It's c.o.m.i.n.g. a.l.o.n.g....

Yes, there is progress.  The fireplace is boxed in, the tile in on the hearth (already has a chip in it), and the base cabinets are sort of attached.  We are heading on a road trip to southern Utah for the weekend to meet up with my daughter and adorable grandkids, so I'm REALLY hoping to paint this whole project next week.  I have it off due to spring break and it would be the PERFECT time.  (I'm hoping that the fireplace elves come and finish this project while we are gone)

On Saturday, we'll be celebrating the last of our March birthdays - with our oldest daughter, Anne.  OK - here goes:
March 2 - our anniversary
March 10 - Desi's birthday
March 16 - David's birthday
March 21 - hubby's birthday
March 28 - Amy's birthday
March 31 - Anne's birthday

Only two of us left for the rest of the year - me and our oldest son - Spencer.

Spring has sprung!

I LOVE forsythia.  They grow kind of wild and crazy like they have been stiffled all winter and are ready to show their stuff.  And the color is so vibrant!.  I just have to have some in my house, even though iit is gray, muddy and bits of snow on the ground outside. - Inside, it's spring! (also, my hubby's birthday - Happy Birthday hubby!)

I couldn't wait to cover the thrift store chair I bought last week and wanting to be frugal about it, I slip covered it in a fabric I already had.  I really like it and especially like having the option to change it when I find a good deal on a fabric I REALLY^ like.  I looks even better with a bright pink pillow on it, and after looking at this photo, I realized that I need to paint the legs black. 

I think maybe a fake fur would look fun?

Thrift Store find

My sister and I went antiquing and thrifting on Friday and we both scored!  I found this adorable chair for $15!- and I have plans...

My sister, who happens to be the creative mind behind the darling cookies at 
http://www.randommusingsfrommypov.com/
- nabbed a dresser - (I might have to steal it).  I have plans for that, too!

Do You Do Tofu?

Doesn't this look like the most delicious slab of protein you have ever seen?  I admit it can taste a little off at times - it needs to be crispy and have a delicious sauce surrounding it - then you would fall in love.  But some members of my family haven't caught the vision, so in order to keep peace (at least some SMALL element of peace) - I prepare some meals with tofu AND chicken.

Which side would you serve yourself from?

Remodeling at a snail's pace

Our minor remodel job in our family room is progressing at a s-l-o-w pace - but it is going in the right direction.  Hubby told me that I could get a new sofa - and he gave a a price limit.  I scoured the ads and didn't find anything I liked for the money.  I need to be able to seat at least sixish - and I have eclectic taste - so I don't do matching furniture (sets like sofa, love seat, matching end tables and lamps for $1000). So I searched our classifieds and found what I wanted.  I'm so happy with my purchase, however when I brought home this beauty  - I noticed something I failed to see when I looked at it in the seller's basement - red dye!  Apparently the red throw pillows they had on it previously had bled onto the white leather and now I am trying to remove this stain.  We've searched and tried several suggestions on the web - not much luck.  Any ideas??

A closer look:

I know!  How could I not have seen it?  I'll keep pillows there - but I DO want to remove this stain if at all possible.

Dessert Fit for a King

This weekend hubby was asked to provide dessert for 40 people.  This is what we chose - a recipe from my little sis.  Even though it isn't the most colorful presentation, it makes up for it in flavor.  They are so DELICIOUS!  English Toffee Torte - of course!

There is a double layer of meringue, with whipped cream mixed with crushed English toffee layered in between the meringue.  This is a great make ahead dessert, because it needs to sit at least 12 hours - to allow the meringue to soften and mesh with the cream.  It is pure heaven.

English Toffe Torte


Meringue:
6 egg whites
2 t. vanilla
1/2 t. cream of tartar
dash salt


Mix until soft peaks form, then gradually add 2 c. sugar.
On brown paper bag or brown craft paper, draw two dinner plate size circles.  Spread the mixture in circles and put in 275 degree oven for 60 minutes.  Then let sit in oven, unopened, for 2 hours.


Filling:
2 c. cream
1 t. vanilla
6 Heath bars crushed - or other english toffee pieces


Whip cream and vanilla til soft peaks form.  Fold in candy pieces.


To assemble, place one meringue disk on serving dish.  Spread half of the cream, then other disk and rest of the cream.  Refridgerate about 8 - 12 hours.  (I've even done this 2 days before).  Just cover with plastic wrap so the cream doesn't get weird.


Invite me over so I can make sure you did it correctly!