Monday, January 17, 2011

Craft Room Resolution


I love Vanessa of A Fanciful Twist's crafting space here. It's obviously in need of some sorting, from a frenzied bit of artistic wonderment, no doubt, but it is still a beautiful and inspiring mess. Mine on the other hand, is simply depressing. Toddlers got into the room and knocked over a slew of supplies, boxes yet to be unpacked from our move, I can barely see the floor.... I can't even work or find anything and my work is really suffering from it. This is my project/confession for the week. Not a resolution to clean really, but okay, who am I kidding... maybe it is!

I triple dog dare you to tackle one thing this week, accomplish something. What will it be?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Smoky Corn and Potato Chowder Recipe

isn't he a dreamboat?

I attempted my first ever crazy yummy tamale pie the other day, but when opening a can of corn, I accidentally opened a can of creamed corn. Yuck, how did it even get in my pantry?!

So, I thought, "Hmmm what do I DO with this?" Then, I brilliantly looked at the back of the can and there was a recipe for Smoky Corn and Potato Chowder (more Del Monte recipes here). I figured, "What the hey, I'll give it a try". Honestly, I had my reservations, so I added onions, salt/pepper and used fresh potatoes instead of canned.


It is probably one of the best things I made in a long time, plus it's easy and most ingredients you probably have on hand. Even my kids gobbled it up. Really, it's perfect for the chilly weather, since it's a nice, warm, flavorful, hearty bowl of soup with a perfect blend of texture. Next time I make it, I'm doubling the batch. I wonder how well it will freeze?

yummy topped on Ritz crackers

♥ Ingredients ♥ 
-1 1/2 c milk
-1 can Del Monte Cream Style Golden Sweet Corn
-1 can Del Monte Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, drained
-1 c smoked sausage, halved and thinly sliced (or cubed cooked ham)
-1/2 small onion, chopped (about the size of a corn kernel)
-7 peeled, coarsely chopped potatoes, boiled until tender and drained
(or 1 can Del Monte Whole New Potatoes)
-salt and pepper to taste (white pepper if you want to avoid black flakes)
-1 1/2 c shredded smoked cheddar (or swiss or gouda cheese)
-chopped chives or green onion slivers for garnish

♥ Directions ♥

1. lightly sear sausage in large, sprayed saucepan
2. stir in milk, and cream corn
3. add whole kernel corn, onion and potatoes
4. heat through, stirring occasionally, add salt and pepper.
5. stir in cheese until melted
6. garnish with green onion slivers or chives and serve (I didn't have these, so used Mrs. Dash or something)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Get the Look: Vintage Glamour Fashion... Casually


A singer who embraces pale, ivory skin and beauty has a line of cosmetics called Dainty Doll. But it's her whole fashion sense here that I am enamored with. While her skirt is floor length with peach shoes as seen here, I thought something a little less formal would be fun. Now, I just need to go out on a date night so I can get a little bit, casually dressed up, Valentine's Day IS coming up after all, where can we go?...





vintage black t-strap rhinestone heels from honey comb vintage
You can't forget the 40's style glamour hair and make-up! 
I am a hairstylist after all so this is what pulls the look together.



Before you start, my tip is to round brush the top of your hair dry so that you have volume. 
Put the top part of your hair in large velcro rollers while doing make-up/dressing/curling 
the bottom half of your hair before you curl the top to get that volume.


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Playfully Somber

floral canopy bed ~ tracery interiors

There is a balance to be had for a somber effect. An endearing touch to make the space inviting,
and it's in those playful touches that can be achieved. The floral canopy isn't particularly somber
with all of the white, but it does have some melancholy feel to it. Perhaps it's just my perception,
with all of the canopies in the victorian gothic novels I have read.

I have an abiding admiration for vintage ephemera and those who procure them so freely for the
internets enjoyment. These images you can print and play with seemed fitting in some way.





bedroom~ photographer tobias harvey
I'm actually kind of in love with this bedroom.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Branching Out

 branch montage fine art print ~ a wild goose chase

I'm not sure if it's the bare trees all around my yard, or the feeling of scaling down and wanting to declutter and destress, but these branchy pics I've had saved in my files for some times have really struck a cord today.

branch headboard white bedroom ~ lisa madigan

decor8

branch chandy ~ sfgirlby bay's bedroom

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