I'm still contemplating a great adjective to describe furniture finished beautifully with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. "Refinished" came to mind this morning and screamed boring. In my heart it's a word reminiscent of the '70s. Picture pecan and golden oak slathered in polyurethane...not my favorite. So today I am thinking... Continue reading

Finding myself behind the eight ball again, I have only recently discovered the word "repurpose" as it pertains to furniture. In fact, I'm not sure I have ever used the word in any situation. However, since I stumbled across Annie Sloan Chalk Paint the word "repurpose" has become part of... Continue reading

I have been a fan of OPI Nail Polish for years. I decided to branch out today and try a new brand.... Essie. I love the color choices. The names, like OPI's , are creative and fun. I decided on Really Red...not as catchy as Navigate Her or Lilicism but... Continue reading

Here is a quick and tasty way to prepare chicken breasts. This recipe is easy to multiply and, thus, a great entree for a crowd. Apricot Cashew Chicken 15 chicken breast halves, boned and trimmed 18oz. apricot preserves 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup orange juice 1 cup chopped cashews... Continue reading

Let your kids celebrate with Roy Rogers and Shirley Temple. Actually, children of all ages enjoy these refreshing drinks. They are so easy to make and a pretty addition to any party. Shirley Temple Fill an 8 ounce glass with crushed or cubed ice Pour Sprite over the ice, filling... Continue reading

Smile - as often as you can. Your outward appearance will eventually be mirrored inwardly. By the way, people do smile back. Focus your thoughts on your blessings - It may sound trite, but if you can find one sweet moment, person, gift, or miracle to think about, your spirit... Continue reading

I love the colors and styles at Atlantic-Pacific! Continue reading

I don't like to lose an hour of my life even if I gain it back in the fall. However, advancing the clock reminds me that the school year is actually advancing as well. It's a great time to evaluate subjects and even reading lists to determine if goals for... Continue reading

So easy........ Pork Tenderloin 2 - 4 lbs. Pork Tenderloin 12 oz. Can Concentrated Orange Juice 4 Tblsp. Dijon Mustard 1 cup soy sauce 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground pepper 1 tsp. ground garlic In a medium bowl combine the frozen juice concentrate, mustard, soy sauce, ginger, pepper,... Continue reading

As you requested, Emily, here is the recipe for the Ginger Cookies. I adapted this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens' "Big Soft Ginger Cookie" recipe. The recipe is easy and produces soft delicious cookies. Ginger Cookies 4 1/2 cups flour 1 Tblsp. ginger 2 tsps. baking soda 2 tsps.... Continue reading

Raspberry Cupcakes 1 box white cake mix 8 Tblsps. butter, melted (1 cube) 1 cup milk 1/2 tsp. raspberry extract 1/2 tsp. almond extract 3 eggs Preheat oven to 340o. Combine the cake mix, the butter, milk and extracts and mix on medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape the bowl... Continue reading

4-5 lbs. Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut up into 1 -2 inch pieces 3 packages Lipton onion soup 3 Tblsps. chopped fresh oregano ( or dried equivalent) 1 Tblsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley (or dried equivalent) 1 cup olive oil Pre-heat oven to 400o Grease 9x13 inch baking dish Place cut... Continue reading

Brown Gravy 1/2 cup butter ( 1 cube) 1/2 cup flour 2 cups beef broth 1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon 3 - 4 Tblsps. Worcestershire Sauce Make a roux by melting the butter in a sauce pan and mixing in the flour until you have a smooth sauce. I always use... Continue reading

Emily and Rachel, here is your weekend recipe! Pot roast is an easy comforting entree. It's perfect for a wintry evening. Pot Roast 4 - 5 pound sirloin tip roast (or similar cut) 1/4 cup flour 1 Tblsp. pepper 1 Tblsp. granulated garlic 1/4 cup olive oil 1 ½ cup... Continue reading

I do not like the word "one" pluralized after "these" and "those". It actually makes me cringe. Perhaps at some point in our history to refer to your oranges, etc., as "these ones" or "those ones" may have been correct.Today, it simply sounds a bit rough. I don't want to... Continue reading

I would love to wax eloquently (or is it wax eloquent) about life, love and spiritual matters. However, it's Saturday and I need to attend to the concrete matters of life such as cleaning the house. But, I have made time to write down our family's favorite cinnamon roll recipe.... Continue reading

Simple syrup is one of those mighty warriors in my kitchen. The recipe is easy and delightfully versatile. It transforms "iced tea with sugar" into "sweet tea" at its finest. It turns an ordinary mojito into an experience. Simple syrup is also the basis for extraordinary glazes. The recipe in... Continue reading

To quickly add some variety to a spring salad, add fruit conserves to regular Italian salad dressing. Spring Salad Dressing 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing 2 tbl. cherry conserves (or another fruit conserve)Whisk thoroughly. Serve immediately or chill for later use. Continue reading