Happy Holidays

 I decided to keep it simple on the decorations this year. By using the decorations I already had and only adding a few new pieces here and there I was able to achieve just that.

There are so many projects we still have to finish, but guess what....it's not getting done before Christmas, and that's okay with me!! I've learned to not sweat the small stuff...to focus more on whats really important and that's spending time with your love ones making precious memories.    

 So I'll wait to replace those outlet covers and I'll pull back out the paint cans to finish that molding AFTER the Holidays are over!

 Perfect spot for our early morning coffee...

I pray everyone will be blessed with a beautiful and safe Holiday & New Year!

Lisa

Open Shelving

We're still trudging along on our little cottage, trying to get some of the major projects done before the Holidays get here. Just wanted to share a bit of our kitchen with y'all.  We took the cabinet doors off several of the upper cabinets and painted them white, removed the hardware and gave them a "Rustoleum Oil Rubbed" finish.

Still haven't decided if I want to tile the back splash, install bead board or just paint it. In the process of changing out the sink and faucet and still trying to decide on the countertop....fun fun fun...lol!!

Here's a beautiful before shot of the kitchen

don't you just love that wallpaper..LOL!  I'll share more soon.

Lisa

Shrimp Scampi

Just thought I would share a really "quick and easy" recipe for Shrimp Scampi (with asparagus) Yummy!!

Tyler Florence Shrimp Scampi Recipe

The only thing I did not add to the recipe were the shallots.  I did however blanch and chop up a bunch of asparagus spears and added them in at the very end.  You can't see it very well but I added some chopped parsley too.

I grabbed a loaf of french bread out the deli section of the grocer, melted a tablespoon of butter with chopped garlic and slathered it onto the sliced bread.  I then sprinkled the bread with Parmesan cheese and toasted it under the broiler (watching it carefully to make sure it did not burn again..lol).

This dish would be another great "date night" meal.  Enjoy!

Lisa

Coq Au Vin

This is a recipe from Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa).  I have to say, one of the simplest chicken recipes I  have ever made yet one of the tastiest!  I was a little intimidated since Ina is one of the most amazing cooks I've ever seen; however the reviews for this recipe on foodtv.com were incredible, so I took a chance.  The hubby loved it! 

I paired it with smashed garlic potatoes. This would make a great date night meal....hmmm. 

This +

this +

this =

THIS 

Coq Au Vin!!

Directions

2 tablespoons good olive oil

Ingredients

• 4 ounces good bacon or pancetta, diced
• 1 (3 to 4-pound) chicken, cut in 8ths
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound carrots, cut diagonally in 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1/4 cup Cognac or good brandy
• 1/2 bottle (375 ml) good dry red wine such as Burgundy
• 1 cup good chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 10 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 pound frozen small whole onions
• 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and thickly sliced

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Meanwhile, lay the chicken out on paper towels and pat dry. Liberally sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. When the bacon is removed, brown the chicken pieces in batches in a single layer for about 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove the chicken to the plate with the bacon and continue to brown until all the chicken is done. Set aside.

Add the carrots, onions, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac and put the bacon, chicken, and any juices that collected on the plate into the pot. Add the wine, chicken stock, and thyme and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just not pink. Remove from the oven and place on top of the stove.

Mash 1 tablespoon of butter and the flour together and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. In a medium saute pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the mushrooms over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until browned. Add to the stew. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes. Season to taste. Serve hot.

Enjoy

Lisa

Acts 21:5

We've moved! The Mister and I decided after many late dinners (because of his commute), several miles and many many trips to the gas station (man...will they EVER lower gas prices??) to move a tad bit closer to his work.  We  love a new adventure so it didn't take much to convince us this was the right thing to do.  

After laying eyes on this big beautiful log burning fireplace and looking up at the most beautiful beams I have ever seen....the decision was FINAL.  

Come along with us as we makeover a 6+yr old home.  Watch as we remove wallpaper with the cutest ugliest swans and lets not forget the blue heart wallpaper in the hall bath...UGGGHHH! and so far I've counted about 12 gold (not brass) door knobs and blue & pink counter tops in the bathrooms.  Oh what fun we're having.  Updates to come.

Who Needs Starbucks....Part II

I blogged about this here several months ago and felt compelled to do a follow-up post after reading this article this morning online Starbucks is raising prices .

I have to agree with the majority of the folks who commented, why are we spending all that money (some of us everyday) for a product you can easily make at home for much less?? 

My hubby bought me a Keurig last year and I LOVE IT! I can't say enough good things about this machine.  It has not only saved money, but time.  I don't know about you, but there's no Starbucks in my neighborhood, so that means I have to drive all the way to the nearest mall to find one.  I live in the boonies people..LOL!!

When I go to the supermarket I purchase my flavored creamers (during the Holiday season they usually have the Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread and other yummy flavors available) and Redi Whip.  I also keep a jar of caramel in the fridge and there's always cinnamon and nutmeg in the pantry.  I sometimes use my K-Cups but I also have this nifty contraption that allows you to use your favorite ground coffee instead. 

Look at all that yummy goodness dripping down the side of the glass.

Super convenient cups for when you're on the go.  I purchase mine at Dollar General.  That cute coffee canister holds my stash of Starbucks coffee.  I purchase mine when they go on sale.

I'm just saying, I don't know about you guys but I would much rather spend my spare money on home decor items, awesome fabrics or a pair of cute shoes than to spend it on a cup of Joe!!

Lisa

Apple Crisp

Pat and Gina Neely's Apple Crisp! This was simply delicious and so quick and easy to make.  The only thing I added to this recipe was the warm caramel sauce drizzle. Here's a link to the recipe @Food TV .

Enjoy
Lisa

Church Nursery Project

Lisa

This Is Me

Playing around with Polyvore...lol

This Is Me by lisaj1 featuring a brim hat

Cotton shirt
$12 - topshop.com

H m
£20 - hm.com

TopShop wet look legging
$44 - topshop.com

TopShop leather boots
$280 - topshop.com

J Crew twisted hoop earrings
$35 - jcrew.com

Stone necklace
$55 - qvc.com

Michael Kors sport watch
$225 - net-a-porter.com

Juicy Couture brim hat
$68 - piperlime.gap.com

Keurig Single-Serve Coffee/Tea System
$250 - bloomingdales.com

ESSIE Lady Like - 764
$12 - boutique1.com

Creating a Space With Personality

Today we have a guest post from Arcadian Lighting on "Tips for Creating a Space With Personality"

 

Here are some of our favorite tips on creating a space with personality for your home. Most involve things you already own or simple design solutions like paint and trim or light fixtures. Your space should reflect your personality and interests, not a furniture showroom. Have fun and let your personality shine through in your rooms.

Houzz (via)

Creating a space with personality is about making the space reflect you. Mixing up furnishings, new with vintage, and styles is a great way to up a room's personality.

House Beautiful (via)

Wall color is an easy (and easy to change) way to add personality to a room. Select a color that is one of your favorites and be bold. A pink living room? Why not? Then go for a finishing touch like this awesome crystal chandelier.

Young House Love (via)

Add personality with large scale art. This predominantly white room zings with pink and red accents against a large floral photograph.

I Want I Want I Want (via)

A collection of art hung in a gallery above the sofa brings a lot of the owner's personality into the room. A mix of colorful accessories and pillows adds personality to the generic white slip covered sofa.

Velvet & Linen (via)

If you collect, display your collections together in clusters so they have more impact. Like with this collection of sailing art and objects--a corner or wall of a room is a good place to start.

House Beautiful (via)

If you are a gardener or outdoorsy type, bring your personality into a space with floral or botanical inspired prints. Wallpaper can bring big personality to even a small space like a powder room.

NSK Wood (via)

Add personality to a kitchen with open shelving to display plates and china or mount decorative plates on the wall. Ceilings and floors can be painted to add interest.

Decoist (via)

Pattern and color on any surface will add personality to your rooms. Don't forget the trim—like on the shades of impressive table lamps in this cheerful living room.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Lisa