Free Museum Day!

Its back! Free museum day!

Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media in which participating museums across the country open their doors for free to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket.

Go here to get tickets -> Museum Day

Enjoy! :)

Recipe- Marks Feed Store Potato Salad

Here in Kentucky, it isn't always about fried chicken. Sometimes it's about BBQ!! One of the more well known places here is called Mark's Feed Store. Not only do they have great BBQ, but also super-fab potato salad! Enjoy!

Mark's Feed Store Potato Salad
(makes 10 servings)

Ingredients:
3 lbs unpeeled red potatoes
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sliced celery

Prep:
1. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add red potatoes, cook until tender but firm, (about 15 minutes). Drain cooked potatoes, cool and then chop into 1 inch cubes.
2. Bring eggs to a boil, cover and let eggs stand in hot water 10 minutes, cool, peel and dice.
3. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, milk, vinegar, green onions, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Add potatoes to the mayo mixture, mix well covering all potatoes, and then add the eggs and celery. Chill 2 hours before serving.
5. Because I like vinegar, I added a bit more at the end to taste.

{ps.- they also have more of their recipes online here}

Moving- Yikes!

<- In less than a week, I'll be here (otherwise known as Gulf Shores, AL).

Needless to say, I've been so stressed! I really don't know where to begin. {drama alert} The doctor finally put me in a walking shoe, and it really isn't that cute, but it's functional. I guess that's what matters.

My packing list is pretty much done, but I need to organize a bit more. The last thing I want to do is find myself down in Alabamee and discover that I forgot something. Big ole yikes!

The house is finally on the market, the dog is visiting a friend for a few months, and the cat is seeking a new home. So far so good.

How is your part of the world?

Enjoy! :)

Trash to Treasure

Now, you know I love flea markets, estate sales, thrift stores, Habitat ReStores, yard sales, etc. However, sometimes it takes imagination to see the potential for the pieces you love. Unfortunately, my imagination ideas aren't always original, so whenever I see how others have taken their trash to treasure, I try to make notes.

Inspiration (courtesy of Real Simple)

1. Assigned Space: Vintage letters are a clever way to designate hooks on a coat rack. Try to match the style of the letter to the personality of the owner. These flea-market finds are easy to install -- secure an initial above each hook with adhesive mounting squares, which can hold up to two pounds, or use a heavy-duty two-part epoxy intended for most surfaces.

2. Stacked Cabinets: These two flea-market cupboards looked nothing alike, yet it wasn't hard to turn them into a single piece that functions like an armoire. All we did was paint them the same shade of white and blue-green and then add polished-nickel latches and crown molding. We stacked them and placed display items in the glass-front and linens underneath.

3. Indoor Shutters: Modern windows no longer accommodate outdoor shutters, but that's no reason to pass shutters by at flea markets or secondhand shops -- when cleaned up and painted, they make charming indoor accessories.

4. Handkerchief Pillowcase: Leftovers are the bane of the sewing room as well as the kitchen. But the same creativity that inspired cassoulet can save odd lengths of fabric from ragbag ignominy. One idea: Use strips of cloth or lace to trim the opening of a cotton pillowcase. A monogrammed handkerchief from a flea market can be folded diagonally and machine-stitched to a pillowcase, creating a wonderful gift for someone with the right initial.

Enjoy! :)

Recipe- Italian Bread Salad

I hadn't heard of this before, until a friend explained. The more she spoke, the more by mouth watered! It seems like a light alternative to a heavy summer side.





Italian Bread Salad

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic
• 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber - peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped fresh basil
• 1/8 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Rub a peeled clove of garlic around a wooden salad bowl.
2. Pull apart or chop the bread into bite-size pieces.
3. In the prepared salad bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, garlic, basil and thyme. Add enough olive oil and vinegar to lightly coat, toss and serve.

Enjoy! :)

Peaches, cucumbers, and tomatoes...

Since I'm a little incapacitated, I've been staying with my grandparents. They aren't your typical grandparents. Oh no! They work more now that they are retired, have a huge garden, and love computers! They are original "greenies" and did it before it was cool. For example,

~ Their garden is filled with potatoes, corn, tomatoes, cantalope, beans, and peach trees! I've picked so many beans, I can now peel them and talk at the same time! Last night we got creative and had ice cream with peaches. {yum!}

~ Instead of buying new, they try to re-use what they already have. Right now my grandpa is working to repair his riding mower. It's cute to see him mutter to himself. ;)

My grandpa also loves computers. He makes alot for family and even neighbors. I can't tell you how many times he's worked on my printers.

If you can't tell it, I'm really close with them and they truly are gems. So right now, I'm just enjoying being with them.

Enjoy! :)

Doors and Windows

Unfortunately, this post isn't about any real doors or windows. Instead, it's about how when doors may close, a window usually opens. With these terms, a lot has been happening here. (Big sigh)

Let's jump in shall we?

* My program at work was cut, which included my job. So, as of June 30 I was among the many who were laid off. Not what I was expecting. {door}

* My relationship ended. So much to be said there, but I won't bore you with the details. {door}

* I applied for another job, got a phone interview, an in-person interview, and an informal offer..which means:

* Kentucky Fried Home may be Alabama Fried Home very soon. {window}

(everyone breathe)

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So, back to our regularly scheduled program. In light of this weekend, I thought I would link to Real Simple's stories of "Why I Became an American Citizen." It really is inspiring, and I hope you enjoy it.

Enjoy! :)