It's Greek to me.

<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I have to admit, when I bought my house I didn't know a lot about Greek Revival style. I had previously lived in a condominium in a Greek Revival house that had a large porch across the front but my new house was oriented differently. This is that Greek Revival house with its flank side turned to the street.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-WRIvhteiQU2pp-S1COoj-f_4QWAZ1jBnuaRZZWYCFa3uSmbFA_zI4emELfN8NdNG5xeWyESeIxurFAlNK2knZonqHKLcxegQLSB1QB8jbGbFJbD6VEZQhdOuyFrj37vCsVPFdz-Rns/s1600-h/IMG_1382.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432887652998177666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-WRIvhteiQU2pp-S1COoj-f_4QWAZ1jBnuaRZZWYCFa3uSmbFA_zI4emELfN8NdNG5xeWyESeIxurFAlNK2knZonqHKLcxegQLSB1QB8jbGbFJbD6VEZQhdOuyFrj37vCsVPFdz-Rns/s400/IMG_1382.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-WRIvhteiQU2pp-S1COoj-f_4QWAZ1jBnuaRZZWYCFa3uSmbFA_zI4emELfN8NdNG5xeWyESeIxurFAlNK2knZonqHKLcxegQLSB1QB8jbGbFJbD6VEZQhdOuyFrj37vCsVPFdz-Rns/s1600-h/IMG_1382.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It wasn't until I came across this house (below left) by Harvard University that I really understood what my house should look like. I've pasted the two photos next to each other so you can see what my house <b>should </b>look like. My porch is missing and all the characteristic details have been presumably covered up by the vinyl siding...at least I'm hoping they're still there. I'm excited to find this example of Greek Revival architecture so I can use it as model to restore my house.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-cD76oMboZUfMln4C43PieyjWWUa2oFF0klaiFxAjCTFjbblXLB0pz5xl4Lp7Zs286R1ar5Xvl32csXBgmAbeqslv8Sv7t6hfxVlQuMGiVfZaCjwPZbTkHpfL-0_apvH6QddVcp_UJk/s1600-h/greek_revival_side_by_side.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432890022619693826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-cD76oMboZUfMln4C43PieyjWWUa2oFF0klaiFxAjCTFjbblXLB0pz5xl4Lp7Zs286R1ar5Xvl32csXBgmAbeqslv8Sv7t6hfxVlQuMGiVfZaCjwPZbTkHpfL-0_apvH6QddVcp_UJk/s400/greek_revival_side_by_side.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As it turns out, there are quite a few other examples of the Greek Revival style right in the city so I'll set out to find them. I'll also see if the local Historical Commission can help.</span></div>

It's Greek to me.

I have to admit, when I bought my house I didn't know a lot about Greek Revival style. I had previously lived in a condominium in a Greek Revival house that had a large porch across the front but my new house was oriented differently. This is that Greek Revival house with its flank side turned to th…

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Where do I start?

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432746086760637314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJql08CzPgQCQXgwS465Xk-xyweiM9oV4JMHmUXMbZEoTSoIuma5xdwLJWmUiQldDS5Ml3l8UmHuMg0ap3ZmFG2k5zQfFge53eJv9KXpxU2QQV0IDmpj8vROmfIqmHZPs5kVPtfR8NhmE/s320/house+002.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIIOriXXy5fZHs6IlfKlJQYi4H93Q1LyXfgWGNCLglqaDTUa3paKwA53JCmyRBPtI7932D4wYD67_wxtixjeL8uGCrQ2lhY6MEOYEY1W91I-vLKkqsbyvznbAwHlgCCXyv7GsPOf_LX8/s1600-h/IMG_1378.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432748641804797666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIIOriXXy5fZHs6IlfKlJQYi4H93Q1LyXfgWGNCLglqaDTUa3paKwA53JCmyRBPtI7932D4wYD67_wxtixjeL8uGCrQ2lhY6MEOYEY1W91I-vLKkqsbyvznbAwHlgCCXyv7GsPOf_LX8/s320/IMG_1378.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here's a photo of my house as it looked on closing day. This gives a really good idea of the scale of the house. I have two stories and an attic but you can see how it's dwarfed by the three-story Victorian next door. I have 1281 square feet on a 2200 square-foot lot. That may seem small to many but it's not unusual for the city. In fact one of the things that attracted to me about the house is that it has yard on both sides of the house. In addition, I'm on the corner of a tiny street that separates my house from my neighbor to the left. It was Cambridge's only unpaved street. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My house was one of the first built on the street but most of the houses were built in the short span of about 1840 and the 1880. Even though my cottage is a true Greek Revival, it's missing the front porch as well as many of the typical details. I'll address those details in later posts. The second photo is a view from down my street that show a few other of the Greek Revival homes on the street. They say you should never buy the best house on the street so I think I'm safe; in fact, mine is clearly one of the worst. There's a lot of work to do. Where do I start?</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwteBhuLdGbIeoqC0cIjaWfnv31GkbQwKPm8KU0oqPoAqZ_gy83UvfTTX1UpxCzl1QDjy1WTRDl-GwVb1ChVZM7P7MczhB__UD_3jsFbg8c_f9zs1bp1vO5Np5NCwTp2h8kx3VfYpDZkU/s1600-h/IMG_1378.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>

Where do I start?

Here's a photo of my house as it looked on closing day. This gives a really good idea of the scale of the house. I have two stories and an attic but you can see how it's dwarfed by the three-story Victorian next door. I have 1281 square feet on a 2200 square-foot lot. That may seem small to many…

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Home | Distressing a Hutch | Painting Furniture

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cTzlAeN9520hk4LkhdjnMOD0l7fIMd5yPyA56US-Wz86AkSlUqipBwFXmhssGhyphenhyphen4EJMfZBBr7Q7hQFieLdbLN1qB4-nE4jLFR3QdfYCqJW7BSgMh5CQGX9gw1zZ4A-MEws7drhGUM7E/s1600-h/IMG_0021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431829400440173074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cTzlAeN9520hk4LkhdjnMOD0l7fIMd5yPyA56US-Wz86AkSlUqipBwFXmhssGhyphenhyphen4EJMfZBBr7Q7hQFieLdbLN1qB4-nE4jLFR3QdfYCqJW7BSgMh5CQGX9gw1zZ4A-MEws7drhGUM7E/s400/IMG_0021.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>In my recent DIY Dining Room makeover, I painted and distressed this hutch - I love the result. It is the perfect whimsical piece for our home.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwDt9qjlmlq5XaGfO1w6uHErWLTZmy9A1PihVQzMYb5lbHb86sOGRTJTA5iYYdS67GwesP7gAZZgOfn2h-ZAggSymOnXBOOxQP-lrOBKI0HaV4wR5oUcxu1fv_AvWbD_qvGPf5mWyHsc/s1600-h/IMG_0361.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431829807681603634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwDt9qjlmlq5XaGfO1w6uHErWLTZmy9A1PihVQzMYb5lbHb86sOGRTJTA5iYYdS67GwesP7gAZZgOfn2h-ZAggSymOnXBOOxQP-lrOBKI0HaV4wR5oUcxu1fv_AvWbD_qvGPf5mWyHsc/s400/IMG_0361.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div>This is the base of the hutch - an old wood finish. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKKExrM-NdcYwp-GJL-ovSgL0VjoCJiTgR_7cmwiX51JNfqXUcIu3x95vChv9dYoo1hJ5PJpcIp80szxwR0Zl4hQQyzKrUDWxYAd9PKvJdgyiv7rP9ZbfzcDUBHlsWCvSD41KI99qomA/s1600-h/IMG_0362.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431829428304573874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKKExrM-NdcYwp-GJL-ovSgL0VjoCJiTgR_7cmwiX51JNfqXUcIu3x95vChv9dYoo1hJ5PJpcIp80szxwR0Zl4hQQyzKrUDWxYAd9PKvJdgyiv7rP9ZbfzcDUBHlsWCvSD41KI99qomA/s400/IMG_0362.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /></div><div>This is the top cabinet for china. I like the 3 panel design with the thick crown moulding top.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tv2B-GtBFQ3vr93o-wRt50deA7iWXKVTYItFhS0Bjs0lN1eet9URyBYQ60SQNEP1btH3z9W3k7aQxDzTsun54bJoluR9olSB_QXj6hW7NAjnw1Maaczxo0EeXwxUHmbi7X_5eWNVvPc/s1600-h/IMG_0365.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431829423327411458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tv2B-GtBFQ3vr93o-wRt50deA7iWXKVTYItFhS0Bjs0lN1eet9URyBYQ60SQNEP1btH3z9W3k7aQxDzTsun54bJoluR9olSB_QXj6hW7NAjnw1Maaczxo0EeXwxUHmbi7X_5eWNVvPc/s400/IMG_0365.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div><div>I started with a pale blue-green paint that I mixed from old paints I had from other projects (like our bathroom). I ended up with a satin finish paint that works great on rustic furniture. After the blue paint, I applied a grey wash that I made from mixing a deep grey paint with a clear polyurethane and water. I brushed it on, then wiped it off, then used some of the blue paint to blend it, then brushed it on, then wiped it off...... you get the point. You really have to be creative and brave. Any mistakes can be painted over.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUplejR2wPuLcLWiONjWd8QH95rVDVRbbKK4bL93ULNKiWNRARQ8JCViyOZ_B14xkMH1kY0xcQlA7GR8UXadEr8RG8sGSy4u2deyoWRqFdNbJdvKdnmu_cZtd2Bq_1-lkTNg5W6x_rsLY/s1600-h/IMG_0366.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431829416665832818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUplejR2wPuLcLWiONjWd8QH95rVDVRbbKK4bL93ULNKiWNRARQ8JCViyOZ_B14xkMH1kY0xcQlA7GR8UXadEr8RG8sGSy4u2deyoWRqFdNbJdvKdnmu_cZtd2Bq_1-lkTNg5W6x_rsLY/s400/IMG_0366.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div><div>Here is the top painted. Mike removed the glass for me to make the painting easier. I left the interior the stained wood... I think it looks great with the white china.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBmqU2YfPQuqu4FKwfAwthSr1Apw8viQec3jJAgo73sIiTr7YF2Nzp8y_bVTeqpV3aAzGdvFy7jeF1CzEqb0AcQmKX-M_mhkCN3pZHgE_A4T02lTGvix7zSGQ-JhJ2xiDl45VmcMK-Ac/s1600-h/IMG_0029.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431829404792623570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBmqU2YfPQuqu4FKwfAwthSr1Apw8viQec3jJAgo73sIiTr7YF2Nzp8y_bVTeqpV3aAzGdvFy7jeF1CzEqb0AcQmKX-M_mhkCN3pZHgE_A4T02lTGvix7zSGQ-JhJ2xiDl45VmcMK-Ac/s400/IMG_0029.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /></div><div>I added new hardware to complete the look. These were $0.97 from Lowes. <br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVICf8c32TZ4oJddfXgw8Bj51-DWYv9ZiXEIkrHaZ29w3sGCts87FNPFPQZHmyl46xLwuRjTfSciZHfkeRFVngUxIYK5NkQ8M_aly8mv6NyiJlkmFl3W_jcyMH6f9MJ4Xp5Av_Qi6IIs/s1600-h/IMG_0020.JPG"><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431829810631796610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVICf8c32TZ4oJddfXgw8Bj51-DWYv9ZiXEIkrHaZ29w3sGCts87FNPFPQZHmyl46xLwuRjTfSciZHfkeRFVngUxIYK5NkQ8M_aly8mv6NyiJlkmFl3W_jcyMH6f9MJ4Xp5Av_Qi6IIs/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the completed room! See the details of the entire makeover <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/01/home-dining-room-150-makeover.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div></div>

Home | Distressing a Hutch | Painting Furniture

In my recent DIY Dining Room makeover, I painted and distressed this hutch - I love the result. It is the perfect whimsical piece for our home.This is the base of the hutch - an old wood finish. This is the top cabinet for china. I like the 3 panel design with the thick crown moulding top.I start…

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Travel | Aspen | Our Engagement

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmyugL3FhBhBlTA0azrdD_7c2Z_Ygpzcyv88OZwB2aou-Sf6YI17RjUVmHlXZqZ5TaNjkB-1EPSQA3V5W-wXpdj2MMBFhmT6-k6auakknPQ0p1rLReeqVySW_cdUqywLNSyld0-BGHrk/s1600-h/IMG_0030.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431802139313576850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmyugL3FhBhBlTA0azrdD_7c2Z_Ygpzcyv88OZwB2aou-Sf6YI17RjUVmHlXZqZ5TaNjkB-1EPSQA3V5W-wXpdj2MMBFhmT6-k6auakknPQ0p1rLReeqVySW_cdUqywLNSyld0-BGHrk/s640/IMG_0030.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>Two weeks ago, Mike and I took a ski vacation to Aspen, Co. where he proposed!<br /><div><br /></div><div>We had the most wonderful trip - I love Aspen because not only does it have picturesque skiing, it is a fantastic town with amazing restaurants, cafes, shopping and fun night life, as well. The entire village is located at the base of Aspen Mountain - you can ski right into town for lunch or an apres ski drink.<br /><div><br /></div><div>ABOVE : this is our first day skiing after our lunch at <a href="http://www.aspensnowmass.com/onmountain/dining/default.cfm?id=1288">Cloud 9 Bistro</a>. The restaurant is located 100 yards off of the Cloud 9 lift on the Aspen Highlands Mountain - my favorite mountain... it is a private, luxurious feeling mountain without crowds and long lines. </div><div><br /></div><div>DAY ONE :<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQQeUK79i7fs59f0ijrZioyVboVXnQEkGRlI14VuIQrBkJPBMxA8oLyWYYdMjCpHLKPZ7_hjVyzBV8jnAghMkOALzchxqiIn0ZEMxtvezp8IoP_tFZzG-JxXOAzMyJazcC4s5kibRGo4/s1600-h/IMG_0243.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431800002668353890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQQeUK79i7fs59f0ijrZioyVboVXnQEkGRlI14VuIQrBkJPBMxA8oLyWYYdMjCpHLKPZ7_hjVyzBV8jnAghMkOALzchxqiIn0ZEMxtvezp8IoP_tFZzG-JxXOAzMyJazcC4s5kibRGo4/s640/IMG_0243.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The first day was our travel day - we flew directly into Aspen, then settled in to our hotel, <a href="http://www.aspen.hyatt.com/">The Grand Hyatt Residences. </a></div><div><br /></div><div>ABOVE : a view of the town during the day.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGad8GQeVEVtDyeWgJTPbHPVmKBBf6jk6bCKhnldbuUFz2wX6jM4O60xJB58zLpjnmBzDQ-xb80JKs5ygCf-J7z59W9qMnIa0BqNjnpetYaEATooc88X7C_TJgL7uOE9USr9BJnlo9c4/s1600-h/IMG_0246.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431799984099594994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGad8GQeVEVtDyeWgJTPbHPVmKBBf6jk6bCKhnldbuUFz2wX6jM4O60xJB58zLpjnmBzDQ-xb80JKs5ygCf-J7z59W9qMnIa0BqNjnpetYaEATooc88X7C_TJgL7uOE9USr9BJnlo9c4/s640/IMG_0246.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first day, we had lunch at the <a href="http://www.thelittlenell.com/TLN/restaurants/ajax_tavern.aspx">Ajax Tavern</a> at The Little Nell. It was delicious - truffle fries and tomato bisque! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w3RdUVPc3lCg1_5RJmm3-CQqpPtljTfqDiWosZgydMaMPgZJvJDqRCZYBhhTteFcXyV8hcKHKW6-0OI1TwO1MNiHrNsUIGTm5tP42h5o6P4MvkU0_WLxpineOm38CCOvfFYbVYn-Xzo/s1600-h/IMG_0244.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431799992312297410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w3RdUVPc3lCg1_5RJmm3-CQqpPtljTfqDiWosZgydMaMPgZJvJDqRCZYBhhTteFcXyV8hcKHKW6-0OI1TwO1MNiHrNsUIGTm5tP42h5o6P4MvkU0_WLxpineOm38CCOvfFYbVYn-Xzo/s640/IMG_0244.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>ABOVE : Mike in front of our hotel at the base.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbnxT_XuCt5_fws0NWdrEAGETr7OBAjZljUjzgQUVdF1ruDHVrbSUtgPvGSUhVSMQ2bO1MNskDXHR4VZD9ywEZFwZjJbhvGi67ldw3Rx8NauMk_LLi4dnnDat59yLGAGUrO9tKrheszM/s1600-h/IMG_0259.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431798869858590802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbnxT_XuCt5_fws0NWdrEAGETr7OBAjZljUjzgQUVdF1ruDHVrbSUtgPvGSUhVSMQ2bO1MNskDXHR4VZD9ywEZFwZjJbhvGi67ldw3Rx8NauMk_LLi4dnnDat59yLGAGUrO9tKrheszM/s640/IMG_0259.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For dinner, we went to the <a href="http://www.dancingbearaspen.com/property/brexie-brasserie">Brexi Brasserie</a> - a fabulous little spot. At restaurants, instead of sticking with the typical salad then entree routine, I like to order several small courses to be shared. At the Brexi, we started with crab legs, then we shared a warm goat cheese and beet salad, then steamed mussels in a saffron broth. I'm still daydreaming about it today... </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwVnHicA0wwx0ekqNd92DuffJ5r2nzX-zBslU5hFIgU8JRGm9ZWLu7ofhPRqV2gjsyzamOYWKdYs3dNXWz-MpBmdEAT35dmryd8h796J05XTljaPF9XxuRcITA5pqTeGftMf8Sy1u2zY/s1600-h/IMG_0024.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431800605804121426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwVnHicA0wwx0ekqNd92DuffJ5r2nzX-zBslU5hFIgU8JRGm9ZWLu7ofhPRqV2gjsyzamOYWKdYs3dNXWz-MpBmdEAT35dmryd8h796J05XTljaPF9XxuRcITA5pqTeGftMf8Sy1u2zY/s640/IMG_0024.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></div>On our first day skiing, we skied Aspen Highlands. Here I am in front of "Apple Strudel" my favorite run... note the 'easiest' designation. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5IgCU6VR6n1-jMVyKRGRn91zu50JBq08AJ0uzrcxdUcoUZn6e_FyPRU-RAGGW4zj9x6NimcmLD0jPO3W6TvWRWvPxI92omj_EUtCrjcjTEXfVK8t2nBM3GOFZyV9Ea_CbSyfJTSR7Ns/s1600-h/IMG_0027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431800588209241250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5IgCU6VR6n1-jMVyKRGRn91zu50JBq08AJ0uzrcxdUcoUZn6e_FyPRU-RAGGW4zj9x6NimcmLD0jPO3W6TvWRWvPxI92omj_EUtCrjcjTEXfVK8t2nBM3GOFZyV9Ea_CbSyfJTSR7Ns/s640/IMG_0027.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></div><div>ABOVE : Lunch at <a href="http://www.aspensnowmass.com/onmountain/dining/default.cfm?id=1288">Cloud 9</a> - such a nice treat to be 12,000 feet up having a white tablecloth lunch by the fire. We started with a seafood and potato chowder, then...</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3Uv3VOcK7vIfhXqkmxZY1Szb_zpM-dQWWMTOEasPPpBAYVGWYEX3eyiGsYw2Dmn5GqosDcLVbFo_UwGtX6rIal0G2szI7YJ-NIsDoqbQaQz2ljn50SBwIUuT1HIIUf2fYGoE2i9FbyY/s1600-h/IMG_0028.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431800585029368498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3Uv3VOcK7vIfhXqkmxZY1Szb_zpM-dQWWMTOEasPPpBAYVGWYEX3eyiGsYw2Dmn5GqosDcLVbFo_UwGtX6rIal0G2szI7YJ-NIsDoqbQaQz2ljn50SBwIUuT1HIIUf2fYGoE2i9FbyY/s640/IMG_0028.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div>I had a pan fried bass with homemade dumplings and caper berries. We ended the meal with the most spectacular hot chocolate.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAE81qe7PNRMJAaavLQybIS-X60BW1JjEaRDW1YPL9RFMfV0d2XT5Ei-JPHjN6j06UBnHcBi6MMeWQsDzoBV6-8Tvru8piJzX9TWhlyE7zmo8NeNGsUHaKm6agHi2sSl2qA1YJILF8S4/s1600-h/IMG_0280.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431802441061577778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAE81qe7PNRMJAaavLQybIS-X60BW1JjEaRDW1YPL9RFMfV0d2XT5Ei-JPHjN6j06UBnHcBi6MMeWQsDzoBV6-8Tvru8piJzX9TWhlyE7zmo8NeNGsUHaKm6agHi2sSl2qA1YJILF8S4/s640/IMG_0280.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>After skiing, we hit the hot tub at our hotel. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWzNyTmJA0VIUblgPvYyN2InXj7H66HOqyhAYuWeD-u5s8_AHgWcEsjXSNyi1Ce_cIp7JY-Qj1RdjvCmwq8WrEleOl0ccNUvcmq7snMK8BEJxH2qa-28kWUVxm6_KTDWO2kt8ObPye1Y/s1600-h/IMG_0267.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431798858062380130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWzNyTmJA0VIUblgPvYyN2InXj7H66HOqyhAYuWeD-u5s8_AHgWcEsjXSNyi1Ce_cIp7JY-Qj1RdjvCmwq8WrEleOl0ccNUvcmq7snMK8BEJxH2qa-28kWUVxm6_KTDWO2kt8ObPye1Y/s640/IMG_0267.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div><div>That evening, Mike surprised me with a horse-drawn sleigh ride thru trails on the back side of Aspen Mountain, where he proposed : ) Unfortunately, I only had my iphone camera with me, so we didn't have a flash for a better photo - this was taken by the light of the sleigh!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA2HwgYxdiblS2SmhJO6VA3z8Xx0BWR72JARpT8BUcSTjv2GoYhAc-Fp_mUfT0WBn2aMfad1zh1wjnIHIf8YfZ1jqbMaAdfPKrco5E8QuJZQrS-z1Bil9zG3-wO2gM1DZ112YPEGi6uM/s1600-h/IMG_0273.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431797922892547058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA2HwgYxdiblS2SmhJO6VA3z8Xx0BWR72JARpT8BUcSTjv2GoYhAc-Fp_mUfT0WBn2aMfad1zh1wjnIHIf8YfZ1jqbMaAdfPKrco5E8QuJZQrS-z1Bil9zG3-wO2gM1DZ112YPEGi6uM/s640/IMG_0273.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ABOVE : Chocolate covered strawberries and champagne to congratulate us on the engagement from Mike's parents.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScJZhs8thyQUzr4MKlZEEuJNpdfa-0AwY9RZF_4OiFDxx6ByS6xNyWq5svE9uQQQimEnt0JOYK2FVVb1qmbthc_H1uM7rUwMjzvAKlUDh0jtFjRITDHOrPF6iZE8QSO9L2f0RuSnikpw/s1600-h/IMG_0276.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431797914923366610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScJZhs8thyQUzr4MKlZEEuJNpdfa-0AwY9RZF_4OiFDxx6ByS6xNyWq5svE9uQQQimEnt0JOYK2FVVb1qmbthc_H1uM7rUwMjzvAKlUDh0jtFjRITDHOrPF6iZE8QSO9L2f0RuSnikpw/s640/IMG_0276.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>The view from <a href="http://www.aspen.hyatt.com/">our hotel</a> room - an ice skating rink and sparkling lights!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /></div></div></div></div>

Travel | Aspen | Our Engagement

Two weeks ago, Mike and I took a ski vacation to Aspen, Co. where he proposed!We had the most wonderful trip - I love Aspen because not only does it have picturesque skiing, it is a fantastic town with amazing restaurants, cafes, shopping and fun night life, as well. The entire village is located …

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Workshops | Valentine's Day | Romantic Dinner & Sweets Cooking Class in Kansas City | Feb 11th

<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></h3><div class="post-header-line-1"></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: left; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvAB8RwP2nV1vE2aVsen3jOd9w9SGWB0GaMMd5KqswPLpSSi2SxAwkbS2kWgBRXdu_C_f9-sZG9Rg9JJwhnyZXWzT62ibqhIUPf1ksT10WzpqfTvPuPU7FHVYNehqDglBOYy-5vfNNlYi/s1600-h/Valentine's+Day+Treats.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429292394056549842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvAB8RwP2nV1vE2aVsen3jOd9w9SGWB0GaMMd5KqswPLpSSi2SxAwkbS2kWgBRXdu_C_f9-sZG9Rg9JJwhnyZXWzT62ibqhIUPf1ksT10WzpqfTvPuPU7FHVYNehqDglBOYy-5vfNNlYi/s400/Valentine's+Day+Treats.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 249px; " /></a><br /><div>Do you need help making treats for your Valentine's Day Sweet? Join my for the first workshop to be held in my home...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday, February 11th, 6:30 p.m. : Romantic Dinner & Sweets Workshop, $30 per person</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll demonstrate how to prepare Chicken Picatta for the class to enjoy... Then it is hands-on time! Learn how to make and decorate Sugar Cookies, Cupcakes & Chocolate Truffles. Take home a box of goodies for your Sweetheart.</div><div><br /></div><div>The class is limited to 12 participants - <a href="http://www.occasionskc.com/valentinesdaycoo.html">click here to register</a>!</div></div></span>

Workshops | Valentine's Day | Romantic Dinner & Sweets Cooking Class in Kansas City | Feb 11th

Do you need help making treats for your Valentine's Day Sweet? Join my for the first workshop to be held in my home...Thursday, February 11th, 6:30 p.m. : Romantic Dinner & Sweets Workshop, $30 per personI'll demonstrate how to prepare Chicken Picatta for the class to enjoy... Then it is hands-on ti…

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Home | Organizing | Spice & Baking Pantry

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIYHNRDNXUxta8PalmOyVi8MaWq9cWqrQkiMmtBPrFF416Ui_yVUs8FDW0kqycSIYHujNVCeCu_TVAM-3cc3ZlOfmhQJXmVz7LKlEljUvBJ3nh06aEIw0c7R-_WcJNucXorlWV-JUqWYm/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIYHNRDNXUxta8PalmOyVi8MaWq9cWqrQkiMmtBPrFF416Ui_yVUs8FDW0kqycSIYHujNVCeCu_TVAM-3cc3ZlOfmhQJXmVz7LKlEljUvBJ3nh06aEIw0c7R-_WcJNucXorlWV-JUqWYm/s320/baking.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>UPDATE!  I posted this 2 years ago- ick, look at those photos... now I've redone my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">baking pantry in our new house</a>... read about it <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">here</a>! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...................<br />Original Post : <br /><br />Of all of the projects that I've done in our house, I know THIS organizing project is going to be one of Mike's favorites... my crazy, messy and dysfunctional spice & baking pantry drives him crazy. Actually, it drives me crazy, too, so I finally tackled the pantry this morning. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lPQzxPRlKWNxb7y3olg2T3d2VhKpNWeE3DQHopuVb8qdMxDcwqAFfS-DP4UxJ8vIOBIDM7BVPUygne70LI7kIdFvaEA07C8oIyVJAw5aFAvujNGZR6iUMYhtjREgcdJVC21VplIyBbY/s1600-h/IMG_0328.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429283348130303666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lPQzxPRlKWNxb7y3olg2T3d2VhKpNWeE3DQHopuVb8qdMxDcwqAFfS-DP4UxJ8vIOBIDM7BVPUygne70LI7kIdFvaEA07C8oIyVJAw5aFAvujNGZR6iUMYhtjREgcdJVC21VplIyBbY/s400/IMG_0328.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br /><div>In this photo, you can see there is no rhyme or reason to the placement of everything - besides shoving things wherever they'll fit... </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tb5FuDFNlVWpUXZUFnNqHjdZ4iBO0l7w772wS7Am13-HrNznWIDlX6UAo5XMeOhOWT8zVb9OxF4QCS5Z8rItNIF72kFRFrlN_l_9NHdSLeTIjWXSz6SxfENiZ6YDub0xVYWf2B6MsDQ/s1600-h/IMG_0331.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429283336953168306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tb5FuDFNlVWpUXZUFnNqHjdZ4iBO0l7w772wS7Am13-HrNznWIDlX6UAo5XMeOhOWT8zVb9OxF4QCS5Z8rItNIF72kFRFrlN_l_9NHdSLeTIjWXSz6SxfENiZ6YDub0xVYWf2B6MsDQ/s400/IMG_0331.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div>Blow-tourches, sprinkles, spices, vinegars, and endless varieties of sea salt containers... ugh.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYZCzDgbROkoCmyqUa1zrklHC8WsVFo0Jr3cyazepmuh6Jrp9Gg9bhq7tSctMrlRipD7WYfXsDMwOa_4C9ErnYEqJ5uhpAwfWmd83ZE6NofXYMHMn11UZWsmSoHQkMHSC5Ph_w19Nfyo/s1600-h/IMG_0334.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429283330756815730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYZCzDgbROkoCmyqUa1zrklHC8WsVFo0Jr3cyazepmuh6Jrp9Gg9bhq7tSctMrlRipD7WYfXsDMwOa_4C9ErnYEqJ5uhpAwfWmd83ZE6NofXYMHMn11UZWsmSoHQkMHSC5Ph_w19Nfyo/s400/IMG_0334.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>With a $30 budget, I headed to the craft store (hobby lobby is the closest to our house). I purchased these two unfinished wood moulding shelves. Turned upside-down, they create a lovely riser for spices - a great system for maximizing space. I painted the shelves to match the interior of the cabinets. The paint will not only look better, but will help to keep them clean.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8Njthb-5C27MF1jdxi9wtnMzxvRnfmjNGxXh5oMnPPpbjDcXdWWJyQ181h5kB3w8Aj59hlSBTIdJdUm6LRKqqF3Gnokzr2NFMl7PG7XfPlIQQhXDyic-bDfigWsUsVEqerb8U5-96sQ/s1600-h/IMG_0336.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429283321532497970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8Njthb-5C27MF1jdxi9wtnMzxvRnfmjNGxXh5oMnPPpbjDcXdWWJyQ181h5kB3w8Aj59hlSBTIdJdUm6LRKqqF3Gnokzr2NFMl7PG7XfPlIQQhXDyic-bDfigWsUsVEqerb8U5-96sQ/s400/IMG_0336.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div>As you can see - much improved! And... I didn't relocated anything from the cabinet - amazing how a little organization can make space.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwEdwwIayzqembA6n5r4uGksKrBwvLcSixVOf9hK4Pqw12PiRkk8wQ2GqL_10RdGB9BFoCBlKmCNhUqYsqtYb_wFRhO88n-_1lYTGGvPe_1cvW_TNkNePz3k90yYfmrKdMIkcJWZCjYY/s1600-h/IMG_0338.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429283310233803314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwEdwwIayzqembA6n5r4uGksKrBwvLcSixVOf9hK4Pqw12PiRkk8wQ2GqL_10RdGB9BFoCBlKmCNhUqYsqtYb_wFRhO88n-_1lYTGGvPe_1cvW_TNkNePz3k90yYfmrKdMIkcJWZCjYY/s400/IMG_0338.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div>Top Shelf : Decorating Supplies : Craft Box containing Cupcake Liners (I have a huge collection - all shapes and sizes), and food coloring. Jars are filled with pastry bags, couplers and tips. Clear containers with sprinkles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Middle Shelf : Baking Supplies : Baking Soda, Powder, Cocoa, Vanilla Beans & Cinnamon</div><div><br /></div><div>Lower Shelf : Cooking Supplies : Spices, Salt & Peppers, Vinegars & Olive Oil</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Home | Organizing | Spice & Baking Pantry

UPDATE!  I posted this 2 years ago- ick, look at those photos... now I've redone my baking pantry in our new house... read about it here! ...................Original Post : Of all of the projects that I've done in our house, I know THIS organizing project is going to be one of Mike's favorites... my…

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Recipes | Brunch | Quiche Recipes

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIPIOQo8kncHulQ9tw6nBc9l9yCIH0sM1klmQd0Pw8okOPvuDR2Cbb02T2R7s0ZiMZqMpRrsD1bd6NQ6BCDuJs0tWBVKz_QrS46sivEEfPGxDIxSnvW5SHkCN7LTsx-AdIoSuC5Xo4QA/s1600-h/of=50,590,393.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428483075403845714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIPIOQo8kncHulQ9tw6nBc9l9yCIH0sM1klmQd0Pw8okOPvuDR2Cbb02T2R7s0ZiMZqMpRrsD1bd6NQ6BCDuJs0tWBVKz_QrS46sivEEfPGxDIxSnvW5SHkCN7LTsx-AdIoSuC5Xo4QA/s400/of=50,590,393.jpeg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><br />Quiche is a great answer to "What can I serve to a large group that is elegant and unique?" question. You might think that quiche can be boring or predictable - but it doesn't have to. Quiche is limitless! Just like all great recipes, you start with an easy base and by changing a couple of ingredients, you can make countless versions. Here are some of my favorites...<div><br /></div><div>Basic Quiche Recipe :</div><div><br /></div><div>1 Pastry Crust - I use store bought that you roll into your own pan, even though it drives my Mom crazy!</div><div>4 eggs</div><div>1 1/4 cup of Half & Half</div><div>Salt & Pepper</div><div>1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper</div><div><br /></div><div>Roll out pie dough and place in a glass pie dish, crimping the edge artfully. Whisk together the remaining ingredients. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Goat Cheese Quiche :</div><div><br /></div><div>3/4 cup of Swiss, shredded</div><div>1/4 cup of Soft Goat Cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>After placing the pie crust in the pie dish and crimping the edges, scatter the Swiss cheese around the bottom of the shell. Pour in the egg mixture. Drop small dollops of the goat cheese around the top of the quiche. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Asparagus & Ham Quiche :</div><div><br /></div><div>1/4 cup of asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces</div><div>1/4 cup of ham, julienned </div><div>3/4 cup of Cheddar Cheese, shredded</div><div><br /></div><div>After placing the pie crust in the pie dish and crimping the edges, scatter the Cheddar cheese, asparagus & ham around the bottom of the shell. Pour in the egg mixture. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>White Cheddar & Chive Quiche :</div><div><br /></div><div>1 cup of White Cheddar, shredded</div><div>2 tablespoons of Chives, minced</div><div><br /></div><div>After placing the pie crust in the pie dish and crimping the edges, scatter the White Cheddar cheese around the bottom of the shell. Pour in the egg mixture. Sprinkle chives over the top of the quiche. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Recipes | Brunch | Quiche Recipes

Quiche is a great answer to "What can I serve to a large group that is elegant and unique?" question. You might think that quiche can be boring or predictable - but it doesn't have to. Quiche is limitless! Just like all great recipes, you start with an easy base and by changing a couple of ingred…

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Entertaining | Baby Bird Baby Shower

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3eml8vsAJ-Vwmebjot2abJ8R3CKfkCAtrZD-HQ_vb0XLpoqmwZfKBhDnDylx__A7CpHTZ4BANUm9oOwOPI67ydG93xDRgGw6Z0Mnn9wWcoao-kbutHr-6UL6rDlmOecY_-EOtxwu0BE/s1600-h/IMG_0143.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428274770850436146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3eml8vsAJ-Vwmebjot2abJ8R3CKfkCAtrZD-HQ_vb0XLpoqmwZfKBhDnDylx__A7CpHTZ4BANUm9oOwOPI67ydG93xDRgGw6Z0Mnn9wWcoao-kbutHr-6UL6rDlmOecY_-EOtxwu0BE/s400/IMG_0143.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div>Last weekend, I designed a Baby Bird Baby Shower. Using a neutral theme of cream, grey and ivory, I created a charming event that was perfect for a January shower. Above is the invitation with the glittered bird.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>For the favors, I made baby bird sugar cookies...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkLs8x1vHWhdVuMNF3fYz-MrpghubaWD024RZmyTXq7sFwEYfe9crfjkHuGdL6WkvSgIAEZ4cSFwuCwl2OTnzVj5cnay9tfWsiRdwq8PAy3oxO2tYfFMBo0N8cPCp6bLnNju1AIiS_MQ/s1600-h/IMG_0307.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428276731572772034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkLs8x1vHWhdVuMNF3fYz-MrpghubaWD024RZmyTXq7sFwEYfe9crfjkHuGdL6WkvSgIAEZ4cSFwuCwl2OTnzVj5cnay9tfWsiRdwq8PAy3oxO2tYfFMBo0N8cPCp6bLnNju1AIiS_MQ/s400/IMG_0307.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For cookie decorating, I always use disposable pastry bags with the ends snipped off. It is a very easy, no-fuss method of decorating... no pastry tips and no cleaning bags! For the icing, I use royal icing.</div><div><br /></div><div>4 egg whites</div><div>4 cups of powdered sugar</div><div><br /></div><div>Beat the egg whites until almost frothy, then add sugar. You may need to add more sugar to reach a thick icing.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlhcVUkjamqB-S-5sJtedHlYqELKBA3eOGmZ7Alh28PrAmIPN5kUt753ZUYvZFcC7MoTAr7kDCmlUJN7Miz3QUUAU4LGvoxcU20KHzGdajONSHaBlludbEUWjXskbY4TxsxyGndsK3qE/s1600-h/IMG_0308.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428276713441630834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlhcVUkjamqB-S-5sJtedHlYqELKBA3eOGmZ7Alh28PrAmIPN5kUt753ZUYvZFcC7MoTAr7kDCmlUJN7Miz3QUUAU4LGvoxcU20KHzGdajONSHaBlludbEUWjXskbY4TxsxyGndsK3qE/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Step 1 : Pipe base color as a wing...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRx7q-DpeFyP15iOjbdDj07JqIPonB1zYkIw30gCHJ-oip2DC3nrh-PNXDeb8bkWVuHwXbsqhQ-gQAnDhvVx5tzfBRcVOSQJTpvoL_yHtHa3DXGMsitCmQWTMUH0sKAOT8YiS0LHwOfU/s1600-h/IMG_0309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428276721972115266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRx7q-DpeFyP15iOjbdDj07JqIPonB1zYkIw30gCHJ-oip2DC3nrh-PNXDeb8bkWVuHwXbsqhQ-gQAnDhvVx5tzfBRcVOSQJTpvoL_yHtHa3DXGMsitCmQWTMUH0sKAOT8YiS0LHwOfU/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Step 2 : "Glitter" the wing using sanding sugar.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_ZBVax0jWKMwMhNce7dilWW4ygXeUs8HstsMlNuWWACBRmv8-ZWG4pd8lKoJjiA6N6ixhyXEGaAssJzxxHyr5xw_QXT2UHD-4vQ6XxrnXBpemRBCrsO8_HwaQGhgwn6fUJK62JilD18/s1600-h/IMG_0310.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176689842746626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_ZBVax0jWKMwMhNce7dilWW4ygXeUs8HstsMlNuWWACBRmv8-ZWG4pd8lKoJjiA6N6ixhyXEGaAssJzxxHyr5xw_QXT2UHD-4vQ6XxrnXBpemRBCrsO8_HwaQGhgwn6fUJK62JilD18/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Step 3 : Pipe the remaining body of the bird in the same base color, leaving the beak, feet and breast.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTd2zsYoYHuBW8rD_xoLUeV7IxGYuQ52m1HEQdRu50mOWjXHCHFr_0fbAfh-8mgmJNtZI9xBQWFxI_ZUaS4mvpc26WlGyeaPasvZw1NmZ2S6W7GoVdMp8E-Eq8Tl8sniyCQoZ-ZCJ9FO4/s1600-h/IMG_0311.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176680920368770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTd2zsYoYHuBW8rD_xoLUeV7IxGYuQ52m1HEQdRu50mOWjXHCHFr_0fbAfh-8mgmJNtZI9xBQWFxI_ZUaS4mvpc26WlGyeaPasvZw1NmZ2S6W7GoVdMp8E-Eq8Tl8sniyCQoZ-ZCJ9FO4/s400/IMG_0311.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Step 4 : Accent the bird with a white breast and pale peach feet and beak.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-SP2Tq5MQO1TRowZs3Fz842s5dqrn2wabcgDz-2LDnMzdQ_z_OtgCfLXwFT2LDKUzZlrynCMIbeR5uS5QmPUiP7ZWkMOkLPG_zVLZbBu2nwbvbhbvrDUoyLYDhwxIER0syGMHxgPRdY/s1600-h/IMG_0313.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176670881124258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-SP2Tq5MQO1TRowZs3Fz842s5dqrn2wabcgDz-2LDnMzdQ_z_OtgCfLXwFT2LDKUzZlrynCMIbeR5uS5QmPUiP7ZWkMOkLPG_zVLZbBu2nwbvbhbvrDUoyLYDhwxIER0syGMHxgPRdY/s400/IMG_0313.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 264px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Step 5 : Add a white eye after the body has hardened.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3VCZs4hrEgbEpmKP9LAQXdW8hk2TNT78QhhLw4mcCPXmHSPLpHxkoefDs3Q18ZiaYbPMY1J62ajUEWUFGmvsbcxXiNlkVdoUishMxyo7eOF4cluv5b2Oc9s4UxW0z78NNhCbiZawSfA/s1600-h/IMG_0316.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176660037829794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3VCZs4hrEgbEpmKP9LAQXdW8hk2TNT78QhhLw4mcCPXmHSPLpHxkoefDs3Q18ZiaYbPMY1J62ajUEWUFGmvsbcxXiNlkVdoUishMxyo7eOF4cluv5b2Oc9s4UxW0z78NNhCbiZawSfA/s400/IMG_0316.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div>I made three colors : Ivory, Cream & Grey</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGRj2wOzreFiOwnIgu6ijSvBNzHkB1E1j3c8Ij_XvFgsmAXndU-uLCnyypOJup3cTnAfpWRCcSEdlYFOdKXxj8dOuB13ftzAGFu0U4PrPLUF4xwK-bB-3CM639cTeNwWeqy2pcyrXKTc/s1600-h/of=50,590,393.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176649655844114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGRj2wOzreFiOwnIgu6ijSvBNzHkB1E1j3c8Ij_XvFgsmAXndU-uLCnyypOJup3cTnAfpWRCcSEdlYFOdKXxj8dOuB13ftzAGFu0U4PrPLUF4xwK-bB-3CM639cTeNwWeqy2pcyrXKTc/s400/of=50,590,393.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>I displayed the cookies in a basket. They were packaged in clear bags tied with 'angel fleece' yarn.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpOmHPMfTqtLXA0n4n7Z-ocCnVdBbkIb13cSTk1e6S46e7qv7q9i1RUftOQ40T_ZM1wYouVE0HTatD_K39tYMN3swfBWF2mtqVY6AKDaO5k4gkQ59pD2idAHIPfveEMU13hq7I5k7XtM/s1600-h/of=50,590,393.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176043480019362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpOmHPMfTqtLXA0n4n7Z-ocCnVdBbkIb13cSTk1e6S46e7qv7q9i1RUftOQ40T_ZM1wYouVE0HTatD_K39tYMN3swfBWF2mtqVY6AKDaO5k4gkQ59pD2idAHIPfveEMU13hq7I5k7XtM/s400/of=50,590,393.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZybkBOEVhHayTOXtPBhdIXdPCUpvLV90taBWJHXxOfPf14rN7A_wQqsSbVkVRIlFPedjCD7EeM5hadfY6q25EISc2FAcuT6KT-aLdCTlum_zQMrba4iZhmKQ_jPwCqY8m0vm_rUyaU8/s1600-h/of=50,295,442.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176038120131874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZybkBOEVhHayTOXtPBhdIXdPCUpvLV90taBWJHXxOfPf14rN7A_wQqsSbVkVRIlFPedjCD7EeM5hadfY6q25EISc2FAcuT6KT-aLdCTlum_zQMrba4iZhmKQ_jPwCqY8m0vm_rUyaU8/s400/of=50,295,442.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For the food display table, I used a linen drapery panel to which I applied 'baby' letters made of yarn wrapped pipe-cleaners. Above, I hung onsies from a yarn clothesline with clothespins. The food was displayed on white platters and cake pedestals with white peonies in bud vases.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd_enI4X6jc0TNy0KQk0dzgLqQX6eSOejSCjBhE9Uytggc3JomUX2plnnQxsNO1yWrmv3LIBRuUL-7quNHwd5AhoQw5wR6frJ5ZTCP8Q6Po09kFm6H4nMFWIzzzCpv0BxplDDKPvUDzE/s1600-h/IMG_0301.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428277392499889970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd_enI4X6jc0TNy0KQk0dzgLqQX6eSOejSCjBhE9Uytggc3JomUX2plnnQxsNO1yWrmv3LIBRuUL-7quNHwd5AhoQw5wR6frJ5ZTCP8Q6Po09kFm6H4nMFWIzzzCpv0BxplDDKPvUDzE/s400/IMG_0301.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I made the letters by forming letters in pipe-cleaners, then wrapping them with yarn. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbQ5HSbcx66Lbp6WdnfSEPTovT2sAZEmPAC2ZfmHTf4ttgy-UKV0Jb7FeT5QxGW2uYcn2TJHhU3_Bq1ldE_JufSkL0WlPWSqu_uswO4Hmk9zoJSXJqDJPpxEYnnej6RLPCKnKVpnM6cA/s1600-h/IMG_0302.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428276749799098370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbQ5HSbcx66Lbp6WdnfSEPTovT2sAZEmPAC2ZfmHTf4ttgy-UKV0Jb7FeT5QxGW2uYcn2TJHhU3_Bq1ldE_JufSkL0WlPWSqu_uswO4Hmk9zoJSXJqDJPpxEYnnej6RLPCKnKVpnM6cA/s400/IMG_0302.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 352px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I quick stitched the letters onto the linen panel.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFs9YhWbJzOiihdLLkDmF1h5ZpkboOKh5xfkXeRo7qIdSk3qv95YWeuktJELmzoB00BAuVGjMTFWHM-az5drn1EKd8GLk_LJe1o933MOJYEyepGORRhvmtDHUl_tZv9FPjVMerVeOdPfQ/s1600-h/IMG_0305.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428277005015812882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFs9YhWbJzOiihdLLkDmF1h5ZpkboOKh5xfkXeRo7qIdSk3qv95YWeuktJELmzoB00BAuVGjMTFWHM-az5drn1EKd8GLk_LJe1o933MOJYEyepGORRhvmtDHUl_tZv9FPjVMerVeOdPfQ/s400/IMG_0305.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbQ5HSbcx66Lbp6WdnfSEPTovT2sAZEmPAC2ZfmHTf4ttgy-UKV0Jb7FeT5QxGW2uYcn2TJHhU3_Bq1ldE_JufSkL0WlPWSqu_uswO4Hmk9zoJSXJqDJPpxEYnnej6RLPCKnKVpnM6cA/s1600-h/IMG_0302.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplj_yBTTL3qVN7gEQw2sEozCWJuFi4I9rGg1Xvpmuxk17W5a9F3c1ne86kOQis3jpkU9DJ8JJdc28KQ3XTGLoFzcPkyWvdC4yNH8v4DCOR1g1r_Alwt1A0SzAxk5sZKt2PhZ_SGpbVME/s1600-h/of=50,590,393.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428176041954543778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplj_yBTTL3qVN7gEQw2sEozCWJuFi4I9rGg1Xvpmuxk17W5a9F3c1ne86kOQis3jpkU9DJ8JJdc28KQ3XTGLoFzcPkyWvdC4yNH8v4DCOR1g1r_Alwt1A0SzAxk5sZKt2PhZ_SGpbVME/s400/of=50,590,393.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>The Menu :</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ham & Asparagus Quiche</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crab and Chive Quiche</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fruit Platter with Fluffy Fruit Dip</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spinach, Strawberry & Pecan Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;">Baby Bird Sugar Cookies</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>

Entertaining | Baby Bird Baby Shower

Last weekend, I designed a Baby Bird Baby Shower. Using a neutral theme of cream, grey and ivory, I created a charming event that was perfect for a January shower. Above is the invitation with the glittered bird.For the favors, I made baby bird sugar cookies...For cookie decorating, I always use dis…

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Home | Installing a TV in the Kitchen

<center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/305.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_305.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="178" /></a></center><br /><br />Our latest home project was installing my Christmas gift... A white flat screen tv for the kitchen. We used a 2ft x 1ft x 1inch piece of hardwood and 2 crown moulding corner accent pieces to cover the "L" brackets that secure the shelf. <br /><br />I painted all of the pieces the same color of the wall to create a less obtrusive, but sophisticated look. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/306.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_306.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="210" /></a></center><br /><br />Mike had to relocate the outlet on the wall so it would be directly behind the tv. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/307.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_307.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="210" /></a></center><br /><br />He moved the outlet up, and installed 'L' brackets to hold the shelf.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/308.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_308.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="281" /></a></center><br /><br />The outlet needed to contain a cable plug and an electrical plug.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/309.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_309.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="281" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/310.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_310.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="210" /></a></center><br /><br />Here, Mike is attaching the shelf to the brackets.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/311.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_311.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="210" /></a></center><br /><br />Next, we affixed these crowd moulding corner accent pieces beneath the shelf to cover the brackets and add some architectural detail to the shelf.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/312.jpg"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/01/04/s_312.jpg" style="margin:5px" width="281" /></a></center><br />Now I can enjoy the morning news while I work in the kitchen!

Home | Installing a TV in the Kitchen

Our latest home project was installing my Christmas gift... A white flat screen tv for the kitchen. We used a 2ft x 1ft x 1inch piece of hardwood and 2 crown moulding corner accent pieces to cover the "L" brackets that secure the shelf. I painted all of the pieces the same color of the wall to crea…

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