Night of Subs

Last night, I was bitten by the cooking bug. Instead of getting out the usual frozen meal and heating some bread, I decided that chili would be so much better.

It actually came out well, although I substituted turkey for ground beef.

Unfortunately, the cookies didn't have the same luck because I substituted Bisquick for flour. I wouldn't recommend doing this.

The cookies looked great, don't get me wrong, but I couldn't get them out of the pan. Seriously, I was trying my hardest, not being gentle at all, but no-go. Or rather no cookies. Bummer.

I've learned my lesson, and hopefully, you've learned too. Remember, no substituting Bisquick.

Enjoy :)

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Customized Shoe Love

Now, ya'll know that I love my shoes. Really. I do. But usually, I buy from stores in which anyone can buy the exact same shoe.

For example, my most recent shoe purchase was these:
















I don't necessarily buy expensive or super special, but after looking at these on Etsy, I might change my mind...about the special, of course.















Per the seller:
"One pair of women's black patan peep toed high heels. They are custom decorated with swarovski's around the 1 inch platform heels measure a little over 4.5 inches tall. Depending on where the light hits the crystals they will shine purple,blue red yellow and other various colors. I wouldn't suggest taking these shoes out in the rain but the swarovski's are on well enough. I will include extra glue and crystals.I made these for myself before I got pregnant but never got a chance to wear them then my foot size changed so my loss I'd like them to go to a good home."

Wowsa! I might add these to my wish list!

Enjoy :)

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Boots Giveaway

Because who doesn't need boots! Right!

Head over Heels is giving these babies away. Aren't they gorgeous?

You could win them in your choice of black, brown, or chestnut!

Someone will win, it might as well be you!

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Costumed Frenzy

My good friend is having a Halloween Party this weekend, and me and the boy are going in costume. :) I've narrowed down my choices, but if you have any alternatives, let me know!

Typically, I like to go with costumes which I don't have to wear a wig (read: they are already a red head).

Here are my top picks:




















Wilma Flintstone- I really like this one, but how do I wear shoes?




















Lucille Ball- I like this one also, but is it too old fashioned?

I would love to have your opinion! What are you going as?

Enjoy :)

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Fall Colors

Fall is here and I just have to look out the window to see the colors. Easy-peasy!

Since my house backs up to the woods, I usually have a nice variety of colors to enjoy while I sip my morning java. Additionally, sometimes I can see deer and groundhogs. It's a menagerie!





























Have you been out and about enjoying the weather?

Enjoy :)

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Fall Fireplace

I finally got motivated and finished my fall fireplace. I had really huge plans for it, but ended up scaling it down and going with more of a "crafty" look instead of scary. Previous years I pulled out the black cloth, skulls, and spiders.

Instead of the "boo" effect, I wanted a comfortable and inviting look. Mission accomplished! :)

I debated about adding lights, but didn't want to make the linen twine too heavy.

Excuse the fan- it's still on because I cannot find the remote to turn it off.















Enjoy! :)

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Baked Ranch Chicken

As part of my monthly goals, I try to make at least one new recipe. It really helps with the meal planning. :)

Last night I made Baked Ranch Chicken, and it was a hit!

It was somewhat of an odd preparation, because I used french dressing as a marinade, but it was really good! Also, I used refrigerated chicken, because I did not have time to thaw it, but in the future I may get bulk frozen chicken.

Baked Ranch Chicken

Ingredients:
* 8 chicken breasts
* 1/2 packet ranch seasoning
* 1 cup bread crumbs
* pinch of garlic powder (or minced)
* salt & pepper
* 3-4 cups french dressing (or enough to coat chicken)

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Mix french dressing, pinch of garlic, salt and pepper in shallow bowl. Add chicken.
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour (you can also marinate over night or while at work)
4. Spray glass pan with Pam or cover with olive oil.
5. Mix ranch seasoning and bread crumbs.
6. Remove chicken from french dressing marinade, but do not rinse. Dip marinaded chicken in ranch mix to coat thoroughly.
7. Place chicken in glass pan.
8. Cook for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Enjoy :)

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To Make a Grand Entrance

It was really time- trust me. My plain black door needed a touch of pizazz, a punch...a bam!

So, of course I pulled out the spray paint! It's my new best friend!

Before: Plain, black front door with standard gold tone hardware.










After: Shiny black door with bronze hardware and a welcoming wreath.











Just in case you cannot see the wreath, it has berries in fall colors, with a small sign that says "Family Matters."









This was an easy project (love spray paint), and it makes a real difference for my entrance. It will be a great fix until I can replace the door with one that has some glass.

Perhaps one of these? Wouldn't this be great in a another color with some lights hung on the inside?









Enjoy :)

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Day Trippin'

This Saturday I'll be heading to the Newport Aquarium. I'm super excited because it is a neat place and I'm going with someone who has never been before!

WOWSA!














On the way, we'll also stop at the Gap Distribution Outlet! Yeah!





So after this weekend, I won't have any money! :(

Enjoy! :)

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DIY Wreath

I love Centsational Girl's wreath!

She took this:
















And made it into this:


















Isn't it wonderful!

I might have to copy this, but for the spring, since I have the glass beads in various shades of blue and green.

Enjoy! :)

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Linky Love

I'm lovin' this home project Web site: Shanty2Chic!

They have all kinds of good DIY projects that are super cute! I've been looking back at their archives, just as far as I can possibly go.

Take a look at some of their projects!

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Meal Planning Mania

Meal planning is usually one of my monthly goals, but it's pretty much a love/hate relationship. I love the benefits, but hate doing it!

I've made it a monthly goal to get in the habit- you know, motivation. That way, when a hungry redhead walks in late, from a long day's work, she doesn't have to eat cereal. Did I mention that the redhead is usually cold and grumpy too? Not fun.

The easy fix is to have a meal plan.

Now, in my head, a meal plan is something similar to a mix between Emeril, Paula Deen, and Rachel Ray. Yikes!

But in real life, I know it to be something that I can knock out in about 20 minutes on a Sunday afternoon. AND, it doesn't include any gourmet anythings.

I've Googled some Web sites for help, and found some great ones:












So, why don't I do it more often? That's a good question which I don't have an answer for. But, I'll get better. It needs to happen, and often.

So, do tell:
How do you meal plan?
Do you use grocery store brochures?
How involved is your plan? Do you plan snacks, desserts, etc.?

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Easy House Ghosts!

I love this House Ghost project! It basically uses rope lights, tomato cages, and some drop cloths. Easy and cheap! :)

Step 1: For each ghost, wrap a wire tomato cage with a string of clear rope lights. Home Depot has these for about 6 buckaroos!

Step 2: Cut a 6‐ x 9‐foot drop cloth to approximately 41/2 x 7 feet to cover the tomato cage. Use a black permanent marker to draw eyes and a mouth.

Step 3: Plug the lights into a secure grounded outlet. I'll also put the lights on a timer.

Enjoy :)

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Giveaway at Newly Woodward!

You know you want one!

Click here to enter! Good luck!

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St. James Fair!

It's that time again! Nothing signals fall in the derby city like the St. James Art Fair! It's held the first weekend in October and is one of the premiere art shows in the country. I love wandering around (free admission), smelling the yummy coffee, and getting inspiration!

It's held in an older part of derby city, with grand homes and beautiful trees.


On to the good stuff!

I thought this was a great way to repurpose an old window. They also had one with a black and white map behind it. Note to self!


These birdhouses were so unusual and full of great color! What bird wouldn't want to live here!


When I win the lottery, these are one of the first things I'm buying! Not only are they pretty and durable, but they are also super comfortable! Just imagine these around an outside fireplace with some hot cider and s'mores!


The jewelry was fantastic because it's all handmade and one of kind. I liked it so much that I bought a fabulous piece for me and another piece for a giveaway! Details soon!

Alot of vendors had beautiful glass...



Vibrant art...
And detailed wordworking.

I couldn't buy it all, but I did get a few cards since Christmas is coming.

Enjoy :)

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Tickled Pink

Total new-store-love for Tickled Pink! It's a renovated house with three levels of all kinds of goodies and a bargain garage. I'm in love. It's fabulous!

I found out about it on Craigslist while searching for a sofa table. Unfortunately, I tried to make my own, but it really wasn't pretty (hence no after picture). :(

Anyway, I checked the address and decided I would visit. At the most, I would find something else, at the very least, I would just get the table and go.

Well, the "most" happened. They had all kinds of goodies! I found some great Halloween decorations, pyrex (because I really cannot have enough), old linens, and tupperware. Happy dance!

AND these babies! The black one was super cheap! Really. I'll tell you the price, but you have to promise to sit down.

Are you sitting? The price was $.99. Yep, less than a buck! Can you hear my excitement?!!?



These babies are going to get a fresh coat of paint, a new home, and be well loved!

They also had a fabulous green table, which I resisted, but I can't stop thinking about it! Of course, who knows what I would do with it, but it still would be a great addition somewhere! You know me and greenies!

:) Enjoy!

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Free T-shirt!

I thought these were too cute not to pass on! Get one free here!

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Happy Bloody Mary Month!

To celebrate 75 years, I've included my favorite recipe of the famous drink.

* 1 oz. vodka
* pinch of celery salt
* pinch of salt and pepper
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* 3 drops hot sauce (or to taste)
* 6 oz. tomato juice
* 1 oz. lemon juice
* celery stalk

Mix all, top with celery stalk, and enjoy! :)

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Road Trippin'

Last month (it went so fast), I went to visit Lake Barkley, with the family. It was such a nice trip! The weather was pretty rainy..but at least it wasn't hot and muggy. :)

We stayed at my favorite place, the Lake Barkley State Resort. It has the best views! You can stand on their porch and look over the pool out onto the lake. It really is relaxing! Also, they renovated the rooms and they are even more comfortable with big, heavy quilts. Just turn down the heat and let me go!

I was also able to get in some fishin'! I really love it for the relaxed, repetitive motions. The water is soothing, and just turning my wrist to reel in the bait...it really...sigh.. helps me loosen up and remember why I should be grateful for all the things that I have.

In addition to the fishing, I ate at one of the "101 Must Places to Eat in Kentucky" called Hot Diggity Dog. Of course I had to have the one with pickles and banana peppers. It was really yummy!

Can you tell I'm ready to go again

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Wreath Roundup!

I love, love, LOVE fall wreaths! They are colorful and oh-so welcoming!

Currently, I have this guy, who I would love to re-purpose. It really needs some embellishment and a bright pop of color. What do you think about adding some orange ribbon, some white lights, and the initial of my last name in the middle? These items would liven it up and make it clearly visible during the day and night!













Hmmm, my mind is already turning! Thoughts?

Enjoy! :)

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