MANI MONDAY.....Holiday Gifts

It's the HOLIDAY Season and that means gift giving season....cold weather season which ='s Dry hand season.....

The apple's don't fall far from the tree in our family!! This cute lil idea was put together by my sister for Halloween and my niece gave them out to her Girl Scout Troop moms. SO CUTE - right?!??!

Ok, Ok, I know, I said Halloween BUT for Christmas you could do red, green, white or whatever color your heart fancies and pop in a small lotion and seasonal polish! The idea of a gift is to give the person something they wouldn't ordinarily buy themselves!! Glitter polish for the conservative, white for the flashy girl....these can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want!! GREAT grab bag gifts for the office, massage therapist, stylist, co-workers, girlfriends, etc....

Here are some past holiday mani's....

Starbucks green with leopard accents....

Red is CLASSIC holiday....I'm not usually a fan of red BUT this ciate polish is an AWESOME red!!

Another shade of green....in my homemade pedicure socks (I thought I invented something FAB....saw the same thing at HobLob last Christmas (But I will tell you, I have had these since 2004 when I got pedi's on the regular and I couldn't stand having cold feet as I left!

 Santa's always a good idea!!

FOODIE FRIDAY...STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS

Did you ever eat #stuffedgreenpeppers as a kid? We did and I remember not being fond of the pepper SO my mom would make us "porcupine balls" (the ground beef made into a ball with rice and cooked WITH the peppers in the tomato sauce). 

You want to brown your ground beef first (I add a few shakes of adobo and pepper)

Start separating and chopping the beef up so it's fine and not clumps of meat.....

Here is the browned ground beef....in the center is a bed of rice (you can use any rice really....this was some jasmine rice I had left over from another meal {when I cook rice and KNOW I'll be using it again that week I like to make extra so all I have to do is heat it up} because the rice was cold (and hardens when refridgerated) I nestled it in the meat and covered it to soften....

Once softened I mixed together...I let this cool and then put it in a freezer bag for use later (I spent one day cooking lotsa food and KNEW we wouldn't eat it all that week so I made ahead and froze). And boy was I happy I did - it was so easy to just prepare the peppers since the first step was done....

I'm a big fan of substitutions and using what I have on hand vs running out and buying every single ingredient a recipe calls for SO I had a bottle of V8 Bloody Mary mix and that became my tomato base...I poured a small amount in the bottom of the pan to coat it and prevent the peppers from sticking.

I washed the peppers, cut the tops off (SAVE THESE FOR LATER) and discarded the seeds. Filled the peppers with the meat and rice mixture, poured some V8 into the peppers....

....and baked in my toaster oven (so I didn't have to turn on the entire oven)

After about 20 minutes I took the peppers out and added the tops....

When the tops were blackened (watch them EACH oven is different) I knew they were done.

I nestled the pepper on a small bed of rice and cut it down into strips so I could savor ALL the ingredients at once!

My daughter said to me "I like that you're home - we get good dinners now". I LOVED hearing that and the prep was SO easy because I already had one step done!

TRY IT THURSDAY....Nothing a lil spray paint can't fix

Everywhere I go I keep an eye out for inspiration....sometimes I can re-create what I see at a fraction of the cost and other times it's SO in-expensive that knowing a lil spray paint can complete my vision. I found this print at #familydollar and I LOVED the graphic black against white with golden utensils, the rhinestone accents as punctuation (yep, true story - I even need #bling in the kitchen). 

(the other item you see in the bag above is another DIY for a different week)

I covered the glass with a magazine page and tape and spray painted my fave Robin Egg Blue color.

(NOW this print was done back in AUGUST and it FINALLY found a home 2 weeks ago....it's hard to hang stuff when you have an open floor plan and no defining walls). SO here it is in all it's glory above the bar cart that is adjacent to the kitchen!

WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY....

I spend a lot of time in my gym clothes as of late (I am really really trying hard to get fit again....after a bad cold that wouldn't leave back in MARCH I fell out of my workout routine and it's been so HARD to get back on track {and a health scare that lasted ALL SUMMER LONG made me skiddish to get back in the gym also} BUT that's all behind me now and I try to make the gym a regular habit).  I like linking up to The Pleated Poppy http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/ for WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY to try and stay accountable. Check out all the FAB girls participating in WIWW!!

 What I'm wearing:
Shoes - Nike
Pink Leopard Leggings - Walmart
Pink Zip Hoodie - Target

My camera was FULL so my homegurl had to use her camera to take my pic and the flash goes 3 times BEFORE the actual flash (hence the shitty look on my face) and really the post is about the outfit deets right?!?!?!?

What I'm wearing:
Vest - Thrifted
Red Plaid Button Down - Target via thrift (the funny thing about this shirt is I bought it at target on clearance and returned it because the collar is all sequins and I thought it would be scratchy and drive me MAD. BUT when you get it on thrifty dolla days it's worth a shot and oh-so PERFECT for the holidays).
Purse - Betsy Johnson
Watch - Michael Kors
Jeggings - YMI from Burlington Coat factory (and the BEST jeggings I've owned)
Booties - Target

MONDAY - GYM DAY

What I'm wearing:
Cowl Tunic - Target via the thrift (I LOVE the length and ordinarily wouldn't work out in something that looks so "fancy" BUT when you pay $1.25 WHO CARES?!?!? Style and budget - check, check)
Leopard Leggings - Burlington Coat Factory (MORE than just great coats!!)
Booties - Target (I didn't actually WEAR these at the gym...of course I had on gym shoes).

When the cold weather approaches my uniform is scarves, leggings and boots.....

 What I'm wearing:
Scarf - #kmart
Tunic - Local boutique
Leggings - Walgreens (these bad birds are fleece lined)
Booties - Target (the plush lined inside makes my feet (toasty) and HAPPY (and I got the deal of the century by cashing in gift cards I earned - if you're interested in finding out more - leave me a message)

SAME uniform!! Scarf, Leggings and boots!! 

 What I'm wearing:
Scarf - Lane Bryant
Vest - LL Bean (NEW) via the thrift - STILL had the tags on it!!
Sweater - Nordstrom (via the thrift)
Leggings - Same as above
Boots - Target OLD 2009

*** You'll notice the vest is the same ABOVE and below ***

What I'm wearing:
Hat - Fam Dolla (BEST place hands down to get inexpensive accessories)
Skully Scarf - Target
Grey Sweatshirt jacket WITH the softest most amazing white fur collar - Target 2012
Grey tunic Sweater (you can see it peeking out between by buttons) - Walmart 2013
Leggings - CVS
Boots - Coach

Now that winter has hit (lows in the teens at night and 20's during the day PLUS awful snow on the ground) all I want to do is wear tunics that are cozy like a sweatshirt and so soft and leggings and turtlenecks or scarves. What's YOUR go-to for the cold?!?!?

THRIFTY TUESDAY....NATURAL DECORATING, PINECONES and WIRE BASKETS

A new Salvation Army recently opened not too far from me AND to say I'm addicted may be an understatement (BUT I have gotten some really GREAT things there). I may or may not be there at LEAST once a week if not twice!! (because Fridays after 5 the ticket color of the weeks is .99 NO MATTER the price....I've gotten things that are 26.00 for .99). 

I picked up this wire basket figuring it would be perfect for my summer flea market....so it was going to sit in the garage useless until then....(I have a LOT of stuff like that - how about you?!?!?). 

At under a dollar there's LOTS that could be done with this piece (pop a coco liner in it and you have a flower pot, toss some larger shells in there and you have a summer display, use it as a catchall for mittens and hats....the options are endless!! 

While perusing blogland last week I was inspired to do THIS......

I simply added a liner I had stashed away (good thing I save most EVERYTHING!!) from my one of my sons baskets back when he was a baby 10 years ago (WHAT?!??!)

The liner was a little larger than the basket SO I just tucked the excess down into the bottom of the basket (there is a drawstring closure and lil ties to attach it to the basket)

And VIOLA!! I have a cutie winter-y display for the holidays that is natural, easy and cost UNDER a dolla!! (the large pinecones were gifted to me by a fellow vendor at a flea market earlier this fall, the liner I had and the basket was .89).

MANI MONDAY....GOLD GLITTER #sallyhansen NAIL STRIPS

SO WAAAAY back when during tax season (which is the most wonderful time of the year around here!!) I hit an AMAZING clearance on beauty products at #kmart (I know I know, Kmart was a place of the past and are fewer and fewer BUT I have to tell you, I have found some really GREAT things there). 

This haul was from back in February....See the back row....top right, second package in?!?!?! THERE are the most FAB nail strips I have bought to date!! #GOLDglitter nail strips - no dry time, lasted for a week (were easier than regular glitter polish to get off BUT still took a lil elbow grease)

Before my holiday extravaganza show 2 Saturdays ago I need a FAST mani at 2:30am (ya know because there are ALWAYS those last minute deets even though you think you're ready). SO here is my 2:30am mani the morning after....

You see?!??! I only paid $2.24 for them!!! AND I still have a full set left to do my nails again!!!

Here it is holding strong a week later.....

(and I did PLENTY of dishes with these on, lotsa crafting....they held up super well)

Have YOU tried the #sallyhansen nail strips?!??!

FOODIE FRIDAY....OUR FAVORITE LASAGNA

My daughter and I LOVE lasagna (my son not so much....so I know he'll be happy with just noodles and light sauce...SO I know I can load the yummy cheeses on). I gathered all my supplies (makes it easier to have everything handy and in one place so I can just grab and keep going). 

Ingredients :
*Sauce of your choice (mine was my ma's homemade sauce)
*Lasagna Noodles (this was my first time using Columbia brand which are NO pre-cook {which I also have never done and was a bit apprehensive} BUT when using a frozen sauce your lasagna can tend to be watery SO I figured the uncooked noodles would absorb the extra liquid)
*Cheese of your choice (there are MANY varieties out there...I went with mozzarella {in the block that I sliced myself - saved me a lil money that way vs buying the shredded} Provolone (thin sliced - made for nice layering) and an italian cheese blend (shredded BECAUSE I was using this in 2 recipes - one that called for the shredded variety and I like the fine shredd for the other recipe) and ricotta (I DEF could have used a bigger size container to get a thicker layer of the ricotta....this is new to me as my mom NEVER put it in our lasagna....I just started adding the ricotta about 5 years ago).

 Grab a 9 x 13 baking dish (for a larger crowd OR to freeze half for later....OR you can use a smaller dish of you just want a few slices). I put a light layer of sauce in the bottom of the dish (so it wouldn't stick) and began layering the UNCOOKED noodles....

I layered my ricotta first (using a spatula to spread it)

Added a thin layer of the shredded cheese and provolone

Another layer of sauce

Noodles, ricotta and the mozza slices

Keep layering until your pan is full, bake on 350 for approx an hour or until the top layer is golden brown (my daughter like the top layer crispy SO I broil for a few minutes AFTER it's baked to get that gorgeous golden brown crust). IF you're using the uncooked noodles pay attention to the directions (it will tell you how much water to add....DON'T PANIC if it looks like your noodles are still hard and there's lotsa water in the bottom of the pan IT DOES EVENTUALLY absorb into the noodles). My experience with using uncooked noodles was PRETTY AWESOME!! It saved em one step in the cooking process (which is important these days as a busy mom STILL trying to serve up a nice homemade meal).

TRY IT THURSDAY....RE-STYLING your BAR CART

 Anyone who knows me KNOWS I don't go with the flow....I'm unconventional in a conventional sort of way! I LOVE the idea of a "bar cart" BUT don't have a lot of wall space as my floor plan is pretty open. SO I tried a vintage typewriter cart in the only space I had (which is where THIS round table is sitting now)

 And I found the rectangular shape to be BAD with traffic flow (and that's when I popped this round table in it's place). The original mirrored top that was cut to fit IN the circle has been long lost or broken  BUT that's not gonna stop me...I have a GARAGE FULL of bits and pieces...like the round mirror I placed on top (temporarily until I can find a smaller one on my thrifting adventures). What I like about this piece is it has a small drawer....PERFECT for cocktail napkins and stirring sticks....

 I placed my liquor bottles first (I used a vintage haegar white piece to raise them up)

Added in my other bottles in front and to the right....

 A #moscowmule was on my summer bucket list (and I NEVER got to cross it off) so when I saw these ginger beers in the store (one of the MAIN ingredients) I knew I had to pick them up so I can give the mule a try! (in all honesty these cans sat in the cardboard box they came in for MONTHS) only when I started to really SEE the bar cart was I able to figure out to open the cardboard and ready the cans for drinking (and a pretty display). So SIMPLE and quite an AHA moment....I simply placed the cans on a rimmed white plate....

I added in a large vintage round bottom jar (large enough to fit cocktail napkins in and DISPLAY them to coordinate with the seasons). I added 2 stacked vintage flower frogs (in which I displayed the Moscow Mule recipe I cut off the box they came in) as well as a small white hobnail (sugar?) dish with gold glitter coasters.

 I hung this turquoise framed print too FINALLY (I mean it's only been sitting around for 2 months  now...and I will be posting about that soon).

 How do YOU style your bar cart?!?!?!

THANKFUL TUESDAY

Usually it's THRIFTY Tuesday BUT today I am doing a THANKFUL TUESDAY post BECAUSE I want to share my Thanksgiving decorations with you!! I know I'm an anomaly in the blogger world as everyone is getting their Christmas on....I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas (in fact Melakaliki Makai is on in the background as I type this) and I have seen all the Hallmark movies since the day after Halloween BUT I just can't rush the season. I SAVOR each day....Christmas is SO MAGICAL - the season where ANYTHING is possible (look at the birth of Jesus). So each day leading up to it is SPECIAL.

OK, I started at the top of my china hutch....Looks happy and thankful right?!??!

THIS is the part I debated showing you...

(does some piece of furniture in your house become a catch-all?!?!? It's usually the kitchen table BUT then when we need that extra space it all gets shoved here...you know where ALL the important papers and stuff go)

The ONLY way to cure a mess like that is take it ALL out...

(which you need to do to dust anyway - right?!?!?)

AND selectively put pieces that are relatable BACK in (I LOVE having everything I own out at once or else I forget about it). SO TA-DA...there is my Thankful china hutch...all the WHITE dishes are the same that were there before (the bottom shelf is adorned with vintage holiday transferware)

OF COURSE when changes happen EVERYTHING ends up getting a touch-up...the top is simpler (I thought I would like the idea of the basket with all the pumpkins flowing out BUT not up there...AND the platter doesn't fit on the shelf - I seem to forget that every year).

I GUESS there IS a thrifty portion to this post!! I went to Target 2 days after Halloween for some spooktacular deals (it was only at 50% off then so I didn't get any halloween decor). I found this mixed in with the regular #glade candles and it was a SCORE!!! $1.48 !! SO of course I dug through the entire candle shelf looking for more (to no avail). It's the PERFECT for me scent...vanilla overtones with a leather manly undertone...and the name - SWOON!! PERFECT for me - "FALL ANTIQUING"

I busted that bad bird out and put in my tall cylinder atop the sand (I KNOW sand and fall don't mix BUT that sand we brought back from our trip to Clearwater back in March and the sand reminds me of the HAPPY BEST-EST days we had together as a family SO I'm not ready to put it away. 

So I figured if I ADDED neutral golden topped acorns from #target ON the sand it instantly becomes fall - RIGHT?!?!?!

Are you team Thanksgiving *OR* team Christmas?!??!