Thrift Store Challenge: Rustic Bench

I was so excited about this month’s Thrift Store Challenge because I was able to find something I’ve been wanting for ages- the perfect outside, multi-purpose bench. The only problem? The one I found was super ugly. When I spotted it at one of my favorite local thrift stores, I wasn’t even sure it was…

Thrift Store Challenge: Father’s Day Gift

I’m a firm believer that a simple coat of spray paint can work miracles. As with my Clearance Challenge a few weeks ago, all it took for this challenge was a bit of Rusoleum Metallic Spray Paint to turn my trash to treasure. With Father’s Day just a few weeks away, my eyes have been…

Clearance Challenge: Owl Fern Holder

While I’m not really one to limit myself to a particular “theme” for a room, my daughter’s bedroom has, by default, ended up with a bit of a “woodland creatures” theme. We call her Bunny (no one knows why, it just came out one day when she was a baby, and it stuck) so I…

Thrift Store Challenge: Brass Antique Lamp

As with the Clearance Challenge I participated in a few weeks ago, when I was asked to join in the fun of a Thrift Store Challenge, I did quite the happy dance. For nearly everything in my house is thrifted. I pride myself on telling visitors who compliment something in my home how little it…

Spicy Noodle Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce

I’ve been making this dish for as long as I can remember. To be honest, I don’t even recall where the recipe or idea came from, it’s such a peculiar blend of ingredients. I will say, though, that it is a fan favorite. It is one of my husband’s top requests. In fact, this very…

Clearance Challenge: Rustic Initial Picture Frame

When I was asked by a fellow blogger/Instagram friend to participate in a Blogger’s Clearance Challenge, I was beyond excited! The rules were simple- spend less than $15 at any retail store’s clearance section, and create something beautiful from your purchase. As an avid clearance section shopper, this challenge felt like it was made for…

Picnic Pinwheel Sandwiches

Throughout most of my growing up, my dad was (still is) very involved in politics. Because of this, my parents hosted and attended many, many events to which I was usually (hesitantly) brought along. I don’t remember much about the boring politics or fancy people, but I remember the food. Of course I remember the…

Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies

My husband isn’t big on desserts. I know. I don’t get it, either. It breaks my heart, actually, because I love to bake, but when the finished product is ready (and nowadays, blogged about and photographed), I’m left with a huge dessert that no one will eat but me and the kids. And I only…

DIY Lazy Susan

I made the Lazy Susan pictured on the cover of this post ages ago. It has become the literal centerpiece of all of our family meals, crayon and play-doh time, serious discussions, and not-so-serious cookie making. It has witnessed fights, uncontrollable laughter, countless deep (and sometime stupid) conversations, kisses, hugs, tears, and so much delicious…

Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders

If you’ve followed me for long enough, you’ll know that I’m a very sentimental person, full of precious memories, and thriving on the sweet attachments I share with my loved ones. Many, many of my recipes fall under the wing of my sentimentality, memories of particular dishes being prepared by my favorite people. It’s truly…