Childhood Memories

My cousin Nick (he lives in CA) sent me this photo and I love it. In the picture is me (front row, middle kid), my little sister "gawngy" , my favorite cousins, Joe, Terry and Nick and my late grandparents ~ these are some of my favorite childhood memories, those spent with my cousins at my grandparents house on Whittier in Grosse Pointe............thanks Nick a Nerk, you are the best cousin EVER. I am guessing that this picture is 40 years old.................yikes!

New Years Resolution: OrGanIze OrGaniZe OrGAniZe

UGH!! My house is a mess!!! I am going to take the next month or two and get my house organized!!! I love this book. I have had it for years and everytime I need to get inspired to do some organizing I pick it up and read it. Sometimes I just need an outline of instructions on how to organize and where to put things ~ this book is one of the best I have read.............it gives wonderful suggestions and helps me get through this daunting task. I am going to post before and after pictures of some of the most embarrassing areas of my home......coming soon!

Peppers and Goats Cheese

This is a recipe that I got from my friend Kate - she is from Australia and is an awesome cook. I have brought this to many parties and it is always a hit. The best part is, it lasts in your fridge forever. It is a staple in my fridge.

I use 6 peppers (2 red, 2 yellow and 2 orange)........take out seeds and cut into small strips and throw into a medium size saucepan.




Add to peppers; 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar and two or three cloves of crushed garlic.



Bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat and cover. Let is simmer on your stove for as long as you possibly can. Bonus: it provides a wonderful aroma in your home.



Let cool and pour into a container - I use a recycled spaghetti sauce jar!




When ready to serve: I pour the desired amount of peppers w/juice in a small bowl and microwave for about one minute. Place a log of goats cheese on a platter. Pour warm peppers over goats cheese. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers So GOOD. Also, makes a great hostess gift!

Re done Candle

I bought some fancy rub on transfers on a whim (because I liked them). I decided to try to rub one off on a plain white dollar store pillar. Tied my favorite "zebra" ribbon around it and presto an instant change!!

crayons

Maddie and Katie made these for their cousins.........we used old crayons, put them into ABC molds and melted them down into brand new crayons.

making coasters

I have been making these for the past few weeks.........

things that make me :) S M I L E