We really need some good weather cause I have a list of projects that require some spray paint!!  Anywho, I was able to get this one in during our last break in below freezing temps.  Amie had seen something similar on Pinterest to use for Wedding Cards at the Reception.  I bought the crate at Michael’s for $9.99.  I already had the stain.  I bought stickers for the lettering, bought the burlap flower and hot glued a rhinestone button in the middle of it.  The wood crate surface is a bit rough so I used some “Mod Podge” to coat over the letters for a little extra protection.  Then, just cut some triangles out of cardstock for the little “cards” banner and glued them to some cute trim.  Turned out pretty cute if I say so myself! 😉

Love my deer head!!  I first saw this on Pinterest and realized “Kirkland’s” sold it.  The only Kirkland’s I’m aware of is down in Colorado Springs & thank goodness my daughter lives there!!  I decided to hang it inside an empty frame because I wanted it to be part of my wall grouping and thought it would look better framed.  I love it!!  I bought the frame at Michael’s 50% off and removed the matt and glass.  I found the “chalk ar” canvas at Home Goods.  Now I just need to finish the wall so I can show it all to you. 😉

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I bought this little dresser from a friend at work.  I just love the look of it, the wood, the handles and the details.  I got it home and polished it up.  I decided to line the drawers with something a little different.  I used scrapbook paper & some Modge Podge!  I already had this Antique Modge Podge so I used this one, not sure if it made much of a difference than the regular Modge Podge, but it’s suppose to leave it a little browner/yellower than the regular – if it did it’s just a tad.  My recommendation would be if you’d like to try this in a drawer or a shelf, use printed cardstock instead of paper.  It’s a little thicker and works a little better.  Just use a sponge brush and paint the Modge Podge onto your surface. Lay down your paper and smooth, then top coat again and then again with the Modge Podge.  It will bubble up less with the cardstock but will eventually lay down.  Love it!

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli (Copycat Recipe)

After moving into the farmhouse and after Christmas, Sherry came out from Cali to help me do some painting!! She found this recipe on Pinterest so we gave it a shot. Very easy to make & very yummy, especially the next day.  In fact, I think next time I make it, I’ll make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight! Here’s the recipe and the link:

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well and set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat and set aside.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the stockpot. Stir in garlic, onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Whisk in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, Italian sausage and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
• Stir in pasta and beans until heated through.
• Serve immediately. (Sherry & I added cheese, because everything is better with cheese!) 😉

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Oh my gosh – this is incredibly good!!!  My daughter made this for Thanksgiving and I’m TELLING you this is excellent and you realllyyyy should add it to you Christmas Menu!! Brown sugar, pecan crust – uhhhhhhhhh yessssss!!!!

Here’s the link: http://tinyurl.com/ll2mydk

Oh my word this is delicious! I mean just give me a spoon delicious!! This is one of the things Amie made for Thanksgiving and it was a hit . . . you must make this one!!! YUMMMMM . . . and if you were wondering, yes she found it on Pinterest! 😉

Here is the link:  http://thepinterestplace.blogspot.com/2013/10/jalapeno-popper-dip.html

“Land O’ Lakes” Seasoned Butter – My mom told me about this stuff and it IS awesome mom!!! I used it to saute some mushrooms & chicken breast.  The flavor is perfect!! Try it out next time you’re in the store – it’s in the same section as the regular butter. YUM

Ok, not a recipe but an excellent choice for dinner!  And you know that fish is good for you!  I tried this out over the weekend and it was reallllllyyyy good.  It’s by Sea Cuisine and they have 3 different choices at my grocery store – which includes a Salmon choice, I will not be able to report back on that one – 😉   Nice portions and good flavor – 30 minutes in the oven and you’re ready to go!

OK, I was totally WOW’d.  I’ve seen this on Pinterest (of course) and had wanted to try it . . . I did last night!  2 ears of corn in the husk – 8 minutes! Not one piece of silk on that ear!! Very cool . . . here is her link: http://exploringdomesticity.com/no-peel-microwave-corn-on-the-cob-aka-the-best-trick-ever/

 Yes, I realize it’s Friday, but I wanted to get this to you in time for your Sunday Football Games!!!!  Yum & super simple, I made it when my family was here visiting.  Maybe next time I’ll top it with olives or crumbled bacon!!

Hot Corn Dip