. 6 in. flour tortillas (8 in pgk.)

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallions, garlic and coleslaw mix; saute 3 minutes. Add chicken, hoisin sauce and soy sauce; cook one minute until hot. Remove heat from heat.
2. Meanwhile, place tortillas between damp paper towels. Warm in microwave according to directions. Spoon 1/2 cup chicken mixture on each torilla and roll up.

THEY ARE SO YUMMY!!

One of my favorite blogs!

I ABSOLUTELY love this blog! Layla Palmer is an inspiration! She's celebrating her one year anniversary with a giveaway! Hope I can post the links for it!


She can come decorate my house anytime! I wish I lived next door to get help decorating!


And make sure you find her friend Grace's etsy shop here:

Just a little advice. . .

Here is a picture of my kitchen. When our house was moved to this location in about 1985, the owner had a custom kitchen put in. Granted, it's not a kitchen for 2009, but it functions well. I am debating whether I should paint the cupboards. You know, that gorgeous french white cottage look. I think they would look so clean and make the space look bigger. I want to put beadboard on the sides of the island too. I found a gorgeous backsplash--and for now, I could only do the backsplash, not the countertops. I am having trouble uploading the pic--but if you google American Olean Cache Tile, you will see the gorgeous blue/smoky mink harlequin tile. As many of you know, I work at a furniture/floor covering store and I get a FABULOUS discount--and even at my price, the tiles are OUTRAGEOUS! (Oh and as much as I would LOVE to adopt you so you can have the discount, I really can't. You really don't know how many times I am asked that--or if they can be my husband. Well, uh sorry--I've had the discount since I married him--I'm the one who lucked out.)

Anyway, I love to paint, decorate, etc.--but painting these cupboards is a HUGE leap for me--WHAT IF I MESS UP! Any advice will be appreciated.

My other job!

As some of you well know, my love for decorating has taken me on a couple different paths. I started with AtHome America in 2002--just wanting to make extra income and work around the boys' busy, busy schedules! This was just the ticket! I had applied at the local paint/wallpaper store but would have to work Saturday mornings. At the time, I was coaching soccer and this just wouldn't do with two boys. I went to my first party on a fluke. My friend was just inviting a few people over just to help her friend out. Yep, only two of us showed. I don't even thing the party was big enough for her to get any credit. But I knew this was something I could do.

It took Jan a few months to convince me to start, but when I learned I didn't have to invest anything and could start for FREE--I had nothing to lose. So I took the plunge. It was amazing! People were loving the products and I could work when I chose!! Yipee! It was the best of both worlds!

AtHome America is a very gracious company. I love everything they stand for and what they have contributed to my family as well as other families across the nation. My website is at the right. Head on over and take a look at what's new! If you are interested in a party, having a book party or just want to shop from the 'net, feel free!! You can also get free information from AHA to start for FREE in March.

Look what I made!

We had extension club last night and we try to do something fun each month. We went to do ceramics. I decided to make a Chocolate Easter Bunny! I have seen these online--very pricey. I thought I would try this and plus--I knew it would be easy!! He is so darn cute!!! Best of all, the bunny, paint & tax was only $5.89!! LOVE IT!! I want to go back! It is addicting! All he needs now is a cute basket, easter eggs & grass!!