Oh the many reasons....

I need a sewing machine.  Seriously, NEED one.  There are so many adorable crafts out there lately that I've fallen in love with (like this scarf, or this rug, or this purse) but can't complete because I lack the most necessary component. 

I do have my mom's old singer from the early 80's... but, really?  It's older than I am.  It has no manual and I'm positive that it's never been tuned up or cleaned.  I'm scared to death of this thing.  It's sitting in front of me right now and it gives me the heeby jeebies just looking at it.  So many parts that I have no clue how to use!  I looked up manuals and they cost $15 from a site that I've never heard of and they don't have any photos of the manual.... maybe a rip off site?  It's just too nerve racking and I would just rather get a new, simple machine.  Sound crazy?  Here, take a look at the monster in my living room.....

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Patina on terracotta pots

I've been thinking for the past 24 hours about how to turn a plain terracotta pot into an aged masterpiece of patina.  You see, my dilemma first arose while looking around at Thompson & Hanson (see photo).  A beautifully aged yet tiny pot, I mean tiny pot, cost $10.25 and the very same pot, minus the patina, cost only 75 cents.  So that would be $9.50 for mold.  FOR MOLD!  So, I've been researching how to age a perfectly new terracotta pot and have found a very simple way to do it.  

Simply, brush plain yogurt onto a pot and let it sit outside in the shade until you get the desired amount of mold.  It may attract ants and other bugs, so set it in an unused part of your yard.  Seriously people, mold is not worth $9.50. Pin It Now!

Thompson & Hanson

Yesterday, my good friend, Ashley, and I spent the afternoon outside at a beautiful oasis in downtown Houston.  Thompson & Hanson is a lovely garden center which also hosts a very delicious cafe called Tiny Boxwoods.  Ashley told me that the cafe is always busy with the "Ladies That Lunch" and she wasn't exaggerating!  This cafe was incredibly busy but I can attest to the reasoning: the food was absolutely superb.  

We probably could have spent a few more hours going through the garden center, looking at all the pretty plants and ingenious designs.  Here's some of our favorites....

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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Oh my.  My best friend from high school emailed me a link, Culinary Concoctions by Peabody, that I think will be the end of me.  Seriously.... this website is going to keep me in the vicious cycle of baking, blogging, eating, baking, blogging, eating.   I may never see the light of day except to run to the grocery store and buy ingredients.  Or maybe I could just call E on his way home.... hmmm.

I'm not joking people, just look at this beautiful creation.  It's a flippin' Cinnamon Roll CHEESECAKE!  Holy moley.  Click on photo to enjoy the original post (trust me, it's very funny).

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Roll Batter:
2/3 cup white sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 egg
½  cup whole milk
1 TBSP vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Cheesecake filling:

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 TBSP vanilla extract
2 TBSP flour
3 eggs

Cinnamon Filling:

1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
3 TBSP cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 TBSP unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 TBSP lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar
milk (if needed to thin frosting)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 9-inch Springform pan.

Cinnamon Roll Batter:
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or hand mixer) cream together the butter and sugar for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Add egg, milk,  and vanilla. Beat for another minute. Scrape down bowl.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine the sifted and creamed ingredients together. Mix on low speed until throughly combined.

Spread half of the batter onto the bottom of the Springform pan. It will be sticky and thick so spray your hands with baking spray and press down. It will be a thin layer, but trust me it will rise up during baking.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

Using a stand mixer (and a clean bowl) fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and sugar for 2 minutes on medium-high speed.

Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition.

Add the vanilla and flour and beat for another minute.

Pour all of the cheesecake batter on top of the cinnamon roll batter that is in the prepared pan.

Cinnamon Filling:

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the entire top of the cheesecake.

Take the rest of the base batter and drop spoonfuls over the entire top of cheesecake. Once finished, take a knife to swirl the ingredients together. This is hard to do as the batter is pretty thick, just do what you can. 

Bake for about 50-55 minutes, cake will be puffy and lightly browned. Let chill for 20 minutes at room temperature and then cover and move to fridge for 4 hours. Remove cake and let it warm up to room temperature just a bit. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Using a stand mixer (and a clean bowl) with paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together for 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and beat until desired consistency is reached. If too thick, thin out with milk.

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Hickory Hard Goods

Today, while reading through my Daily Reads list, I came across a fabulous guest blogger over at You Are My Fave named Liz.  Liz's blog, Say Yes to Hoboken, is such an adorable blog and I have a feeling that it will make it's way onto my Daily Reads list soon.  Needless to say, I've just spent the last half hour browsing through Liz's blog and I found this great company, Hickoree's Hard Goods.  Durable and classic items.

Perfect canvas tote for teaching, gardening, going to the beach, whatever!  $35.00

"Hoof Pick" belt.... I don't think I would be picking hooves, but this belt is gorgeous.  $60.00

 Another great bag!  $87

 Flippin' awesome print!  $425

"#44 of this editioned print now hangs in the Executive Office Building at 

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC."

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It's all about comfort

I went to DSW today to check out the sale racks.... no luck.... but I did spy a pair of shoes that I will be keeping my eye on.  They are Tevas and if you've ever bought a pair of Tevas you know how unbelievably comfortable they are.  I own a couple of their flip flops and I could literally walk in them all day (I used to wear them all the time when I worked in a department store).  They mold to your feet and are so light.

Check out these newly designed wedges from Teva; they are comfortable, light, well made, and look really cute on.  A big upgrade from the flip flops.  Click on the photo to shop Zappos.

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Out and About

Today was my first day of spring break and what a wonderful day it was!  It's about 75 degrees and sunny.  While enjoying the day at one of our outdoor malls, I found an amazing home store called Z Gallery.  I could have spent all day browsing around, looking at all the beautiful things.  Click on the photos below to shop along with me.

P.S. I don't know what's going with my font either and I'm now waving the white flag of defeat.... Blogspot you've outsmarted me again!

 

Caprise Pilla Holders $9.99 (Holy steal of a deal Batman!)

Cyperus Stems, 6 for $23.70 (Z Gallery has some amazing faux flowers)

Sassolino Pillar Holder $39.95

Twig Coat Rack $139 (I'm going to stalk this one for a sale)

Chloe Vases $29.95-49.95

Ceramic Parrot $39.95 (ridiculous and awesome and at the same time)

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Compliment Snaggers

I've been feeling icky lately and nothing seems to be cheering me up.  However, tomorrow I will be subbing for an elementary class and those little kiddos always seem to know just how to make me smile.  Nothing cheers up your whole day better being told that you're pretty, or how much they like your shirt, or your necklace, or your shoes.  Seriously, those cuties are chock full of compliments.  

This is a note that I received from a former student.  He always had a hard time writing, he could never find the right words and would usually never write much. 

This day, however, he found the right words to bring tears to my eyes.

I'm in a rambling mood tonight, apparently.  I really just wanted to show off some ideas for snagging more compliments.  Colorful items are always winners in elementary schools!  Click the photos to see how to make these for yourself.

Alisa Burke

Blue Cricket

Blue Cricket

No Plain Tees - Etsy

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Hair from American Idol

 

Sorry Alex Lambert, I just can't get over it.

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Baked Rigatoni

Here's an easy and tasty recipe to share.  Everything is store bought but when you put it all together and stick it in the oven it tastes very homemade.

Baked Rigatoni

Ingredients

1 box Rigatoni, boiled to "al dente"

2 jars Traditional Pasta Sauce

2 cups Shredded Mozzarella (approximate)

Sweet Italian Sausage, about 3 links, de-skinned

Directions

Heat oven to 350.  Boil pasta to "al dente" and drain.  Brown Italian sausage in skillet, breaking up into small pieces and drain excess fat.  Combine pasta, Italian sausage, both jars of pasta sauce, and most of the shredded mozzarella in large mixing bowl.  Pour into casserole dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella over top.  Bake for 30 minutes or until all mozzarella is melted and filling is bubbling hot.

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Classic Cardigan

A classic cardigan is something that can be worn any time of the year and will go with just about anything in your closet.  I'm currently lacking in this department of my wardrobe and I'd better start looking before everyone starts cranking up their air conditioners here!  Layers are very important when the temps start to rise and businesses go overkill on the coldness.  Bonus: all of these cardigans are on sale!  Click on the photos to shop.

  

Anthropology

J. Crew 

  

Antropology

  

Anthropology

  

Antropology

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Small, Super Cute, Reusable Shopping Bag

I almost forgot to mention the awesome deal that I found at Bath & Body Works.  These little pouches were sitting so cutely in baskets I'll admit, very strategically, by the checkout line.  Impulse shopping?  Why, YES thank you!  These really are so cute, though, you have to admit... and for $2.50 how could you pass up something that fits so snugly in your purse?  This little cutie will work perfectly for those last minute, didn't bring along your normal grocery bags, "I need eggs and shampoo," shopping trips.  No more plastic bags for me!

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Hand Soap

Yesterday I had a little shopping excursion to Bath & Body Works to buy some hand soap.  Even though we are on a very tight budget I allow myself this one little indulgence.  In these days of store brand products and waiting to buy till the sales come back, I still go about every other month to stock up on my Coconut Lime Verbena, Apricot Mint, Rain Kissed Leaves, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Brown Sugar and Fig, Midnight Pomegranate, oh the list goes on and on!  I love these soaps.  Seriously, I can't live without them.  

Do you have anything that you still indulge in?  Please share the items in your house that you can't bare to forgo in these tough times.

 

I have to admit, I was a little put off by the newly designed pump and container.  The look is growing on me but the pump will take some more getting used to; it gets stuck and then when I push down harder it forcefully comes out and squirts soap across the whole sink and on my shirt.  Not very nice.

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Cornbread

I've been sharing this recipe a lot lately and I just now took a glance at the original post on my blog... what a strange layout!  I don't know exactly what I was thinking, but I was definitely not thinking about my readers with such an odd flow of words and photos.  So ladies and gents, I now present to you an updated Cornbread Recipe!

Cornbread
Ingredients
2 boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 box Jiffy Yellow Cake Mix
3 eggs
1 cup milk

1/3 cup oil
cinnamon, for sprinkling

Directions
Preheat oven to 335 degrees F.  In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for cinnamon.  Whisk together by hand until relatively smooth, about 45 seconds.  Pour batter into 9x13, greased pan.  Sprinkle cinnamon on top and swirl in gently using whisk.


Bake for 35 minutes, check with toothpick.

 Delicious, moist, flavorful, and goes with anything!

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And it begins....

Something has been missing in my life over the past few months, that missing piece is gardening.  I absolutely loved my little garden in Michigan and probably became too attached to some of the plants.  I even had a dream last night about going back to my garden and being absolutely heartbroken that the new owner hadn't watered anything for the whole summer.  No flowers, no hostas, no hydrangea... just dirt and twigs.  I woke up very upset.  Yeah, I became way too attached. 

It's about time to start a new garden down here in Texas.  I've been doing some research today to find where to begin this task.  Literally, I know nothing about gardening in Texas!  It's like starting from scratch all over again. 

This is the book I will need:  Neil Perry's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening

This is the place I will go: Montgomery County Master Gardeners Association

And this is the blog where I will get all my ideas:  Donald's Texas Garden

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Faux-Bois Planters

I received a new Living magazine in the mail today, completely out of the blue and unexpected.  I have my sneaking suspicions as to who may have renewed my subscription (thank you, Mami, if it was you).  I love those little surprises that come in the mail!  

I was reading through it this evening, loving all the gorgeous photos and beautifully written articles, when I came across a craft that I am definitely going to do soon. 

Isn't this faux-bois planter the most fantastic thing you've ever seen?  Ok, maybe not the most fantastic, but it's at least up there on your list of awesomely-inexpensive crafts.  It's made by pouring "hypertufa" mixture between two vessels and sitting for a few hours. 

The mixture consists of equal parts perlite, peat moss, Portland cement, and enough water to reach the desired consistency.  So simple!  Click the photo to see detailed instructions on how to make this particular planter.

You could also use two metal mixing bowls of different sizes to form a more modern design.  Click this link to read the history of this craft and for different types of molds. Pin It Now!

Chic Leather Finds

I just found a fellow blogger from my own heart.  The Sale Rack is "a blog about how to save money without compromising your taste or lifestyle."  How fantastic is that?!  Even better is that she offers some giveaways that are chic and usable merchandise.  Her most recent giveaway was from a company called Graphic Image.  I just did some browsing and I love their leather bound items.  Plus, they offer personalization on almost all their products.  Classically chic, perfect!  Click on the images to shop.

 

 

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Seven Daughters wine

I love this wine.  

That's about all I can coherently type out right now.  

Hey, that bottle didn't empty itself last night. Pin It Now!

Cheesecake bites

Could it be?!  Did I just save that hideous excuse for a cheesecake?  Why, yes I did!

Ta-da!  I present to you cheesecake bites with raspberry topping and chocolate accents.  Presentation is everything and I THANK GOD that I own that square serving bowl!  Disappointment averted.

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Cheesecake (maybe?)

I'm scared.  Really scared.  

This cheesecake is ugly as sin and I don't know if I even want to try it.  I'm posting it because this is my very first attempt and I realize that not everything comes out perfectly the first time.  Plus, I learned a lot from this recipe.  I learned that a cheesecake is done when it completely puffs up and will not necessarily be done at the allotted time... this one took an hour longer!  I also learned that poking it every 10 minutes with a toothpick to see if it's done yet (geez!) is not such a good idea.  I completely mutilated this thing!  Hopefully I will have better luck next time.  Try, try again.

For obvious reasons, I am not sharing this recipe at this time because I SO did not do it justice.  I'll keep you updated when I find a recipe that works for me.

Update I made this particular cheesecake for a dinner party that I'm going to tonight and I've been completely spastic, thinking and stressing about this flippin' dessert!  I actually went out and bought some raspberries for a glaze/topping after researching some recipes.  So I came home, cooked up some topping, poured it onto the cheesecake.  Then I did more research, found out that you shouldn't pour the topping on while it's still hot (which I did!) and that you shouldn't pour it on until you are ready to serve it or it will get soggy(I poured it on at least 3 hours before serving).  I completely FREAKED out and decided to just scrap the whole idea and make brownies.  But before scrapping it, I took one little slice out to try.  Wouldn't ya know, it tastes great and I devoured the whole slice!  That's what ya get for freakin' out.  Geez Louise.   Pin It Now!