DIY Lampshade Makeover

Well hello from Antarctica! If you're here from somewhere warm, let me tell you - stay right where you are. This is what it is like here: 

That's not even a tiny bit of an exaggeration. BUT, I'm not really in Antarctica - I'm saying hello from another "Bucket of Suck" weather-wise:  hello from Central New York. It's 7 degrees Fahrenheit (oh, and that's warm compared to -21 the other day). Plus we have at least a foot of snow, and to top it off - wind. But, guess what I saw today. A couple of blog posts about Spring! Spring! They gave me hope.

Not enough hope to write about tulips, but hope. Hope that I might make it to Spring. And so, secure in that thought, I did do something that made me a teeny bit happy. I gave an old lampshade a makeover.

I was inspired by all of the talk shows I've been watching (hey, there's nothing else to do in this cold).  My favorite feature of the talk shows is always the makeovers. They find these awesome people in need of a makeover. Most of the time the person gets a bit of a hair cut, maybe a better fitting outfit, and some mascara. The actual change is usually minimal, but the end look is so different. I love that. 

But makeovers aren't just for people. They're for our homes too. Have you ever just moved an area rug from one part of a room to another, and it felt like a huge change? I love that too. 

I think of these makeovers as frosting. (And I love frosting too!) What I mean is this: think of a poor plain old cupcake... Now picture it with chocolate frosting. See? Little makeover. Big impact. 

(Great. Now I want chocolate.) 

So, here's my original lampshade. I'm not even sure if this qualifies as the cupcake. I have 3 (yes, three!) of these lampshades. They're triplets - all exactly the same, dusty and faded, piled in a tower in my office. It's time I either throw them out, take them to the thrift store, or make them over. I decided to try a makeover on one of them. (Frankly, I don't like throwing things out, and it's too cold for me to go to the thrift store, so Why Not?) 

First, I just cut off the existing fabric, and was left with the wire form. 

Next, I tore some fabric into strips. I am strangely into fabric strips this year. So, I tore pillow cases and an old shirt, which was two sizes too small.

Big A looked nervous about this project, but he relaxed a little when he saw that I wasn't rifling through his side of the closet for clothes to tear...

Next, I simply tied the fabric on the top and bottom of the frame. I cut some burlap strips (I love burlap too) and used the glue gun to glue the burlap to the inside of the wire form, so that there were no large gaps. And, well, that's it. Easy.

I put the shade on an old lamp base, and found it a home in my bedroom. It looks so pretty with a low watt bulb, and creates cool shadows on the wall.

One lampshade down, two to go. If you have any lampshade makeover ideas - do share! The forecast is for much more of the same, so I have time for many more makeovers.

Stuffed Mushrooms

More Super Bowl Snacks! Yes! 

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

image source here 

These are super easy, and super delicious. It's a good thing their easy to make, cuz I promise - your guests and family will devour them in minutes flat.  In fact, make a double recipe, if you're smart!!! 

Please give them a try at your next get-together! Perfect for the Superbowl! 

Ingredients:

• 20 button mushrooms ( approximately)
• 3/4 lb sausage meat, I use spicy
• 1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3 green onions
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions:

1. Remove the stems and "core" from your mushrooms. Take a sharp knife and kind of clean out the middle of the mushroom, so that you're left with a little mushroom cup. 
2. Place top side of the mushroom down on a cookie sheet - if they want to roll, just shave a bit off of the top to make it flat so that they won't roll around.
3. Fry the sausage, until it is cooked through. Drain off the fat. 
4. Chop the green onions, using the green part too
5. Mix the cream cheese, cooked sausage, chopped green onions and the soy sauce.
6. Place this mixture where your mushroom stems once were and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 20-30 minutes.

***

 I pinky swear - I eat a fairly healthy diet, contrary to the way it sounds on my blog!  However, when I splurge, well - my motto is "Go Big (Mac), or Go Home" ! So here's an admission - sometimes I make the filling, and once it's heated through - I serve it over pasta. 
However, I warn you, this results in an overnight 5 lb weight gain.  

NOW, if you're looking for something a little healthier, there are easy ways to cut down on the fat and calories for this appetizer:

- fry the sausage and then drain it in a colander, under hot running water, 
to remove as much fat as possible. 

- use light cream cheese. 

- chop up your mushroom stems and fry them - replace some of the sausage with the chopped mushroom. 

How To Paint Glass

Hey there!

What's happening in your neck of the woods? Here? Not much. Well, except, The Apocalypse has begun. And, let me tell you, global warming is not the problem.

My husband snapped a picture of the outside temp as he left for work today.

That's the temperature! NOT the windchill! And we live in New York! NOT Antarctica.

So, that got us thinking. We are heating our house to 70 degrees. That's a 91 degree difference our poor furnace has to cover!

So far, the furnace is working, so I'm comfy and cozy. The rest of my family had to brave the cold - school wasn't cancelled, and Big A had to go to work. The dog, well, she HAS to go out periodically, for obvious reasons.

While I sit here feel somewhat guilty at being the only one able to stay indoors today, I thought I'd share a couple of little things I've been doing from the comfort of my kitchen.

First, over the holidays, I made a moose silhouette for my sister. The tutorial is HERE. I like the moose better than my own buck silhouette, so I might have to make another canvas...

Second, I painted an old jar/vase thingy I had kicking around. 

(YES! You can paint glass without the paint peeling off. However, I wouldn't use this for anything other than holding a candle.)

Here's what I did:

I cleaned the glass and put a K sticker on it. I thought about using primer, but then, well, you know... I live on the edge. The edge of my kitchen stool. 

Anyway, I painted the vase with three coats of paint, letting it dry completely in between coats. When it was very dry I peeled off the sticker, and stuck a candle inside.

(When my lungs are a little better, cuz I am recovering from pneumonia, I will spray the vase with Krylon Clear Finish.)

And there you have it. Nothing too energetic. I have to save my energy for making dinner!

Speaking of dinner, here is the conversation I JUST had with Big A, as he heads home for the night:

And with that, I will leave you until next time. I'm sure you will be back to see what I make for dinner - utilizing salsa and sweat pants of course. Recipe to follow...

Super Bowl Snacks

Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching! With 100 million viewers, it's practically a National Holiday.

However, I confess - I don't like football. I'm not lying when I tell you, I have no idea who's playing in the Super Bowl. Seriously. I'm sure it's all over TV, but I must tune it out.

Before you skewer me and roast me over a flaming hot grill, let me at least redeem myself by telling you that I love Super Bowl FOOD. And, I'm happy to stand in the kitchen and cook for those who prefer to recline in front of the big screen TV and scream at men they don't even know. 

Every Super Bowl party needs that one person who doesn't mind missing the play to get the wings out of the oven? Don't you agree? Well, that person, is me. So, it's better that I don't like the game! 

Plus, food is proven to be a very important part of the day, as Super Bowl Sunday is the SECOND LARGEST DAY FOR U.S. FOOD CONSUMPTION!!!  (After Thanksgiving, of course.) Clearly, Super Bowl Fans need sustenance, just as much as the players! 

And that, my friends, makes me an All-American Super Bowl Supportin' Gal. 

SO, until Super Snack Day game day, I'll be posting a few recipes that I'm thinking of making. 

First, I have a recipe I've hand picked from my own archives, for my sister. She's actually a true football fanatic, unlike her big sister. But, like me, she's also a snack fanatic. And I think she'll like these! 

POTATO WEDGES WITH CHILI CREAM

photo source

Ingredients: 

Potatoes:

• 6 medium potatoes, unpeeled

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 
  

Chili Cream:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp course sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped

• 2 teaspoon chili paste (or to taste) 
• 
  

• Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 400 F.

Scrub the potatoes, cut each into 6 wedges. I leave the skins on - c'mon that's where the vitamin C is hiding!

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the wedges and let them boil for 10 minutes. Drain well. When they are drained, give them a shake in the colander, to kind of "bash" them up on the outside. (I don't mean bash them until they break apart, just enough to rough up the outside of the wedge. This helps them crisp up in the oven.)  

Combine the potato wedges, spices and olive oil in a bowl, and mix well.

Transfer wedges to a baking dish and spread them out so that they aren't touching. Bake for about 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes, until nice and crisp and tender.

For the chili cream: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

What about you? Are you having a Super Bowl Party? What are you eating? 

I'm Thinking of Branching Out

We have hundreds of trees, and therefore, there are millions of sticks and branches all over our yard. In the summer, Big A can mow over the little ones, but the larger specimens have to be collected and pulled to the side of the road for pick up. OR, they can be hoarded, and stuffed into a large bin in the basement, ready for inspiration!

I use some of my sticks and branches, and several vases are filled with sticks. They're somewhat boring simply left in their beautiful, natural state. With so many bloggers out there who have come up with clever ways to use branches, I'm going to round up all of my faves here, so that I have no excuse but to get moving with the creativity.

(If you like these ideas, please go to the source if the idea to pin, 

and give credit where credit is due! Thanks!!!) 

1. The first idea I really want to use is the following. The use of a sturdy branch as a plant hanger is ideal for a space I have by my front door, that is very similar to the space in this photo. I would paint my branch black to match my decor, and I'd use a natural twine or jute.


photo source

2. Rebecca at Older and Wisor has a great idea to use branches as antlers. OR, as she calls them "branchlers". Adorable. And they totally fit in with my love of animal busts, silhouettes, etc.


photo source

3.  Winter branches that are all glammed up - LOVE. Perfect for the holidays, but usable all winter long.  All you need is silver or gold spray paint, glitter, Epsom salts and glue.


photo source

4.  I love these duct tape winter leaves by The Nester. These would be perfect for winter, but you could also use different colors of duct tape for any holiday or season! Gotta love duct tape!


photo source

5. Simply spray paint branches for a new look.


photo source

6.  Here's a simple idea using branches on a blank canvas. I like this idea, plus it looks pretty easy to re-create. Just a matter of heating up the glue gun, and painting your branches any color you like.


Image is from Pinterest, with no link.

7.  Similarly, I like these flowering branches on canvas - the flowers would be cute using tissue paper.


Image is from Pinterest, with no link.

8.  One of the cutest ideas I've seen is from An Extraordinary Day.  Flowering branches using book page flowers on branches. WHEN Spring gets here, I think this would look lovely in my kitchen window.


photo source

9.  I adore this rustic looking wreath. The yellow fabric roses look beautiful with the branches.


photo source

10.  And speaking of wreaths, I want to make this very simple wreath. This would look great in any season, or you could easy to add a little color to the branches if "needs" be.


photo source

Do you have any ideas for using branches in your decor? I would love to hear about them! If you're interested in any of the above ideas, remember to go to the original sources for tutorials and in order to Pin.

Have a wonderful day!

Creamy Baked Ziti

Here's the perfect recipe for a wintry night - and it's so easy to double or triple the recipe for a crowd. It's that easy. 

Honestly, I like Baked Ziti, but it can be boring. So over the years, I've done some searching for a recipe that's a little more interesting, and here's the answer - CREAM! This recipe from Cooks Illustrated makes Baked Ziti a special cheesy, creamy treat.

This is one of those recipes you can play with to suit your tastes. For example, on occasion I have used sour cream instead of the cream for a different flavor, which tastes great too! You can add a pound of cooked ground beef or sausage, or even meatballs (if your man insists, like mine does).

Serve with a tossed salad and crusty Italian Bread.

Baked Ziti

serves 8-10

(photo via)

• 1 lb 1% fat ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb Ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

Directions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350°F. 
2. Whisk ricotta cheese, eggs and 1 cup Parmesan together in medium bowl and set aside. 
3. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in large sauce pan over high heat. Stir in 1 Tablespoon salt and pasta; cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta begins to soften but is not yet cooked through, about 7 minutes. Drain pasta and leave in colander.
4. Meanwhile, heat oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until garlic is fragrant but not brown. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and oregano; simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, and stir in 1/2 cup basil and sugar, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir cornstarch into heavy cream in small bowl, transfer mixture to saucepan and put over medium heat. Bring to simmer and cook until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove pan from heat and add ricotta cheese mixture, 1 cup tomato sauce and 3/4 cup mozzarella, then stir to combine. Add pasta and stir to coat.
6. Transfer pasta mixture to 13 x 9 inch baking dish and spread remaining tomato sauce evenly over pasta. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan over top.
7. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and continue to cook until cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown, about 30 minutes longer. Cool for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 3 Tablespoons basil and serve.

Need a baking pan? These are awesome, and look pretty too! Serve right in the dish!

I'm under no illusions here - this is not a New Year's Resolution kind of dinner. But I think you could easily use fat free half and half, and low fat cheeses if you wanted to reduce calories. 

Tips For A Better Home Inside And Out

Are you seeking advice on minor home improvement projects that will brighten up the look of your home's interior a "lift"? You are in the right place! Keep reading if you can make your home even better. This will modernize your kitchen without costing tons of money.
It can be a very expensive to purchase brand new furniture. You can spice up your living space by using previously owned pieces that you have found at a garage sales. You can locate amazing gems among the used furniture items. Some things require work, but if you invest enough time, they can become an asset.

You can generate visual detail and disguise imperfections by using drywall mud to add texture.

Paint stripes on your old walls before installing panels.Regardless of your skill, there is usually a spot where the wall shows through. To cut down on that, you can measure the places the sheets of paneling will connect. Think about what you're going to do before you make your final decision.A plan is essential if you want your project to be within your budget and completed on time. Contractors will also be happier if you already have a good idea of what you want before construction starts.
Don't make the assumption that your contractor will do so. Keep copies of all invoices and contracts associated with your project. This allows the contractor stay focused on finishing the task.

Glass Window Replacement in Columbus 

Don't overlook landscaping when looking to home improvements. The front lawn is one of the first things that people see, and you want to showcase it to impress neighbors and visitors. Purchase high-quality supplies and tools for an home improvement project.It may cost more at the start, but you will be happy you made the choice when the tools are still working at the end of your project. Tools can be expensive and the last thing you want to be doing is replacing them regularly. Tie or cut the extra cord hanging from your window blinds.These cords cause a strangulation hazard to children and pets. Leave just enough cord so you can use the blinds, but extra cord is of no benefit. Tie them or cut it to avoid any unfortunate events.
Almost all supplies that are used in projects concerning home improvements might tempt a thief.Keep your materials in a safe place when you are not actively using them. If the doors and windows are able to be locked--storing supplies can be stored inside. If the property is not secure, consider a storage container or unit that can be locked. When you improve your home, a good homeowner will spend his money on high class materials and fixtures as opposed to buying pricey decor and furnishings. The reasoning is logical; the decor and furnishings do not typically sell along with them. You will not even believe what you can do to make your existing house better! Just follow the advice provided here and you will be in great shape. Hopefully, you liked this article on how to improve your home.

Glassworks Plus is your source for professional home window glass repairs. When your home window is chipped or cracked, our technicians assess the damage and determine whether the unit is repairable. If the glass can be fixed, we perform complete glass window repair in Columbus that mends minor damage, keeping elements such as wind and rain from traveling into your home.

EASY Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce

Today I wanted to share this crock pot pork recipe with you. It's the perfect meal for a blustery winter night, plus, it's nice enough for company. (Bonus - it only takes about 15 minutes of your time to prepare!)

photo source 

At the end of the cooking time, the chunks of pork were fork tender, but they stayed together (the meat didn't shred in the crock pot like pulled pork). The sauce is sweet from the cranberry, but savory from the pork juices.


If you have kids, I was worried that my kids wouldn't like this, and even had "back-up" leftover spaghetti at the ready, but they devoured this - and they are picky with a capital P.

PORK TENDERLOIN with CRANBERRY SAUCE

Ingredients

• 4 lbs boneless pork tenderloin, cut into chunks
• 1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/3 cup red wine
• 1/2 small lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp powdered ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Cooked rice (or mashed potatoes). We used Zataran's Rice and Black Beans.

Directions

1. Put the pork in crock pot.
2. Mix cranberry sauce, and wine in a bowl.
3. Stir in lemon, garlic, ginger, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce over the pork in the crock pot, and cover. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. (I stirred every hour or so).
5. Remove pork and keep warm. You can put it on a platter in a warm oven.
6. Measure 3 cups of cooking juices and pour into saucepan, and bring to a boil.
7. In a cup dissolve cornstarch in cold water, and stir into the juices in the saucepan. Cook the sauce, stirring, until thickened.
8. Serve the pork over rice (or potatoes), with sauce.

NOTE: I did not have to thicken the sauce (steps 7 & 8), because it was thick enough the way it was. (And because I was being lazy).

Crock Pot Korean Ribs

Hello Folks! Happy (belated) New Year!

It's been a long couple of weeks. The day after Christmas, complications from the flu landed me in the hospital for 6 days, with dehydration, and then Pneumonia.  Let's just say - next year I'm getting my flu shot!  I'm so happy to be home now, but still working on getting back to normal.

Our family has taken over errands and running kids, and feeding us all. I'm so grateful to everyone. The kids have been good as gold, and Big A has been playing nurse, plus trying to work full time. I, on the other hand, have been completely useless!

Thankfully, I'm finally feeling a little better. Not well enough to pay everyone back, but well, I decided to at least help a little with the cooking. All I can say is "Thank God for Crock Pots"!!!

This recipe is one of my favorites. All you need is about 10 minutes worth of energy to throw this delicious meal together. Just pop it in the crock pot, and in a few hours, dinner is done! Serve with rice and any veggie you like.

CROCK POT KOREAN RIBS
SERVES 6

 photo source

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
   
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
   
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
   
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
   
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
   
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
   
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
   
• 5 lbs beef short ribs or 5 lbs pork ribs
   
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
   
• 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots (use the cheese grater)
   
• 3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
   
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
   
• 3 cups cooked white rice
  

Directions:

Stir soy sauce, sugar, oil, vinegar, ginger, garlic and red pepper in bowl.

Place ribs in 5 quart crock pot, and add the sauce. Cover, and cook on High for 6 hours or Low for 9 hours, until meat is tender.

Transfer ribs to a platter, and keep warm in a low oven. Skim and discard excess fat from liquid. Combine cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water; blend with liquid in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until thickened. Stir in carrots. Top ribs with sauce, scallions and sesame seeds.

 Serve over rice.

(Tomorrow I'm making a Pork Tenderloin  with Cranberry Sauce. Recipe to follow!)