tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49735809486940963002012-02-07T10:11:15.583-08:00Home Decor on a Budget and other fun stuff! Follow me as I transform our long awaited-for home sweet home!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.comBlogger2401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-46714645123926215602012-01-10T15:11:00.000-08:002012-01-10T15:11:14.586-08:00

Well this new year, I have a (finally...love that word don't I?) my kitchen back. Last post, I told you about our slab leak, then the flooring had to be replaced, the cabinets/counters put back together. By Christmas it still was not complete because we sprung ANOTHER leak. Luckily, the plumbers were able to repair that one by going through an outside wall... Well we are DONE and I am LOVING the

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-32777815827180760172011-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:002011-12-11T09:20:07.074-08:00

Well, my beautiful kitchen...the only spot in the house that was pretty much done.. the one me and hubs redid from the ground up 2 years ago when we moved in here (see posts here and here) now looks like this: Leak...slab leak...broken pipe....jackhammers...plumbers....ruined floor.... Everything had to be removed and now I am sort of shell shocked trying to decide which contractors will

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-13458874976365460082011-11-19T13:19:00.000-08:002011-11-19T13:19:16.002-08:00

Censational Girl has a great link to all the parties that are, or will be, happening around blogland. Check it out here. So far, Holiday Happenings aren't happening here .... A pipe burst in the House Finally kitchen. My floor is half torn up. My cabinets have to be removed on Monday. I have 3 huge R2D2 looking dehumidifiers drying up what they can running 24/7 in my (formally) lovely kitchen.

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-19104669032892996472011-11-18T13:46:00.000-08:002011-11-19T10:49:33.700-08:00

We had 3 months to plan my daughter's Quinceanera-15th Birthday Party from the time she sprung it on us ("I want to have a Quince for my birthday") to when her Bday was (more here). It turned out great, and although people can spend a fortune on these, like a "Super Sweet 16", but even worse. The dress alone can cost thousands. Also, I got to live out my dreams of doing a "DIY" wedding (mine)

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-42661646285935344182011-10-08T19:29:00.000-07:002011-10-08T19:29:51.597-07:00

A typical Quince dress...no this isn't my girl My daughter is half Italian (me) and half hispanic (Mexican/Salvadoran blended Hubs). This year, she tells me she wants a Quince (Keen-Say) for her 15th birthday. A Quinceanera is like a sweet 16 but at 15. For hispanics, its a very big deal. Almost like a debutante coming-out party, a girl-to-woman ritual type affair with close ties to the

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-76792163626042902752011-09-26T14:50:00.000-07:002011-09-26T14:50:56.191-07:00

I was 22 years old and in Italy, alone. I was on a college tour, and had lost my passport in Rome. So the tour had to move on and I had to stay an extra day in Rome (downright awful, right?) to get my new passport. I was taking a train (I forget where, I think it was to meet up with the tour in Florence) but it was late in the day and I was starving, and broke. You see along with my passport, my

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-12389246228326057442011-09-23T16:02:00.000-07:002011-09-23T16:02:21.444-07:00

Like my arrangement? Courtesy of my trip today to the L.A. Flower District. It was A-Maze-ing! Not much I can say that will outdo the pictures I took, though, so enjoy. My friend and I went on a Friday morning. They are open 3am to noon. We had great parking karma so we got a curbside spot and had the best time. Located off Wall Street in downtown L.A. We were overwhelmed by the variety and

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-20618741766441951192011-09-19T09:17:00.000-07:002011-09-19T09:17:32.074-07:00

I can NOT belive my last post was way back in July. I have been very bad about blogging this summer. Basically, this was my summer: After a very promising initial growth spurt, my tomatoes, zucchini, and tomatillo just stopped producing. The tomato leaves turned brown, and the tomatoes were small and dry. Except for a few heirloom "Indian Reds" and my cherry tomatoes, it was a bust. My basil

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-38385661813520282172011-07-30T08:34:00.000-07:002011-07-30T08:34:52.230-07:00

Here in S. California, we had a (so far) mild summer. I just harvested my first tomatoes! They are gorgeous! Our Early Girls: Make it a Great Day! Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-50668561887127128552011-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:002011-07-27T20:36:05.148-07:00

Ah, summer..time to work in the garden. I have several areas I need to address: 1. Dead grass under the trees in the backyard. I am thinking: pea-gravel. 2. Bare spots in the shade and in my flower borders: Impatiens in various colors 3. UGLY hose: Hose holders? Plus I want more color. First I thought I wanted all white flowers with touches of blue and purple. But recently, on my morning

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-66274331277400579522011-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:002011-07-14T15:27:58.071-07:00

Thse guys find your plant no matter what! They are HUGE and eat the stems and the leaves and the fruit! UGH! The guy at top (who was later eliminated by my boy) was found when I noticed holy leaves, little black poopies on the leaves, and tiny translucent eggs left on the leaves. They are hard to find, you really have to look closely. Here's a great link that tells you more: Yardener Info on

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-45322652829202681572011-07-07T17:32:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:47:38.055-07:00

Oh my goodness, what a start to the summer.... I was fine, and then: BOOM! Without warning, or knowledge of any injury, my back went out and I was in pain 24/7 for the past 3 weeks. So much so I could not SIT for any length of time. I could barely get in and out of the car. I had to sleep with a pillow under my knees and flat on my back and it was excrutiating to get out of bed in the morning!

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-63388333937142869262011-06-26T19:05:00.000-07:002011-06-26T19:05:31.997-07:00

Hop on over to Modern Country and see what's cooking at this fun party: See you there. I will be linking up some of my posts about my own kitchen reno. My fave spot in the kitchen Our kitchen as it looked when we first moved in Before... New lights I just rounded up all the kitchen pictures on my blog here. Make it a Great Day! Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-21606263578837560352011-06-20T20:02:00.001-07:002011-06-20T20:02:05.348-07:00

Adrianna's Rich Room by AnnHouseFinally on Polyvore.comSteppe Queen Bed$1,299 - crateandbarrel.comTufted Velvet Round Ottoman, Pink - Chairs and Ottomans - Cost Plus...$80 - worldmarket.comFlounce Ruffle Stripe Curtain$49 - urbanoutfitters.comLarge white ornate frame | DeSerres$75 - deserres.caBijoux-Dots Pillow Cover | west elmwestelm.comBarneys New York Wildcat Print 18" Pillow$195 -

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-46238533697684551762011-06-17T08:19:00.000-07:002011-06-17T08:19:26.767-07:00

I have been looking forever for a mirror for my fireplace. I really wanted one of these quartrefoil mirrors  but my HomeGoods and Lowes never have it. I've seen one like it around Blogland found at Target too, but alas, they  must have been all gone. It's OK too because I am in super-cheap Dave Ramsey mode and don't want to spent a dime on anything I don't have to right now. Enter: Big Lots...

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-70373608638599888212011-06-08T17:25:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:25:50.951-07:00

I wanted some of those cute fabric orbs to fill my wire basket....but I am simply too cheap creative to just go out and buy some. Sooo, of course I check your ideas in blogland...and found this great project that uses fabric scraps and newspaper, a little twine and maybe some tape!(A kitten helper won't hurt either) It literally took 5 minutes. Here's what I did: Gather some newspaper and

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-70249327591585442752011-06-04T13:42:00.000-07:002011-06-04T13:42:34.697-07:00

I guess I can call myself a recovering control freak. Not the sort who is bossy and mean (at least not usually). The sort who never wants anyone to be unhappy. So she goes around soothing hurts, shushing insults, making excuses for people and generally orchestrating peace accords. It is not too difficult mending my ways. I read somewhere it is a disrespect to the very people we try to protect

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-12517161245091101642011-06-01T09:59:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:59:40.036-07:00

Daughter wants purple, daughter gets purple. Bella's room, BEFORE Disclaimer: Please bear with me ,as my camera s**ks and was running out of battery as I rushed to snap the "afters". I will update this post as soon as I get new better pics to post, but I wanted to get this posted already as peeeps were asking to see the purple. AFTER: Sorry the bed is unmade and the room is tiny so it is hard

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-69158583895641250462011-05-28T10:08:00.000-07:002011-05-28T10:11:22.938-07:00

I admire so many different styles, often ones that clash, that its hard sometimes for me to see the forest through the trees. I know what I DON'T want more than what I Do, that's for sure. Our Family Room For example, I do not like, what my daugher likes to call "Old Lady-ish"...everything matchy-matchy, chintz patterns, too-formal looking stuff. Booooring! I often ask her opinion (she's 10

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-9726010273655033142011-05-26T14:39:00.000-07:002011-05-27T21:26:00.514-07:00

I had been saving these salsa, tomato sauce, and pickle jars thinking I would turn them into cute outdoor lanterns with tea candles in them. But I needed wire, and rocks or sand for the bottom, and I didn't want to spend a dime, so.... I had some chalkboard paint from my recent cupboard door to chalkboard project. And I always have twine.... Here's how I did it: Soaked the labels off

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-92178020163352235632011-05-23T19:16:00.000-07:002011-05-28T07:44:45.714-07:00

As you know, I have tried to update my house using very little money. Zero if possible. Here's where we started: I decided to glaze my orange oaky vanity, with a dark brown glaze(Behr, Espresso). I have had this itty bitty can 2 years now and have used it over and over again...a little goes a long way. I sanded very lazily lightly.... Applied the glaze with a brush Then waited for it to dry

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-22759234540568192632011-05-21T10:20:00.000-07:002011-05-21T10:20:38.804-07:00

Since purchasing Trader Joe's Lemon Curd and  Mark and Peter's Strawberry-Mango Jam I have been plotting and planning to make my favorite scone recipe. All week I have been thwarted by business alternating with laziness. This morning I just uttered the words "Maybe" and  "Scones", and my son badgered me until I relented. I let him do all the messy stuff. I use Nigella's recipe "Lily's Scones"

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-90720512703166792172011-05-17T19:24:00.000-07:002011-05-17T19:24:27.841-07:00

I'm trying to decide if this is a Do or Don't in my garden. We drink our share of wine, and I thought this might look cute, and add some personality to our little garden. What do you think?  via davesgarden.com   Paloma Chaffinch  Make it a Great Day! Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-66568171064978644502011-05-14T10:50:00.000-07:002011-05-14T10:52:54.234-07:00

OK, people. I always try to comment on as many blogs as I can. When I go to blog parties, and click on a link, even if the post wasn't what I thought it would be, I always, always make a friendly comment. (OK, I confess, if it already has a millionteen comments, sometimes I won't. But if you've got like 2 comments, or NO comments, I always do.) But. People, word verification is obnoxious.

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-90897399031500102902011-05-13T19:06:00.000-07:002011-05-13T19:06:08.140-07:00

For the longest time, this event has been on my bucket list. Today I went! I was told beforehand that this house "wasn't one of the grandest" and wasn't as "impressive" as some past homes. I asked what's the square footage? 7000 square feet! Wow, that alone impresses me, no worries there :) Well, it was gorgeous. Built in 1920 and designed by Paul Williams, a very prominent California

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-31633144193523565402011-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:002011-05-04T14:01:04.241-07:00

A delicious, weight-watcher friendly lunch today... Ingredients: Ricotta, Olive Oil, Sara Lee Sandwich Thins, a red ripe tomato, arugula, salt and pepper Toast the bread. Add the ricotta and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Now add sliced tomato and pile arugula on top of that. Salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil--that's it! It's really good...and as Lawrence Sanders would say: "An eat over

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-54458414846203777092011-05-02T18:41:00.000-07:002011-05-02T18:41:35.398-07:00

I have always admired the stories about Victory Gardens in WW2 era... To me its very inspirational for my own, smallish-space....  via casasugar  I admit I really don't know facts about how they became popular, just that it was considered your "patriotic duty" to plant  a garden to be more self-sufficient in times of great sacrifice.. like no pantyhose and stuff like that. We have had

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-7921133701070820182011-04-26T10:30:00.000-07:002011-04-26T10:30:32.492-07:00

I don't normally do movie reviews on this blog, but have you seen Country Strong? Gwenneth Paltrow does an admirable job as Kelly Carlson, a tortured-artist type country singer-songwriter. She has a really good voice! There is some great music in the movie and the story is pretty darn good. It's very "A Star is Born"-like. Tim McGraw is good too, but doesn't sing. The 2 up and coming "starlets

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-2736321188112916452011-04-24T07:20:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:20:53.012-07:00

A Re-Post worth sharing today: It isn't Easter for me without these: Being Italian and raised Catholic you have to have Easter Pie on Easter. My family makes 2 pies: Sweet Pie and Meat Pie. They are made only at Easter time. The Sweet Pie is made with a special crust called "pasta frolla", it is rich with eggs, lightly sweet, and I like to add a little grated orange peel. (This dough makes

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-46280641353941934352011-04-23T11:28:00.000-07:002011-04-25T11:32:51.649-07:00

Just a fun trip down Before and After memory lane. Yup I guess I have done a lot... Kitchen.... still more to do, but so far: Before  After  Before After looks good even with a sinkful!      Craigslist Chairs:  Before  After  Family Room/Den: Before   After Living Room Before     After   After    After  Projects:

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-11959317782132957082011-04-22T14:34:00.000-07:002011-04-22T14:34:18.471-07:00

I saw these are immediately and shamelessly fell in love...  via TheodoreAlexander   I am a HUGE fan of stripes...for everything...clothing, rugs, fabric, and now, furniture. I already have taupe-y toned striped curtains in my DR, so I am hoping this won't be too nuts... I am seriously thinking re-doing my black mirror and a side table in the stripes, as above. My intended victims:

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-44229840909720358412011-04-21T14:00:00.000-07:002011-04-21T14:00:14.893-07:00

OK, people, you must try this recipe....so delicious..... You will find the recipe for Chocolate Covered Toffee Matzo here. And it's EASY...oh, yes dangerous! RECIPE:1/2 lb matzos 1/2 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 8 ounces chocolate chips Directions: 1 Line a cookie sheet with foil and lay matzo on pan. 2 Melt brown sugar with butter in saucepan; boil until mixture coats a spoon. 3 Pour 

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-74842686195562735952011-04-20T07:39:00.000-07:002011-04-20T09:39:54.157-07:00

Epic Fail already on my Master Bath Re-Do (read about the 3 phase plan here) All fired up, I took the doors off the vanity..... I Couldn't Wait (now there's a clue to what went wrong!) so I decided to "test" the product on one dooor.  I didn't have "Espresso" but I did have "Antique Walnut"... I was trying to not buy anything...use what I already have... My island of mis-tint paints... They

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-81005469802846534842011-04-19T11:20:00.000-07:002011-04-19T11:20:57.366-07:00

As it often happens in homeownerville, things just occur and cause a chain reaction... That plan you had to re-do the master bedroom, then the master bath, changes when the leak under the master vanity opens an opportunity to you: Wow, maybe I should redo the bathroom NOW... The Master Bath will be a 2 or 3 phase plan. I do not have the budget to completely redo and expand it like I really want.

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-89958870635731460902011-04-16T15:18:00.000-07:002011-04-16T15:18:41.770-07:00

My kids can seriously eat spaghetti almost every day. It can get boring for adult palates so when I boil a pot of spaghetti for the kiddoes, I like to get creative. I make me and hubs something a little more sophisticated at the same time. The kids get their beloved spaghetti sauce, while the adults get a more complex dish. I came up with this because I had one of those giant Costco packs of

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-77293473848224947552011-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:002011-04-14T07:25:12.227-07:00

Well, Master Bedroom, your close-up is coming up. We redid the kitchen first.... Before the backsplash after backsplash completed Then painted the downstairs bathroom vanity to make it look nice for company... Spruced up the living room and dining room... here's one furniture arrangement.... currently...but it can easily change when the mood strikes. We were inspired to fix the

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-89350766729449898662011-04-13T09:34:00.000-07:002011-04-13T09:34:18.115-07:00

Recently, just before the devastating Earthquake in Japan, my daughter and I discovered Marukai Japanese Market here in L.A--West Covina to be exact. We had a wonderful time (blog post here) and picked up great grocery items and more. We loved all the colorful graphics of the packaging and even the store circular, so I decided to use them on a FREE Zero-Dollar project. Here is the project:

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-16935320925856356532011-04-12T07:41:00.000-07:002011-04-12T07:41:18.570-07:00

This is so simple I hesitated to blog about it. But here goes.... Just bake a White or Yellow Cake in a 9" round pan. (We added some red food coloring to keep things interesting...) Meanwhile, make the marinated strawberries (this idea is particularly good when the strawberries are not as sweet as you'd like) Marinated Strawberries1 pint fresh berries, sliced2 tablespoons orange juice1 

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-62620110812044706202011-04-10T18:29:00.000-07:002011-04-10T18:32:59.561-07:00

Oh my! These came out sooo cute! And free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had these cabinets fronts from my big fat kitchen makeover when we first moved here (long story, here it is if you're interested) Now I wish I'd saved ALL the fronts--they really are pretty all redone up! My daughter and I got to work... We painted one orange, for my daughter, and one green--well for me, wasn't sure where I'd put

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-46749370672009094612011-04-10T14:12:00.000-07:002011-04-10T14:12:33.810-07:00

Sometimes, inspiration is just a few pushes of furniture around the corner. I was getting kinda tired of the furntiure arrangement in my living room. I have tried it every which way, it is a very long and nwrrow space that connects to the dining room. There's always a big empty space between the LR and DR that the kids use a space to wrestle n stuff. I thought I might take advantage of that

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-14345694493345657752011-04-08T13:38:00.000-07:002011-04-08T13:38:10.703-07:00

I am not kidding you this is so delicious--for a light supper, lunch or brunch. I wanted to take advantage of these AWESOME FARM EGGS we bought on our trip this week to Santa Ynez, CA. We bought them at a roadside organic farm stand up there. I bought them because they were BEAUTIFUL...a light blue-green color shell. The ended up being dark yellow-orange yolky eggs that were sooo good.... Ok,

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-42467029358485191432011-04-06T09:41:00.000-07:002011-04-06T09:41:15.745-07:00

Winery Tour Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys It is just gorgeous up there and here are the links to our fave places. Of course, allow 2- 2 1/2 hours drive time from L.A., once you get to Ventura its a breeze and an absolutely beautiful drive up. Just go 210 to 134 to 101 all the way. Avoid rush hour through Santa Barbara (there and back-- never plan on driving thru Santa Barbara or the

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-63595994484150720582011-03-30T11:35:00.000-07:002011-03-30T13:21:45.212-07:00

Sometimes I just think of a theme and google it on "images". Today I typed in: Serene Bedrooms and here are some of the lovely results that came back. Enjoy! from Freshome from hotelthailand.com Sunset  apartmenttherapy   decorpad  hgtv terrysfabrics.uk Make it a Great Day!Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-90790921822038690642011-03-25T20:35:00.000-07:002011-03-25T20:35:29.217-07:00

This is so delicious. Even the non-fish eaters like it. It's hearty, yet light. I buy my salmon at Costco or Sam's and its a huge boneless filet that feeds a crowd-- or a family, with leftovers! I serve any leftovers, cold, with a remoulade sauce--or if I'm really lazy, just a dollop of plain mayonnaise. Heavenly. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with foil.

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-19486642308783812972011-03-25T08:15:00.000-07:002011-03-25T08:15:57.981-07:00

Ugh--- I am so tired of this Rain already! I honestly can't remember this much rain in SoCal as long as I have lived here. At first it was novel... ooo, a rainy day! How cozy! But now the magic has worn off. I can't even get motivated to do my indoor projects--and I have several lined up. soggy backyard Everything is soggy, I can't wear my Ugg boots, and its just depressing. We Southern

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-62780621035732126272011-03-22T11:38:00.000-07:002011-03-22T11:38:59.098-07:00

courtesy of pietown.com Like many, I enjoy watching House Hunters on HGTV. But sometimes it can be incredibly annoying. Is it just me, but do some of those couples seem incredibly naive? Maybe the producers make them clueless on purpose? For example, they walk in and the first thing they comment on is the light fixture. I mean, seriously, what house hunter is looking at the light fixture

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-52763077154315987662011-03-21T16:39:00.000-07:002011-03-21T16:39:51.178-07:00

Time for another Easy Weeknight Dinner! This is great when its cold and rainy, as it is here in sunny southern California today. We've had a LOT of rain this winter. I used fresh Thyme, as it is back in my garden. I love it. But you can use any fresh herb: basil, cilantro, parsley, even a little sage. Chicken and Corn Chowder 2-3 large boneless chicken breasts, quartered 1 medium yellow

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-49845422929867206542011-03-20T10:16:00.000-07:002011-03-20T10:16:37.501-07:00

Supermoon, March 19, 2011 Yes it was brighter than the streetlights! Were you able to see it where you are? We had some low clouds here in Los Angeles, so I didn't actually see it while it was at the horizon. I am sure it was spectacular. I drove out 3 times to find a good spot and didn't see it rising up until well after 8pm...but there it was. Darn, I wish I had a better camera! Make it

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-45300923136412786042011-03-19T12:44:00.000-07:002011-03-19T12:44:10.773-07:00

Well, they really aren't flatbread...or pizza, really. What I did was top 2 halves of a giant ciabatta bread I bought at Sams (MembersMark Rosemary-Garlic Ciabatta) with cheese and stuff I had in the fridge and pantry. Then slavered the entire mess in good California Olive Oil and baked the bejeezus out of it at 425 degrees until it was melty, crunchy and delicious. Here is what I used, but feel

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-3776434156048119812011-03-18T14:11:00.000-07:002011-03-18T14:11:01.073-07:00

Here's just a few of my favorite things. I either use them all the time, or when I look at them I smile inside. My Birch butcherblock countertops, courtesy of Ikea My favorite piece of pottery...a Roseville vase with a hairline crack in the neck, but who cares?   The granite slab on my kitchen island. Anyone know what kind it is? I bought it as a remnant--I love its translucence and that

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-28726122885478831242011-03-17T11:51:00.000-07:002011-03-17T11:51:25.860-07:00

Happy St. Patty's!! These are growing in my backyard...so appropriate! Here's my St. Patty's Day Corned Beef Sammich. I've never really been successful at making a boiled dinner. Just not in my genes, I guess! But I do loves me a corned beef sandwich. So this is what I did! Made me some cole slaw: fresh cabbage, mayo, vinegar and splenda topped with a few poppy seeds Mixed up some russian

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-78094672330956277732011-03-16T10:03:00.000-07:002011-03-16T10:03:05.736-07:00

Ahhh...what a difference lighting makes! My kitchen was 90% done, but still had the hideous flourescent lighting.... But, No More! Yesterday we had 4 LED lights put in, and the effct is tremendous! The lights make verything look so much more upscale. Now, to decide on the style of the ceiling.... painted? Or white? Molding? White? Dark? Double? Help me decide!Make it a Great Day!Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-56147139683648092692011-03-14T11:12:00.000-07:002011-03-14T11:14:07.765-07:00

Last week I finally got my tax prep stuff ready to take to the accountant. All I could think when the total was added was: Where did the money we made go? I mean, bills, yes, but the rest of it? Sweating, I added up a typical month of "misc" expenses: Walgreens, Target, BigLots, Homegoods, Kohls. Not pretty. Not pretty at all.  Let's just say, a European vacation could have been had if that money

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-73811888002794331672011-03-10T11:45:00.000-08:002011-03-10T11:45:50.392-08:00

Driving around my neighborhood, I notice the darndest things. I grew up in New York, and even though I have been out west nearly 35 years, I still get a thrill when I see a citrus tree dripping with lemons, oranges or limes in someone's yard. I guess its still foreign to me.  I've seen bananas, mangoes, of course because its SoCal, avocadoes, and lots of other fruits. Sometimes I ask the person

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-34762563603060814392011-03-07T18:05:00.000-08:002011-03-07T18:05:54.606-08:00

First Monday each month,  Homemaker on a Dime helps you to meet excellent bloggers and increase your followers in the process. It's easy to join - just whip up a post and include the party button in the post then link up and start following other bloggers in the party so they can follow you, too. Doesn't this sound fun? Hey check out all of SJ's blog posts there, its full of fantastic and

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-20067986879159746622011-03-04T11:40:00.000-08:002011-03-07T12:26:52.083-08:00

Remember I posted about the Latin Grocery?(here) Well, today daughter 2 and I traveled to Japan.  We were looking for unusual Asian fruit (yeah I am weird that way) and just like the adventure of looking in foreign grocery stores and markets I guess. Went to one I'd been to before, sort of a pacific-Asian / Filipino place, with seafood, all sorts of strange frozen confections, including "

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-5975459807151086492011-03-03T07:57:00.000-08:002011-03-03T08:02:46.584-08:00

Just look at this gorgeous guy I discovered struttin' his stuff all over the neighborhood! I was having a frustrating day, and lo and behold, there he was in all his glory as I walked past. Went right up to him, he didn't seem to mind, in fact he turned around and showed me a 360 degree view... just beautiful. There were some pea-hens hanging around, I am sure this is why he was so gloriously

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-30891365135279690282011-02-28T10:13:00.000-08:002011-03-08T19:33:03.644-08:00

mmm... in all its gooey, cheesy glory... I assembled 2 large pans of this lasagna in less than10 minutes. I am not kidding. An hour in the oven and it was done. NO BOILING....one pan...and you use regular noodles that you can find anywhere. In fact, the store brand noodles work best, as they are generally softer in texture which works perfectly for this method.  Just for the record, I am 100%

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-69857964411565296292011-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:002011-02-23T09:51:32.922-08:00

I was reading through this past week's SNS special feature on bulletin boards. An easy, cheap, very useful project and yes I have made a few! Here they mine.......... Here's one I fashioned from an old gold frame, which I spray painted in "Grape" and some leftover black and white outdoor fabric and ribbon. Here's a $3.00 Homegoods clearance find...just added new ribbon to update it and some

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-27017952603375210282011-02-18T09:40:00.000-08:002011-02-28T11:16:52.022-08:00

It started like this when we first moved in  I mean, can it be any more boring? Good points: its a big, neutral space, and the kitchen is adjacent as one great open space. We needed a sofa desperately, and found this one. In choosing this sectional, I thought I was solving two major problems: need for seating, and filling up the space. I realized after it was there a few months that I should have

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-55560058083812915252011-02-17T12:19:00.000-08:002011-02-17T12:19:51.209-08:00

Longaberger headquarters in Newark, Ohio Yup.. I am a total basket case when it comes to baskets. I have many, in every room in the house, for may tasks. I am always on the look out for abandoned Longaberger Baskets at yard sales and thrift stores, but so far no luck. Someday. I do have great luck finding all kinds of baskets for a song. I usually do not spend more than 50 cents on any basket

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-91262076108014714652011-02-07T19:13:00.000-08:002011-02-07T19:13:15.407-08:00

Comfort or Intimidation? source: Gunkleman Magazine photos often make me swoon.... but are they conducive to having fun? Do they scare away guests or invite them in? I had to ask myself this question this weekend as I was cleaning up for a party-get together with friends. My kitchen is the place in my home where everyone congregates. Its big, but not huge. I was trying to find a way to make my

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-42257590825827298242011-01-31T15:43:00.000-08:002011-01-31T15:43:58.168-08:00

Confession time: I am obsessed with the Pillsbury Bake-Off. Became even MORE obsessed after I read Ellie Mathews memoir about wining the Million Dollar Grand Prize in 1998.... its a terrific read and I re-read it every Bake-Off year to get motivated. Here was a home cook, who entered a few recipes, and won the jackpot with a delicious, simple to prepare, healthy chicken recipe. Check her out

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-22340901775562601602011-01-30T10:34:00.000-08:002011-01-30T10:34:11.989-08:00

Now I have halfway finished daughter #2 bedroom, and daughter # 1 reminded me I never finished hers--started months ago! I think I have decorator's ADD... I really need to learn to finish something before I start on another.... Here's #1 daughter's room progress so far: Here's the Before-right after we moved in--the room's tiny so its almost impossible to get a wide shot I gathered these

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-84987922125571223692011-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:002011-01-27T12:08:07.213-08:00

Did you see Nate's show on, was it Tuesday? with Carson Kressley? I find him adorable and so funny. But the point I got was when Nate said: "Use all silver frames for a more cohesive look...get rid of the Worlds Best Mom frame and use a silver frame instead."   Looks good--photo courtesy of Pottery Barn  I was waaay ahead of you, Nate. The other day I was forgaging through Home Goods (

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-17620883299520082992011-01-26T14:11:00.000-08:002011-01-26T14:11:32.538-08:00

I am embarking on a fact-finding mission about brown walls. Just one wall. The rest white. Come along with me as I look for inspiration. The room is: a. small b. tween's bedroom c. has carpet in a taupe color d. needs some kind of focal point. I did buy a can of "oops" paint at Lowes yesterday for 5.00. But the boss-lady doesn't like it. So I may have to drop another 20.00 on a custom mixed can

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-12168876325757206562011-01-23T11:27:00.000-08:002011-01-23T11:27:00.204-08:00

Lately I have been obsessed with finding the right color scheme for the exterior of my house. Right now, pretty sad. Here's my before--there's no After, yet!! I love the combo of a gray, like a dove gray, and a dark mushroom and white-ish trim. LOVE this color scheme Then I saw this color combo with a PLUM/AUBERGINE door. Crazy? Yeah.... but it looks so good on the chip. Right now my door

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-56418836267122960702011-01-16T09:12:00.000-08:002011-01-16T09:12:37.096-08:00

Let me just say, I love the look of white. White kitchens, white walls, white sofas. When I see a picture in a magazine featuring white rooms, I swoon over them. But, having my house finally... a house where I really am allowing my decorating obsessions take flight, I tried, and I failed, at having that all-white and neutral look. It flopped almost from the get go. When we bought the house, I

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-51117618515732674392011-01-11T11:30:00.000-08:002011-01-11T11:32:06.651-08:00

Seems like lately when I go thrifting, these little side tables are a dime a dozen. Well, I finally got around to at least starting to make these guys over. I orginally posted about them here...way back last April !! They've been sitting in my garage since then. I'm so glad I finally did these--it feels good to stop procrastinating and just do something! Here's the first one, a little forlorn

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-67996316215522458872011-01-09T15:44:00.000-08:002011-01-09T15:44:03.903-08:00

Well, I haven't shared this yet with my blogger world, but we were in the running to win a 25K house makeover from TLC of their new show "Our House" and be on the TV show.  I found out about the casting requirements through CG and applied right away. I was so excited when we were contacted shortly after I sent the email entry. The requirements were we had to be located in metro L.A. (check) own

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-88532705819830650862011-01-08T08:58:00.000-08:002012-01-10T15:14:28.003-08:00

I've been looking through everyone's "Best of 2010" parties and Linkys and I tell you, they are amazing! Check out my total faves which I will borrow for my home(hopefully)! Closet Redo:at KeepHomeSimple Glass Side and Top Lights: (Diane at In My Own Style)  Master Bath by Expanding adjacent closet:Here at Memoirs of a Wanna Be Gypsy Under Stairs Wine Storage: (from Photobucket)

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-21617792730108297962011-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:002011-01-06T14:42:26.965-08:00

Most recent pic of my kitchen--hubs recently put up the pendant. Keep going for the Before..... My Kitchen After is "before" the final backsplash..see below In the bottom 2 photos you can see the final backsplash More kitchen photos because I lurrrve my kitchen--we removed that peninsula to create the island. This is before we completed backsplash and took down the vertical blinds...

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-4286023520079379602011-01-06T07:14:00.000-08:002011-01-06T07:17:03.034-08:00

OK, here goes..my New Years Resolutions for 2011 1. OK, no I'm not going to say "lose 25 lbs" this time. I WILL resolve to: Love my body even if I don't lose the 25 lbs. 2. Bring my reusable bags INTO the grocery store  (I will keep them in my car at the ready) 3. Stick to my budget and... 4. Save for my trip to Hawaii and... 5. GO to Hawaii with hubs and kids 6. ReDo the kitchen

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-51726628799184653562011-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:002011-01-04T18:41:47.359-08:00

We had these lovely little morsels for New Years day, I used pre-made pie dough and rotisserie chicken from Sams...they were a huge hit. you can deep fry them in a fryer for 3 mins till the crust is browned--or bake them in a 400 oven for 10 mins. Either way, they are great warm or room temp. The kids love em. Yup, even the Picky ones. Chicken Empanadas 2 Ways Morrocan "B'Styeeya"  and 

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-73222389591358222132011-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:002011-01-04T10:55:01.961-08:00

or...How to Use Ingredients from Your Cupboard to stop ant trails... or...How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ants (no, not really...) OK, warning for the queamish people who do not like looking at ants..I have pictures, OK? How did I spend my first weekday of 2011?...Observing, cursing, researching, and murdering ants.  It all started the day before, we both noticed, my hubs and I,

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-78370840371035955252011-01-03T15:47:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:47:01.639-08:00

Well, one year later, the backsplash is really complete. If you'll remember, we stopped halfway up the wall..which was really dumb...but we were at a standstill not knowing how to deal with the outlets. BEFORE: Well, I found a perfect mosaic glass tile at Home Depot, it came in big squares and we just cut it into 4 strips. I love the colors, it blends in all the elements of the kitchen- dark

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-10726913631146701252010-12-27T14:07:00.000-08:002010-12-27T14:07:11.142-08:00

Hope your Christmas was everything you wished for! We had 22 for dinner-- it was beautiful to have everyone at the table together. I pushed together 3 tables so everyone could fit. We had a wonderful Christmas. family, friends, wine, food, presents--what more could you ask for? Happy New Year! Make it a Great Day!Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-25227379959574160702010-12-21T09:56:00.000-08:002010-12-21T09:56:56.376-08:00

You know, the mess thats left after cooking Christmas dinner? Clean it 1-2-3 with this great method! Using all natural houshold ingredients! Have about 1 cup boiling water, a few tablespoons of white vinegar, and baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda on the mess, now add the vinegar right on top: let this sit a few minutes. It will bubble up. Now top with the boiling water (be careful not to

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-24656060115382568012010-12-20T16:29:00.000-08:002010-12-20T16:29:47.339-08:00

Here's a fun gift to make, kids can help too. My neighbor showed me how to do it. They are so delicious, sweet and salty. This year at Sam's I found this: Its a meltable chocolate bar and it was sooo easy.  I just laid out the pretzels (also found at Sam's, about 6.00 for a HUGE 6.5 lb bag) then melted the chocolate, first regular, then white.... and just went to town drizzling. Even though

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-18026398269234311312010-12-19T12:22:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:22:38.058-08:00

Have been holed up now for almost 48 hours, baking, baking and more baking! I love it. It is raining, which makes it even better (although sometimes harder for baking, in terms of rising in the oven and moisture content, this year it seems ok) I have made:Italian Tri Color cookies (recipe here)Biscotti: Chocolate-Almond, Chocolate-Chocolate Chip, Lemon Sugar. Lemon-Ginger (a new variety this

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-1870452512096763782010-12-14T18:00:00.000-08:002010-12-14T18:00:45.573-08:00

Oops, I did it again. Every year, around October,  I say: "This year we are taking a family photo at the beach. We will all wear jeans and white shirts and be barefoot, frolicking in the surf. It will be our Christmas Card!" I usually give up after Thanksgiving, when I realize it ain't gonna happen. This year, we got close. Real close. I brought the camera to the beach. The sun was shining. It

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-72752314468752956942010-12-10T09:10:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:10:14.768-08:00

  Growing up in New York, and on top of that Italian, there's no way it was Christmas without a huge platter of cookies from the Italian Bakery. These TriColors were always the favorite and went the fastest.When we moved away from Brooklyn, sure we could find ones that looked like these, but never tasted as good as the Brooklyn ones.When the family moved to out west, fuhgetabbowtit...no more

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-87599546366422601212010-11-30T15:09:00.000-08:002010-12-03T14:44:12.361-08:00

I just couldn't wait one stinkin' second longer-- my WHITE Christmas tree, scored at Kohl's 80% off sale last year, was waiting all this time to be freed. My idea was at first White with Blue...but that was before we bought a GREEN sofa--so I think we'll just stay white, silver, and a touch of black accents...." "I keep trying to go Blue--but Green keeps pullin' me back IN" I used my old

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-1086868977987706762010-11-29T15:47:00.000-08:002010-11-29T15:47:37.115-08:00

Fall is our most elusive season in my opinion in Southern California. It's still well over 100 degrees in October, and its not unusual for it to be in the 90's on Thanksgiving Day. Some years are wet, but mostly its dry and hot until--snap! there's a day where it suddenly feels crisp and clear, feels like fall,  and the few trees that change color here--birch, liquid ambar and ginkoes --are

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-88863422148686918332010-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-25T08:00:59.345-08:00

Read the story of the first Thanksgiving Herehttp://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~marisachen/The%20History%20of%20Thanksgiving.html  

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-58952783189833238982010-11-23T16:16:00.000-08:002010-11-23T16:21:25.597-08:00

This is  between a spoon bread and a cornbread. A great take along dish for potlucks. It soooo easy to make. NO eggs, no mixer...no weird ingredients. I originally made Paula Deen's Corn casserole, just tweaked it the next time-- omitted the cheese for one, and made it with a touch of sweetness. I subbed Fresh or frozen corn kernels instead of canned creamed corn (never been a fan). If you like 

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-79126661446359529682010-11-22T07:17:00.000-08:002010-11-22T07:17:15.948-08:00

Lazy Sunday today, thought I'd explore a little on my own. About 3 miles or so from my house in suburban L.A., I drove up to Glendora foothills, and found some homegrown persimmons, pomegranates, and avocados at old fashioned roadside stands. The persimmon guy said he's been putting a sign out for the past 50 years! His tree was huge and so beuatiful! As I looked around, I got a glimpse of what

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-77881137506503486992010-11-16T06:51:00.000-08:002010-11-16T08:44:16.219-08:00

OK, This is the best home made Mac and Cheese. No, really. It is rich, creamy, has a crunchy topping, baked all warm and gooey. I have adapted it from a Martha Stewart recipe. She adds pecorino romano to the sauce, black pepper and cayenne, I do not, among other changes... . Have 45 minutes to do this. I get the water boiling and cook the pasta while I prepare the sauce. Speeds things up.

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-59192294463727095812010-11-15T13:54:00.000-08:002010-11-15T13:54:34.216-08:00

Here I posted about how out of control my clutter was getting.   Here's a few before and afters---several more areas to go!Ugh--office supplies Before:  And After:  I moved this entire set-up out--this is my Living Room--the computer went to the  kitchen desk, and here's what is in that Living Room space now: (Un) Control Center Before:  After, ahhhh:Lazy susan cabinet Before:  And After:Area

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-26844011643776191732010-11-14T08:54:00.000-08:002010-11-14T08:54:07.198-08:00

OK, I am on a roll-- hubs been helping me get this done for my Pampered Chef party--nothing like a party to motivate to finish those pesky projects!  Well I have a 113" long window in my living room which is a bear to figure out-- its too big for one blind, and previously (for about 1 year) had horrific vertical blinds (see before pic, below) as the ugly but functional (kept out heat, light,

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-19530088648909446122010-11-12T08:03:00.000-08:002010-11-16T07:02:50.287-08:00

It took ALL DAY, but we are done! They turned out pretty much how I envisioned (see my post about my window treatment inspirations here)  It took forever to get these ideas into action, but I am so glad I did it! Here's the before: Here's the AFTER: Ready for a close up: My sources for materials were: Ikea, curtain rods, Overstock for the Bali Rattan Blinds, and WalMart for the Better

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-34668818957821685392010-11-10T06:19:00.000-08:002010-11-10T06:20:10.942-08:00

Here's some extremely embarrassing photos of what lies beneath.... my cupboards, my closets, and my drawers...ugh! I am committing to tackle at least 1 area per day until I get some must-needed control over the clutter. You KNOW its bad when you have to RE-Purchase the tape because you can not find where you put the rolls you bought last week...mkay: Do I really need 2 fruit bowls?? OK, its

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-55963943982782470632010-11-09T13:11:00.000-08:002010-11-09T13:11:57.671-08:00

This is what I accomplished today: I actually put all my mustards next to each other on the same shelf...:) Made the top shelf higher to make room to stand up the Perrier bottles Room for my Ginormous jar of Jalapenos...and more bottled waters under the deli drawer too! No, I did not take a "before" since this was a spur of the moment organization...you know when you open the fridge/

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-63604816431338158972010-11-08T08:42:00.000-08:002010-11-08T08:42:26.511-08:00

Ahhhh....here's some more-- (you can see where my minds been lately, right?) Make it a Great Day!Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-57312924927011900972010-11-04T16:13:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:13:35.537-07:00

I want a master bath ...like these!!!! I would take any one of them!

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-61802255933356710552010-11-01T07:59:00.000-07:002010-11-01T07:59:22.660-07:00

The kids are struggling to wake up; last night they nary ate sup;It was all a blur;Candy wrappers all astir;Now its time to recover;And eat vegetables until there's another..... Hope you had a great Halloween! Make it a Great Day!Ann

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-13019829448399824052010-10-31T15:30:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:30:41.453-07:00

Have a safe and Happy Halloween

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-78224536535699806132010-10-30T07:00:00.000-07:002010-10-30T07:00:55.989-07:00

Ever get an itch to buy something-- this happens to me mostly whilst browsing Overstock for something "practical"-- and then you buy it (damn you, Bill Me Later) and realize when it arrives you have absolutely no place, or use for it? Case in point: The Ottomans. I fell in LOVE with these, hard............(mine happen to be apple green-but they are the same) But what I really needed was this

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-2678696829415930412010-10-27T10:43:00.000-07:002010-10-27T10:43:08.094-07:00

For an Easy Weeknight Dinner, tonight I did my Mock Thanksgiving.... its basically chicken breasts (instead of turkey--although you certainly can use turkey breast for this) I basically gather up all the ingredients, and go to town, making all of them at once practically. Its like Rachel Ray gone mad, I tell you! Your kitchen will smell amazing and all the family will come in and want to know:

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973580948694096300.post-22437953326167659292010-10-26T09:06:00.000-07:002010-10-26T11:46:29.419-07:00

Remember I was looking for a new look for my ugly fireplace? Its one of my main design dilemmas in this house. Here's the post where I originally shouted out for help. It still looks the same, almost a year later. You all had great ideas, like tiling, tearing out rock, and hiring a contractor. But I need quick, and cheap free. (I'm totally on Dave Ramsey's "be cheep" plan, so I like free

Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051141273164126419noreply@blogger.com0