A Little Painting

I've never been much of a painter but sometimes it's nice to pull out my old art supplies and play around with them. I found this wood slice at a thrift store a few weeks ago and last night I decided to paint a little fawn on it. I can't wait to hang it up!

Let's Get Real #3

It's time for another Let's Get Real post. In case you'd like to get caught up on my previous posts, you can check them out here. Today I thought I'd talk a little bit about food...

I post a lot of recipes here on the blog. I love trying new food, but let's get real... some recipes are really expensive to make! Remember that chili I made for the county fair last month? Sure, it's delicious but it sure isn't cheap. The ingredients set me back about $50! I don't know about you guys but I can't afford to eat like that all the time. In fact, I hardly ever get that fancy.

I try to make one new recipe per week to share here on the blog. That's pretty much the extent of my extravagant food experimentation. For the most part, when I'm cooking for myself, I make a lot of chicken, pasta, beans, rice, etc... You know, cheap, simple food. Heck, the other night I had hardly anything in my fridge so I ate a quesadilla and a couple of pickles. Gross? Maybe. Cheap and simple? Exactly! That's my kind of meal.

So... I'd love some suggestions! What are some of your favorite cheap, simple dinner recipes?

Weekend Finds #11

I went to about 4 estate sales this weekend and found a lot of cool stuff! I got my hands on two spoon holders, a vintage chopper, two framed mirrors, and a weird little red haired doll. My favorite finds are definitely the framed needlepoint (similar to the one I found here) and the Pyrex dishes and cups.

The best part is... I spent about $10 total. That's my kind of weekend shopping spree.

Just Because...

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm going to start being a little more relaxed with my posts here on the blog. Usually on Fridays I would post my weekly favorites but I didn't feel like making a list today. Instead, I felt like playing around in Photoshop with one of my favorite Seinfeld quotes... so I did! If you're as big of a Seinfeld fan as I am, you'll probably appreciate this. I felt like yelling it a few times this week. I'm just saying... sometimes people can be really ridiculous. Am I right?

Happy Friday, friends.

Don't recognize the quote? I found a snippet of the episode here.

Currently

Loving: My new work schedule. A few weeks ago I talked a little bit about my decision to quit my full time photography job and start working at a local bakery again. I'm still getting used to everything but I'm really enjoying not working the typical 9 to 5. Having a day or two off in the middle of the week is the best. I can run errands without a million people everywhere. I can go to the grocery store or the post office in the middle of the day and not have to wait in line! I seriously love that. Also, sometimes I get to catch my favorite daytime TV shows like I Love Lucy and The Price is Right! Did you know that The Price is Right gives away awesome CLASSIC cars as prizes now?! So cool!

Excited about: Switching to Passionfruit. I finally installed everything this week and I'm so excited about it! I can't even believe how much easier this service is going to make my sponsorship program.

Watching: The Inbetweeners. NOT THE NEW MTV VERSION... the original British version. I just finished season 3 and it took me a few episodes to get into this show but once I did, I was hooked. A word of warning though... it's not for the faint of heart... or anyone who's easily offended, for that matter. 

Anticipating: FYF Fest. I'm not quite sure which day I'll be going to yet but both days are pretty awesome so it really doesn't matter.

Listening to: The Dazed and Confused soundtrack. I bought it for $2 at a local record store. I play it while I'm driving and pretend I'm in the movie. Ha!

Planning: Meals. This should explain the photo above. I'm trying my best to not eat out. I've been grocery shopping about once a week and using Pinterest to plan my meals based on what's on sale.

Working on: I don't really know where to begin with this one. I'm all over the place right now. I have some custom Etsy orders I'm working on. I also want to give the blog a makeover. I have a blank wall in my bedroom that needs some love and a million things to hang on it. Time to make a list and start prioritizing, I suppose.

Thinking about: What to do when my phone contract runs out in about a week. I'm thinking of switching to an iPhone but really anything with the internet will do. Ya... I don't have a data plan. I basically never have. I think I'm most excited to have a new fancy phone when I'm lost. No more fumbling with the huge map in my glove compartment... or calling my Dad for help, haha!

Wishing: I was a little more focused. I go through phases with this blog. Sometimes I'm really on top of everything and I plan posts weeks ahead of time. Other times I have no idea what I'm going to post the next day. That's ok though... and it's good to be honest about it. I almost feel like the less I plan posts ahead of time, the more real the blog becomes. I find myself without a DIY idea or a photographed recipe so what do I do instead? I talk a little bit about my personal life. I don't know about you guys but I kind of like that. It's nice to have a few unplanned "real life" posts once in a while like this one, don't you think?

Thanks Allison and Liz for the inspiration for this post!

Summer Recipe Round-Up

So it's finally starting to cool down a bit but I'm still in no mood to turn on the oven. If you're in the same predicament, you might enjoy this little round-up I've put together of summer recipes that don't require heating up the whole house with the oven!

Moroccan Pepper Chermoula

Grilled Basil, Tomato & Fontina Sandwiches

Easy Everyday Pesto

Orzo Salad

Grapefruit Jalapeno Cocktails

Easy Pulled Pork

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Cookies

Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes

Hush Puppies

August Sponsor Spotlight

It's time for the group sponsor spotlight! I'd like to introduce you to some of the lovely August sponsors!

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Interested in becoming a sponsor next month? Check out the sponsor info page!

Potato Cheese Chowder

Well, it's about 100 degrees here in the LA area and it has been for a while now... so what do I do? I make some nice warm cheesy vegetable soup like a crazy person. I just couldn't help myself! I've been wanting to make this soup for a while now. Adapted from this recipe, this cheesy chowder is delicious. I can't wait to make it again when the weather cools down a bit.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large baking potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 2/3 cup half and half (or milk)
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 heaping cups shredded cheddar cheese

Start by chopping all of your vegetables.

Melt the butter in a large soup pot and saute the carrots over medium heat until tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add chicken broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender.

Mix flour with water, add, and simmer until the soup thickens a bit. Add half and half and broccoli and cook until broccoli is tender and soup is heated through.

Stir in cheese, allow to melt, and serve.

Sponsor Please Note in September!

I can't believe that September is just around the corner! I'm now accepting sponsors so if you're interested, head on over to the sponsor info page and take a look. I'd love to spend September with you!

Psst... featured ads are still available!

Also, I'm looking into switching to Passionfruit soon. Do any of you use that service? I'd love to hear what your experience has been like, especially if you use Blogger.

Thanks, friends!

DIY: Upcycled Pitcher Planter

I found this yellow pitcher at an estate sale last weekend but wasn't sure what to do with it. My mom suggested putting a plant in it and I'm so glad she did. I love how it turned out! I used an African violet plant that my coworker gave me months ago. I figured if it could withstand fluorescent lights for that long, it could withstand being replanted. Here's how to make your own...

What you'll need:

• a pitcher or bowl that you can easily drill a hole into
• a drill
• a broken clay pot or small rocks
• potting soil
• a houseplant
• a saucer or plate to catch the water underneath your plant

Drill a few holes in the bottom of your pitcher for drainage. 

Layer broken pieces of a clay pot or some small rocks in the bottom, making sure not to block the holes.

Grab some potting soil and plant your plant!

Place a saucer or plate under your plant before moving it inside so that you can water it indoors. That's it!

My roommate pointed out that the finished product looks just like Bert. HAHA! I love it even more now!

Photo found here.

My Go-To Playlist

The ladies of Oh So Lovely Vintage have been sharing some pretty great playlists lately so I decided to join in the fun. I've never shared a playlist here on the blog so I thought I would start with some of my all-time favorite (and a few of my current favorite) songs...

Cassette tape illustration via Zara Picken.

Weekend Finds #10

I'm quickly beginning to remember what it's like to have a job with an irregular schedule. Sometimes it's awesome! I actually got to go to a few FRIDAY morning estate sales! Granted, if you go early, the crowds are a little insane and you have to be ready to grab things quickly but you can get some really cool stuff! I picked up that little bookshelf for $15. It looks perfect in our living room.

I also got my hands on some more cute kitchen items, including an old coffee press. I'm probably going to paint those birds, I just don't know what color yet. Also, I'm going to re-plant that little houseplant (on the shelf in the first photo) in that yellow pitcher. I can't wait to find some more cool stuff next Friday!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

So today I thought I would fill you guys in on what's been going on with me. I've recently made a few changes in my life that will inevitably lead to some changes here on the blog. 

Yesterday was my last day at my full time job as a product photographer. After weeks of deliberation, I've decided to move on. This was a very difficult decision for me but I'm happy and confident with the choice I've made. I'm going back to work at a local bakery and I'm really excited to join the team again. Basically, I'm simplifying my life. Instead of spending more than 2 hours a day commuting, I'll be riding my bike to work. Many of my shifts will be very early but this means I'll be home early. I'll have more time to be creative, cook, bake, work on DIY projects, etc.

I should probably mention that I'll without a doubt miss my old coworkers. Leaving work yesterday was much more difficult than I had anticipated. I know I'll be visiting them in the future... and bringing fresh baked treats!

These lifestyle changes have inspired me to change a few things here on the blog. My work schedule will not be as regular, which means my posting will not be as regular... and that's OK! I need to remind myself of that. I created this blog because I love sharing my thoughts, recipes, and craft projects. I did not create it to cause myself stress.

I have a feeling that this new outlook will lead to more interesting and creative posts. After all, change is GOOD, right?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

P.S. The vintage pillow cases pictured above are the ones I found at a yard sale last weekend (in the original packaging)!

DIY: Mod Podge Serving Tray Makeover

Last weekend I found an old metal serving tray at a yard sale for 50 cents. I liked the design but it wasn't in great shape so I figured it would be fun to give it a little makeover using some spray paint and Mod Podge. If you'd like to make your own, here's how...

What you'll need:

• an old serving tray
• spray paint
• Mod Podge
• a foam paint brush
• a photo, magazine cutout, or printed image (I used this one from The Graphics Fairy)
• clear gloss finishing spray

Sand any rusty or sharp edges before spray painting.

Once the paint has dried, apply the Mod Podge to the back of your cutout and place it on the tray. Use the foam brush to paint layers of Mod Podge across the image. Let dry.

Once the Mod Podge has dried, spray with some finishing spray. Allow the tray to dry overnight. That's it!

Sponsor Spotlight: The Glamorous Housewife

It's time for a very special Sponsor Spotlight! Today I'd like to introduce you to The Glamorous Housewife. Bethany not only has an adorable blog but she also makes YouTube videos where she shares recipes, DIYs, and hair and makeup tutorials. How awesome is that? Read on to learn a little more about Bethany!

Hi dolls, my name is Bethany Herwegh and I am The Glamorous Housewife. A few years ago I looked in the mirror and couldn't recognize myself. I saw a frumpy, unfashionable, messy haired and no makeup gal staring at me. I had let myself go. Right then and there I decided to throw out my sweat pants and become the elegant woman I always wanted to be. My blog is about my journey to glamour. It includes fashion, cooking, crafting, and creating an inspirational life.

Check out Bethany's latest YouTube video!

Learn more about The Glamorous Housewife... BLOG | BOUTIQUE | PINTEREST | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Chocolate Coffee Milkshakes

I don't know about you guys but I'm a BIG fan of chocolate shakes... and an even bigger fan of coffee, so over the weekend I decided to combine two of my favorite drinks. I was more than pleased with the results! Here's how to make your own...

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chocolate ice cream
• 1 cup VERY strong chilled coffee
• a few ice cubes
• chocolate chips (optional)

I like to make my chocolate shakes with chocolate ice cream but many people prefer vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. I'm sure both would be delicious. If you want to get really fancy, you could add some chocolate covered coffee beans. The possibilities are endless. Drink up, fellow chocoholics! 

Weekend Projects

This weekend was FULL of projects! I love going to sleep on Sunday night knowing that I made the most of my weekend. On Saturday I woke up early and went to a few estate sales but didn't find much. I managed to get my hands on a vintage pair of pillow cases in the original packaging and an old serving tray that I fixed up on Sunday. I'll be sharing that DIY later this week. After that I ran a million errands with my mom including a trip to our local nursery for some herbs. I planted sweet basil, amethyst basil, and parsley.

You might recognize that typset drawer in the third photo. I found it at a yard sale a few weeks ago and finally got around to painting it. After much deliberation, I decided to paint it dark brown and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I'll be sharing more photos once I find a place to hang it!