Basement Bar Update, a Lesson Learned, and a Surprise

Well, we are almost finished with the basement bar! It's not really a bar, but much more a place where I fold laundry and stack clothes for my daughters to pick up. (It's directly across from my turquoise mirror, though, and really adds to the space now!)

In my last post, I had just started painting it. Now, the painting is finished and the plywood top is on it. 

Next step.... have a piece of stainless steel cut and fitted to the top. (I wish I had a photo editing program where I could "draw" it on there to see the "finished" bar. Oh well - I will have to wait!)

I wanted it to look built in, but there's a gap between the bar and the wall. When we put the bead board and trim on the bar, I should have planned for that and made it flush to the wall. Lesson learned!

But... should I caulk the bar to the wall? It's not secured to the wall, so I'm afraid that it would pull away if it got shifted. (It's a heavy piece of furniture now, but it can still be shifted a little.) What do you think?

I priced corbels at Lowe's, and they were way above my budget for this project! Then I remembered these oversized hooks that my mom gave me to put on the deck posts by our hot tub to hang towels on. Since we rarely use our hot tub, I never put the hooks up. Now, I'm going to use them as corbels! They kind of look like their different sizes in the picture, but they are identical and I think they'll add a surprise element to the bar. I'll show you how they look when the bar's all finished!

Tomorrow, I'll share our progress on yet another project - finally updating our master bath with plank walls. 

Wishing you a happy new year! 

Nif

I'm linking up at

Basement Bar Renovation

It always amazes me when I see that it's been so long since I posted on this blog! One of my goals for the new year is to do more DIY projects and update more often. It's what keeps me accountable and trying new things. 

So... I've written about our basement update several times... first about painting the dropped ceiling grid, then the basement bathroom re-do, then the laundry room makeover, and most recently the pop of turquoise over the sink.

Our most recent project is transforming the basement bar. You can see it in the picture below from the laundry room makeover post:

You can see part of the bar on the left. We've been wanting to replace it, and we couldn't figure out what we wanted to do that would be budget-friendly. 

Then it hit me - we could just "wrap" the bar in beadboard. I was inspired by THIS kitchen island transformation over at remodelaholic.com. I told Hubs about it, showed him the blog post pictures, and he was all for it. We looked in our storage room, and we had enough beadboard left over from our basement bathroom make-over that we didn't even have to buy any! Score!

We took all of the doors off and removed the drawers. We're leaving one side open with shelving, and the other side is covered with beadboard. The picture above is just after we nailed on the trim pieces (1x4 on the top and sides, and 1x6 along the bottom edge) and filled all the holes with wood filler.

We also had a piece of plywood cut at the store to fit the top with an overhang on one side. We have a friend whose family owns a company that works with stainless steel and we are going to have him to fit a stainless "cover" to the plywood which will be our new bar top.

I also had to share a new favorite painting tip! 

I've read about this painting tip, but had never tried it until this project. I didn't have any paint tray liners, and I knew I would need some for the primer and for the gloss paint, but I was eager to get started without another trip to the store. So I tried lining my paint tray with aluminum foil. It worked like a charm! When I finished, I just balled up the foil and threw it away and put more in for the next paint. Have you tried this before? I highly recommend it.

I will be sure to update you on our progress. In the meantime, enjoy your holidays!

I'm linked up at

Flaunt it Friday

Tweak it Tuesday

It's the Little Things - Like a Turquoise Mirror

The basement is the most neglected space in my home. I don't go down there much except to do laundry, even though we've done a make-over in the bathroom down there and my treadmill is in the basement. I've been slowly but surely making small changes, but it's definitely not been on my priority list.

I have been wanting to add more color in my home, so I decided to paint the mirror over the sink a turquoise color. 

The mirror was brown, so I taped off the mirror, spray painted the brown, and then roughed up the edges to give it a distressed look.

(You can see the brown mirror in pictures from our laundry room makeover.) 

I found a terrific rug at Target to use in the space. 

See that ugly sink and counter top? Imagine a beautiful faucet with a stainless countertop. We haven't invested in something like that because we just don't use the space enough. I also want to paint the cabinets... **sigh** 

My laundry room (which is just a space) is to the right. I am LOVING the beadboard we installed. 

And... I added a suprise.

I love this mirror with lights around it. (and... it wasn't until AFTER we installed and painted the beadboard that I noticed that this wall didn't get the new lighter paint!)

It's the little things...

Nif

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Alabama Firecrackers

Today I've got an easy recipe to share that calls for only 5 ingredients. I also LOVE the name - Firecrackers! This is a great snack to take to a tailgate, school event, football party, or even for a weekend treat at home.

Alabama Firecrackers

1 box Saltine crackers (4 sleeves)
1 cup vegetable oil
1 package Ranch dressing mix
2 tsp garlic powder
2-5 tsp red pepper flakes

Whisk together all ingredients except for crackers in a bowl. Divide the crackers between 2 large Ziploc bags, then pour half of the oil mixture into each bag. Close the bags, then turn over to coat evenly. Let the bag sit for a couple of hours, turning every 15 minutes. (I then like to transfer them to new bags or a large container with a lid.)

Enjoy!

Crockpot Chicken Tacos and Tortilla Soup

Aren't crockpots the greatest? In the summer, I can use it and it doesn't heat up my entire kitchen, and in the fall and winter I can make the most wonderful soups and stews. When it gets cooler I will definitely be making Olive Garden-inspired pasta soup, and my Famous Chicken Chili can be cooked in the crockpot.

When I found the recipes for Crockpot Chicken Tacos and Torilla Soup over at Chocolate Therapy, I knew I had to try it!

The Crockpot Chicken for the tacos couldn't be simpler. 

Into the crockpot, add 6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts1 16-oz jar of salsa and 1 1-oz package of taco seasoning 

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. When the chicken is ready, use two forks to shred the chicken. Serve with your favorite taco fixings like avocado, lettuce, cheese, jalapenos, and more. Looking for an easy crowd-pleaser dish? This is it! Try it for your next family game night and let me know how it goes.

But, best of all... here's another recipe! Before you use the chicken on the taco bar, scoop out 2 cups and put in a large dutch oven or pot. 

Add the following ingredients to the 2 cups of chicken:

2 cups of the shredded chicken

One 32oz box of chicken broth

One can corn(drain)

2 handfuls chopped cilantro

One squeezed lime

One can diced tomatoes (reg size)

One can diced tomatoes w/ chiles

1/2 large yellow onion

One can black beans

2-3 table spoons of tomato paste

2 teaspoons of cumin

2 teaspoons of chile powder

2 teaspoons of garlic powder

Simmer on the stove for about 30 minutes, and it's ready to serve!

This soup is perfect for warm weather or cool weather, and the taste is incredible! I love serving it with tortilla chips to give it a little crunch. I divided the soup into 2 food storage containers and put one in the fridge for weekly lunches and one in the fridge to pull out for dinner on a busy day. Paired with a salad and 3-ingredient chocolate muffins, it's a perfect dinner!

Thank you, Sarah, for the wonderful recipes!

Wishlist: Shiplap Walls in the Bathroom

It's not as if I don't have anything on my to-do list....

BUT, I really, really, really want to redo our master bathroom. We've painted it twice since moving in 10 years ago, including the cabinets. It's definitely time to re-paint the cabinets, and I would LOVE to have shiplap on the walls. 

I think I love shiplap because it reminds me of the beach, it's cottage-y, and to me it sort of has a rustic, country feel. It speaks to a laid-back, relaxed lifestyle, and that would be a perfect respite for the busy-ness that goes on in my life! 

I've been searching online for inspiration (and instructions). Here are some pictures that I've found and love. Enjoy!

source

source

Contemporary Bathroom by Houston Design-Build Firms Greymark Construction Company

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

The Yummiest Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

My oldest daughter recently hosted the seniors on her high school volleyball team over for a dinner along with their coach. Hubs grilled barbecue ribs, and everyone else brought sides, soft drinks, and desserts. Some of these girls have been together since elementary school, so it was a bittersweet dinner... knowing that this is their last year together in school.

One player brought a yummy potato casserole, and I had to ask her mom for the recipe. You will LOVE it, and your friends and family will ask you to make it often! (Even though I LOVED it, I haven't made it yet because I'm waiting for a special occasion, and one where there will be enough people that there won't be any leftovers. I don't trust myself not to eat all of it myself.) 

Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Twice Baked Potato Casserole 

8-10 med RED potatoes 
1 stick of butter melted 
16 oz container of Barbers Party Dip (you might need a little more, I always buy extra and seem to use it) 
Sharp shredded cheese, about 2-1/2 cups (1/2 cup is for topping)
salt/pepper 

Boil your potatoes in the jacket. Let cool and peel. 
Grate the potatoes in a large bowl.
Pour over the melted butter. 
Add shredded cheese into potatoes, about 2 cups, and the dip. 
Salt and pepper to taste.  
Mix all together. 
Pour over into a greased 13 x 9 dish. 
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-40-minutes. 
Add more cheese to top (about 1/2 cup) and bake until cheese melts.  


**Her mom always told her the ticket to this recipe was the red potatoes. She uses them for everything. Even her potato salad. 

Let me know when you make it! (I'll be right over!)

 

An Easy-to-Make Summer Chevron Wreath

When summer started, I knew I wanted a summery chevron wreath for my front door. The one I made was easy to do, and it was fairly inexpensive, too.

First, I bought wired burlap chevron ribbon and a straw wreath from the local craft store. I used a little less than 2 rolls for the wreath.

Then, I just wrapped the burlap ribbon around the straw wreath, leaving the plastic wrap on the wreath. I simply used hot glue to hold the ribbon in place. 

After wrapping the wreath, I created a bow and glued it onto the wreath. Then I used fishing line to hang it from the wreath hanger on the front door. 

Easy-Peasy, right?

I just love this little jewel. (and the little 4-legged one in the door window!)

Now to find new urns for the front porch!

I'm linked up at

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

Summer's Here, and I'm Back!

I can't believe my last post was on March 3rd! Wow!

And now it's July 7th! Middle of summer, and a lot has happened. 

I've been blogging over at my education blog, and this personal blog has been neglected. As I look back through the archives, it seems it's not the first time I've neglected it! (I've got to change that!)

Let me catch you up on some of the highlights since March 3....

Spring Break 

Mother's Day

School's Out

Father's Day

Two beach trips

Basketball tournaments

I've been to FOUR conferences this summer... Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Atlanta.

And I've read 6 books since school ended. 

What about DIY or projects around the house?

I made a new wreath for my front door. 

I painted the bead board in my laundry room. (FINALLY!)

I painted my daughter's bedroom, cleaned out the basement storage room, and did a lot of yard work (and I got the poison ivy to prove it!)

What's left to do?

• Paint area on house next to ceiling on covered deck
• Paint basket found at garage sale
• Organize cabinets in garage
• Finish landscaping in yard by basketball court
• Take down lattice on lower deck and replace with horizontal boards
• Stain/treat deck
• Get together with my "summer friends"

How about you? Busy summer so far?

I'm linking up at 

Nif's Easy Lasagna (no boiling necessary)

You will need:

1 lb ground beef

3 cups (30-oz jar or can) spaghetti sauce

1-1/2 cups water

2 cups mozzarella cheese 

     (use 1 cup in Cheese Mixture (below), use 1 cup to top off lasagna)

1 8-oz package lasagna

Cheese Mixture:

15-oz container ricotta or cottage cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

2 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 350 degrees

In large saucepan, brown meat; drain. 

Add spaghetti sauce and water; simmer about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, stir together ingredients for Cheese Mixture.

Pour about 1-1/3 C sauce o the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish. 

Arrange 3 UNCOOKED lasagna noodles lengthwise over sauce. 

Cover with about 1-1/3 sauce. 

Spread one-half Cheese Mixture over sauce. 

Repeat with layer of lasagna, sauce, and Cheese Mixture.

Top with layer of lasagna and remaining sauce. 

Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

Cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes.

Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Easy Pasta Recipe

Today we had a beautiful day in Birmingham! Check out these temperatures!

My girls played volleyball in Huntsville this weekend, and I stayed in town to attend TEDxBirmingham yesterday. This morning I went for a run (in a short-sleeved t-shirt), then I've been cleaning and cooking to get ready for the week. 

I baked a chicken casserole, made Easy Pasta Salad, cooked lasagna (recipe posted tomorrow) and healthy chicken enchiladas, and baked 3-ingredient chocolate muffins.

I want to share the Easy Pasta Salad with you, because it IS so easy, and it can serve as a base for other salads. This basic recipe is the one my oldest daughter loves to take to school for lunch, so I don't usually add much to it.

I use

1 carton of grape or cherry tomatoes

1 container of crumbled feta cheese

1 box bowtie pasta

Italian dressing (approximately 1/4 - 1/2 cup)

Salt and pepper to taste

While the pasta is cooking (directions on box), I cut the tomatoes in half and add them and the feta to a large bowl. Once the pasta is done, I pour the pasta into a colander and run cold water over the pasta to cool it. Then I add the pasta to the bowl, pour on Italian dressing, add salt and pepper and mix together.

Easy peasy.

Here are some ways you can take it from the girl next door to a beauty pageant queen:

• Add sliced pepperoni and shredded mozzarella
• Add chopped, cooked chicken and sweet peas
• Add baby spinach leaves, artichoke hearts, and chopped red bell pepper
• Add a can of corn, chopped, cooked chicken, and swap the Italian dressing for Ranch dressing

How about you? How would you personalize your pasta salad?