Texas Cottage

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake

2012-03-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

The last couple of years, I've made an all Irish dinner on St. Patrick's Day. This year, March 17 is the date of a shower at our house for our oldest son and his fiancée. We'll be serving barbecue, so I thought I would make something a little earlier.

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake

1 cup chopped nuts

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix

1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

4 eggs

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream

Glaze:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup water

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over bottom of pan.

In a large bowl of electric mixer, combine cake mix and pudding mix. Mix in eggs, 1/4 cup water, oil, and 3/4 cup Irish Cream. Beat for 5 minutes on medium-high speed. Pour batter over nuts in pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan. While the cake is cooling, make the glaze (recipe below).

With a fork, prick holes in top of cake and pour half the glaze over cake. After glaze soaks into cake, invert cake onto a serving platter and pour remaining glaze over cake. Let cool completely before serving.

Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine butter, 1/4 cup water, and sugar. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup Irish Cream.

Printable version

Don't wait for St. Patrick's Day to try this cake. It's delicious anytime of the year. The glaze is also yummy on vanilla ice cream!

Project: Entry Hall Bench

2012-02-29T00:00:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, I told you about the beadboard in our newly remodeled guest bathroom. After I painted the MDF, it started bowing out in several spots. It was no longer attached to the wall. Turns out the beadboard was not glued correctly. Instead of squirting a little glue on the board, the glue should have been spread on the entire wall. So, the workmen are back this week ripping out the (painted) beadboard, and replacing it with pine plank paneling. It looks the same, but it's slightly thicker and much sturdier. That means priming and more painting. I'm feeling the stress!

To deal with this stress, I distressed this bench. I painted it before the bathroom fiasco started, and Monday, I hauled it outside and started sanding. It looks great, and I feel much better!

Here is what the bench looked like before I painted it. I think I took this photo last spring. Hubby gave me the bench 20 years ago or so, when we first moved into this house.

I lightly sanded it, but left all the dings and scratches from the kids, dogs, and cats. That's what gives it character. I painted it with Martha Stewart paint from Home Depot. I used eggshell finish in Francesca, because I already had a small can from another project.

The Martha Stewart paint is not easy to use. The brush seems to drag, and it drys too fast. To correct this, I added Floetrol to the paint. If you've never used this when painting, you should try it. Floetrol is a latex paint additive that extends the wet edge of the paint and eliminates brush and roller marks. It doesn't change the paint color. I used a roller on the seat and the back, and to keep the bow and ribbon detail, I used a light touch.

I used a 150 grit sanding sponge around the edges to give it a worn, distressed look. I'll live with this a couple days, and decide if I want to do a little more distressing.

All it needs now is a coat of clear satin enamel. My favorite is the Valspar spray from Lowe's. I'll drag the bench back outside again as soon as we have a day that doesn't look like rain.

Before After

What do you think? Should I distress the bench a little more?

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Making and Keeping with a Cleaning Schedule

2012-02-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

I don't like to clean house. I love a clean house, but I just don't like to clean. I'd rather be reading, blogging, cooking, gardening, sewing, or crafting. Growing up my mother had a cleaning lady come every two weeks. She was a stay-at-home mom who was lucky enough to be able to hire some help. With my three older brothers, she needed all the help she could get.

While I was working as a teacher, raising two boys, and helping Hubby with his business, I also had a lady come in every other week. Now that I'm working at home, I clean the house myself. In order to get it done without procrastinating, I had to create a schedule for myself. I guess, as a teacher, I'm used to schedules.

I used to clean the house all in one day. That made for a very long day, and I dreaded when cleaning day rolled around each week. When I decided to split up the cleaning chores, I was much happier, and my house was cleaner. Now I spend less time cleaning, because I can quickly finish my chores for the day and have time to do what I enjoy.

Daily: Make bed. Wash dishes. Wipe off kitchen and bathroom counters and shower door. Pick up clutter. Dust mop kitchen and den.

Monday: Wash sheets, towels, and bath rugs.
This is also my day to do all my personal and business paperwork (pay bills, file, invoices, etc.).

Tuesday: Clean the kitchen.
I clean the sink, counters, and appliances. I check the frig, throw out any old food, and wipe down the shelves. I also run errands and schedule appointments on Tuesday.

Wednesday: Wash clothes. Clean bathrooms.
Today's the day I wash, fold, and put away all the clothes. I've always done laundry in a single day. When I was working, this was done on Saturday.

Thursday: Dust.
I use my swiffer duster on all the furniture, lamps, books, knick-knacks, baseboards, blinds, and fans. I use a furniture polish on the furniture every two weeks. Thursday is also grocery shopping day.

Friday: Sweep. Mop. Vacuum.
I dust mop throughout the week, but this is the day I move furniture and get up all the hidden dust bunnies and dog hair. About once a month, I vacuum under the cushions.

Make a cleaning schedule and use it as a guide. Don't let it keep you from doing things that you enjoy. If a friend calls one morning and wants to meet for lunch, or the kids need your attention, don't worry about your cleaning chores for that day. Leave it for another day or if you can, next week. Just don't make a habit of skipping a chore every week. The idea is to keep up with the cleaning so that no job takes very long to complete.

Gone Fishin' {or not}

2012-02-24T10:19:00.001-06:00

I wish I was fishing! The weather is perfect: high of 66 and sunny! I want to be outside enjoying the spring-like weather, but I'm stuck in the bathroom. I'll be removing tape and painting cabinets. Maybe I'll get outside for a while and finish sanding the cabinet doors.

The guest bathroom remodel is coming along. The walls are painted. Nobody warned me that beadboard takes more time to paint. Yesterday, I put on the first coat. Then last night, Hubby helped me finish the second coat. Making sure the paint gets into all the grooves takes time. If you get too little paint the white shows, and if you get too much, the paint runs down to the bottom. We worked out a plan and painted as a team. Hubby painted the grooves with a brush, and I followed with the roller.

The beadboard looks great, except for one problem. When the workmen installed the beadboard, they didn't glue it in one section. After we painted we noticed a big hump on the wall above the vanity. Needless to say, I was a little irritated! Hubby called the contractor, and the guys are coming back to fix it. He said something about injecting some glue through the board. If that doesn't work, they will remove the beadboard, redo it, and repaint. Well, crap! We have a deadline, people! That's what happens when you hire someone to do the work for you.

What are your plans for the weekend? Are you working on a project or just hanging out? Anyone going fishing?

Looking for Pinspiration

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-06:00

I noticed the other day as I was pinning a room I loved, that I needed to organize my Pinterest boards. When I started pinning a few months ago, I randomly made a few boards to get started. Now some need to be split. For example, my Great Rooms board contains kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and craft rooms. I need to set aside some time (maybe one night while watching TV) to do some online organizing.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you some bathrooms I was using for inspiration in the guest bathroom. I'm not planning on redoing our master bedroom (although I still need to finish the guest bedroom) any time soon, but I thought I would share some bedrooms that I've pinned.

This bedroom is so pretty! Doesn't it look like the perfect guest room? I love the color combination, the beadboard, and the checked pillows and dust ruffle. The vintage bed is wonderful. Makes me want to check out the antique malls.

Source

More aqua, this time paired with a nice neutral. I love the stenciled wall. I've been thinking about trying my hand at stenciling.

Source

Red! It's an unusual color in a bedroom, but it works. I love the buffalo check curtains.

Source

Simple, understated, and very similar to our master bedroom. I love a coverlet on a four-poster bed.

Source

Here's another four-poster bed, this time without a dust ruffle. This room is so clean and uncluttered.


Source

I like this bedroom because it's just slightly masculine. I love the checked pillows, the quilt, and the coverlet.

Source

It's fun looking at Pinterest for inspiration, but now is not the time to become side-tracked. We're still working on the guest bathroom, and we're slowly getting it completed. The ceiling is painted, and I've been sanding the cabinets and cabinet doors. Hopefully, I'll have enough done for an update real soon.

Beef Taco Rice Skillet

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

If you need a fast family dinner here is one that everyone will love. You can make it with what you have on hand. If you don't have any cheese, just leave it out. Make it work for you and your family. I like the idea of using a recipe as a guideline and as inspiration. Make changes that suit you and your situation, or make it exactly as it's printed. It's up to you.

Beef Taco Rice Skillet

1 pound lean ground beef

1 envelope (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup thick-and-chunky salsa

1 cup frozen whole kernel corn

1 1/2 cups uncooked Minute Rice

3/4 cup ( 4 ounces) shredded Mexican blend cheese

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 medium tomato, chopped

sour cream, if desired

extra salsa, if desired

tortilla chips or corn chips, if desired

Cook ground beef in 10-inch skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until brown; drain if needed.

Stir in seasoning mix, water, salsa, and corn. Heat to boiling; stir in rice. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and let stand 8 minutes.

Fluff rice mixture with fork; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

If desired, sprinkle lettuce around edge of skillet; sprinkle tomato in circle next to lettuce. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and chips. Makes 6 servings.

Notes: If you know there will be leftovers, add the lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and extra salsa to the individual servings. Then the leftovers can be easily refrigerated and reheated in the microwave.

Printable version

Linked to:

Chef in Training

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Pound Cake Your Husband Will Love

2012-02-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

I made Hubby one of his favorite desserts for Valentine's Day, pound cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I've made this same pound cake recipe for 35 years. I feel so old when I say that. I never needed to try another recipe because this one is the best. The first time I tried this pound cake was in college. My roommate's mother was the best cook. I loved spending weekends with her family and enjoying small town Texas (especially Friday nights during the fall.) What great memories!

Hubby doesn't go for fancy desserts like soufflés or tortes. He just wants good home-baked desserts. That's what he grew up with. So, if you need a moist, delicious pound cake, this is the one. No need to search any further! It will also make your house smell so good!

Pound Cake

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

pinch salt

3 cups sugar

1 cup butter, at room temperature

5 eggs

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour (or use a baking spray) a tube or Bundt pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg. Alternate the dry ingredients and the milk, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and beat on medium speed until well mixed. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 60-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in cake pan 10 minutes. Invert on serving plate.

Printable version

Since I'm still losing weight (19 pounds so far), I only ate a tiny slice. Yesterday, I cut the remaining cake in serving size pieces and put them in the freezer for Hubby to enjoy later.

Linked to:
Ask Anna
The Gunny Sack
The Girl Creative

Fingerprints on the Fridge

Matt and Kelly's Wedding Shower

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

This spring is going to be busy, busy, busy! Between now and May, we have several showers, two rehearsal dinners, and two weddings.The first wedding is April 14, when our oldest son, Taylor is marrying Jennifer. Then on May 5, our nephew, Matt, is marrying Kelly. The shower last Sunday was for Matt and Kelly.

The couples shower was at my brother and sister-in-law's house (Matt's parents). It was given by Janet and Karen (Matt's other aunts), myself, and my daughter-in-law, Rebecca. We had such fun planning and shopping for the shower. The stories I could tell you about our shopping excursions! We always manage to cause trouble wherever we go.

The shower theme was "It started with a kiss" and was inspired by the invitations. Aren't they cute?

The dessert table was decorated in peach and ivory.

I bought the initials at Michael's, painted them with peach paint, and stenciled with a pearl white.

I love the peach colored roses for the table.

For favors, we put Hershey kisses in the plastic hearts, wrapped them in peach tulle, and tied them with personalized ribbon.

In order to get more on the table, place boxes or books under the tablecloth.

Simple white lanterns make pretty table decorations.

Another vignette on the buffet.

Of course, Matt and Kelly had to play the Nearlywed Game. This is their reaction when asked where they went on their first date.

Here is their reaction when asked where they had their first kiss. Well, they were in college.

Do I need to say any more?

In keeping with the shower theme, I ordered the vinyl lettering from Personal Creations.

Everyone had the best time, and Matt and Kelly are the sweetest couple. They are perfect for each other!

Next shower is March 17 at our house. It's western-themed, which is perfect for the Texas Cottage!

Simple Fruit Dip

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

I was right, we didn't get much work done on the guest bathroom this weekend, but we had a great time at Matt (our nephew) and Kelly's wedding shower! I'll post photos later this week.

Here is one of the recipes from the shower. It's so simple to make. There are only two ingredients!

Fruit Dip

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme

Mix the ingredients in a bowl, until well blended. Serve with fresh fruit such as apple slices, strawberries, and grapes. Refrigerate leftover dip.

Yum! I love serving fresh fruit as a healthy alternative to cake. This creamy dip gives you just a little something for the sweet tooth.

Linked to:

Domesblissity

Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Something Swanky

Somewhat Simple

House of Hepworths

This Chick Cooks
Polka Dots on Parade
Ginger Snap Crafts
Lil' Luna
Chef in Training

The Girl Creative

The Gunny Sack

An Original Belle

Guest Bathroom {Update One}

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

A lot of progress has been made on the guest bathroom in just one week. Looks like I'll be painting next week!

Before

Last Friday was Day 1 in the bathroom remodel. The workmen demoed the tub, surrounding tile, the toilet, the floor, and the fir-down (or fur-down or soffit) over the tub.

Day 1: I didn't know there would be dirt under the tub. Yuck!

On Day 2, Hubby and I went shopping. We picked out faucets, tub, and toilet. I knew I wanted white subway tile, but I hadn't decided on any trim for the tub surround.

Day 3 was more shopping. We decided on the tile for the trim (a travertine mosaic) and the floor tile (beige tumbled travertine). We bought the tub and brought it home. It was so much cheaper buying the tub ourselves at Home Depot than letting the contractor supply it.

Monday was Day 4, and the workmen were back. They took all morning to get the tub set. The one we brought home Sunday (in an unopened box that we had the Home Depot guy get down with the forklift) was cracked. Hubby took it back and brought home a second tub. It was scratched! Finally the third time (tub) was a charm.They began tiling in the afternoon.

Day 4: It's exciting to see the tile on the wall!

Day 5 was a busy day. The crew finished the shower tile and trim, put up all the beadboard, and put down the floor tile.

Day 5: The guys did an amazing job.

On Day 6, they grouted all the tile, sealed all the travertine, put up the molding, and caulked. They were finished with their part of the job.

Day 6: I love the mosaic tile in the niches!

Yesterday was Day 7. Two different guys came with the counter and sinks. They got them installed in no time and put a lot of dust in the air and on the furniture. Good thing I planned on dusting that afternoon.

Day 7: I can't wait to see how it looks after everything is painted!

Now it's time for Hubby to work on the plumbing and electrical stuff. I need to do some sanding and caulking on the cabinets. Then some taping before I start painting next week. I still need to pick out the light fixtures and the mirrors.

I don't know how much we'll get done this weekend. Saturday, I need to get a few things ready for my nephew's wedding shower, and Sunday, we'll spend most of the day busy with the shower. I'll take lots of photos to share next week.

Linked to:
Ask Anna
DIY Showoff
Between Naps on the Porch

The Linky Way to Follow Texas Cottage

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

Google is doing some "spring-cleaning" (their words) and discontinuing Google Friend Connect for non-Blogger users on March 1. After keeping track of my Google "followers" since I started blogging, I'm sorry to see it go. Now if you blog on Blogger, you're fine for now, as far as I know.

Google's idea is to get everyone signed up on Google+. I thought this was great until I started reading about it. I, like so many other bloggers, do not use my last name in my blog. I don't want to embarrass Hubby or the kids! If you sign up for Google+, you have to use your first and last names, or they will kick you out. I heard you can appeal this, but who wants to go through the hassle. So until Google+ accepts blog names, I will not be joining.

As an alternative, I found Linky Followers! You can sign up for free, and you don't even need a blog to do it. I think it's going to be better than Google Friend Connect! Can you tell I'm a little upset with Google right now?

With Linky Followers you can manage your followers, feature a follower, follow all your favorite blogs, and mark your favorites for quick access.

All you have to do is sign up at Linky Followers. It's super simple! You can sign up weather you have a blog or not. Then after you sign-up, please click on the follow me link in the Linky Followers widget in my left sidebar. I don't want to lose any of my wonderful readers!

Note to all non-Blogger bloggers: You will not be able to transfer your Google Friends Connect friends. You will lose them March 1. Join Linky Followers and add the widget to your blog, so your readers can make the switch.

I'll keep you updated as I find out more.

Mod Podge Tutorial

2012-02-06T10:16:00.002-06:00

The guest bathroom redo has begun! The workmen tore out the tub and surrounding tile on Friday. Hubby and I spent part of the weekend shopping for tile, tub, toilet, faucets, etc. We went to Home Depot three times, Lowe's twice, and Floor and Decor twice (and Panera Bread once.) I think I have everything for the bathroom picked out, finally. Hubby did some plumbing for the tub, and some electrical work for a light over the tub. I'll take photos this week while the men are tiling around the tub and the floor, installing the counter and sinks, and putting up the beadboard. I can't wait to show you!

Anywho, I finished this project for the craft room last week. Hubby was able to hang it for me right before the Super Bowl game yesterday. I knew better than to attempt to hang the letters myself. They would not have been level or centered so nicely on the wall.

Materials needed:
MDF letters
Scrapbooking paper
Mod Podge
Craft paint
Foam brush
Paint brush
X-Acto knife
Waxed paper

Place a letter face down on the wrong side of the scrapbooking paper. Carefully cut around it with an X-Acto knife.

Paint the edges of the letter with a craft paint that coordinates with the paper. You don't need to be super neat with this.

Using a foam brush, spread a thin layer of Mod Podge on the letter.

Place the the precut paper on the letter, pressing out all the bubbles and wrinkles. Brush another thin layer of Mod Podge on the top and sides. Place the letter on waxed paper to dry.

Brush on a second coat of Mod Podge when the first is dry. Repeat with the other letters.

I love the pink and green paper! With only guys in the house, I never had a chance to decorate for a girl. This gave me a chance to do something girly girl for a change.

I'm still slowly working on the craft room. I've had a slight delay now with the bathroom remodeling and spiffying up the house for the wedding shower in March. Hopefully after the wedding in April I'll finish decorating it!

Linked to:
Serenity Now
Thirty Handmade Days
Whipperberry
504 Main
Chic on a Shoestring
Teagan's Travels
Rae Gun Ramblings
Created by Cori
Fireflies and Jellybeans
House of Hepworths
Somewhat Simple
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Ginger Snap Crafts
Someday Crafts
Lil' Luna
Tip Junkie
Today's Creative Blog
Home Stories A2Z
Coastal Charm
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

An Original Belle

Ask Anna

Between Naps on the Porch

The Gunny Sack

Using Print Friendly

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

The winner of the UPrinting giveaway is #9, Tanya of Bright Bird Deals. Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who entered!

If you are a regular reader of blogs, I'm sure you've seen it. The small, green Print Friendly button appears at the bottom of many blog posts. This button is free to add to your website, Wordpress blog, or Blogger blog. The Print Friendly website has complete instructions on adding the HTML code to your template.

Even if you don't write a blog, you can still use Print Friendly. Have you ever printed an article to read later, instructions to take with you, or some information to file away for later use? When you print from a webpage, you usually I get pages of ads, links, and other useless information. If you use Print Friendly, you can print only the text you want with or without photos. There are two ways to do this.

Copy the URL of the website, open the Print Friendly website, and paste the URL in the box. Click the print preview button, and you can remove some text and any or all the photos. Then either print, create a PDF, or e-mail the link.

You can also add a Print Friendly bookmark to your Favorites Toolbar on your browser. Then when you want to print from a website, just click on the print friendly button on your toolbar.

It's that simple. There are complete instructions on the Print Friendly website. Here is what my Homemade Sugar Hearts post looks like using Print Friendly.

Print Friendly did not compensate me for this post. I just wanted to share something that makes my life easier!

Chocolate-Fudge Cookie Bites

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

I'm sure most of you have heard of using applesauce as a substitute for oil in cake and cookie recipes in order to cut down on the fat. That's what Weight Watchers did with this cookie recipe. I further modified the recipe by adding instant coffee. A small amount enhances the richness of the chocolate, without giving it a coffee flavor. I keep a small jar of instant coffee with my baking ingredients.

Chocolate-Fudge Cookie Bites

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

3/4 cup sugar

scant 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Place butter, cocoa, and sugar in a medium bowl; beat well with an electric mixer. Add applesauce, vanilla, and dissolved instant coffee; mix to blend. In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into cocoa batter until well blended. Cover bowl and refrigerate cookie dough at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray two cookie sheets with cooking spray. Shape dough into 48 large marble-size balls. Bake until set, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cookies to stand for 1 minute. Remove to wire rack and cool; sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 48 cookies. One cookie: 38 calories and 1.1 grams fat.

Note: The dough is sticky. It is easier to roll the dough in smooth balls if you wash your hands after making 12 or so.

Printable version

I determined the calorie count for the cookies using the recipe calculator at Spark Recipes. It's very user-friendly.

Linked to:
Serenity Now
Whipperberry
Jennifer Cooks
Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Advice Wanted

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

I've decided to redo the guest bathroom before the wedding shower for our oldest son and his fiancée. The shower is March 17, less than 7 weeks away. I know we probably shouldn't take this project on at this time, and no one really cares what the bathroom looks like as long as it's clean, but we're doing it anyway. Let's just say that Hubby is not as excited about it as I am. He knows I can be a little slow making decisions. That's why I need your help.

Our guest bath since the 1980's

We're hiring someone to put in the tub and tile, the countertop and sinks, and the floor. Hubby will do the plumbing and electrical work, and I'll paint.

I've picked white subway tile for the tub/shower, and I've chosen brushed nickel faucets, lighting, and hardware. The sinks will be white porcelain with a beige/brown granite counter. The existing mirror will be trimmed and framed with dark stained wood. All the cabinets and molding will be white.

Source

We have to remove wallpaper, so the walls will probably need some drywall work or at least some texture. I thought we could use beadboard on all the walls. First question: Should I extend the beadboard all the way to the ceiling or stop at chair rail height?

Source

Now for the wall color. I was thinking about painting it a neutral beige and bringing in color with accessories. I'm leaning towards aqua towels and dark brown accessories. Question 2: Do you have a suggestion for the wall color?

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I'm totally stumped on the floor. Last question: What should I use for the floor?

If you have any ideas, please leave a comment. Any suggestions on the walls and the flooring would be greatly appreciated!

Homemade Sugar Hearts

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Yea!! As it nears the end of January, I'm still keeping at least two New Year's resolutions. I think that may be a record for me. I continue to lose weight (15 pounds since November!), and the house is more organized.

Anyway, while cleaning out the kitchen cabinet above the frig (the one I can't reach unless I stand in a chair), I found some old candy molds. I'm not going to tempt myself by making chocolate candy, but when I saw the tiny heart mold, I remembered making homemade sugar hearts years ago for a PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) Valentine tea. I thought I would share these with you. I even got out the good china!

It's so simple. Mix 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons water, and a tiny, tiny amount of gel food coloring in a small bowl. I dip the end of a clean toothpick in the gel (I used Wilton's pink) and then in the sugar. Stir until the food coloring is distributed evenly. It will take 2-3 minutes to get it mixed well. Add one or two drops of water, if needed. It should feel like damp sand.

Spoon the sugar mixture into the mold and press firmly. Brush off the excess sugar, and let dry in mold about 15 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap while you're waiting so it doesn't dry out.

Cut parchment paper slightly larger than the mold, place on top of the mold, and while holding it with one hand, flip the mold over. Set it down on the counter, tap the mold gently, and remove. Let the hearts remain where they fall until they dry and harden. Brush the remaining sugar off the mold, and repeat.

Makes about 75 1-inch hearts.

For a gift, fill a cellophane or organza bag and place in a pretty tea cup.

Linked to:
Fireflies and Jellybeans
House of Hepworths
Somewhat Simple
Created by Cori
Teagan's Travels
Rae Gun Ramblings
Lady Behind the Curtain
This Chick Cooks
Lil' Luna
Sugar and Dots
Ginger Snap Crafts
Someday Crafts
An Original Belle
Crazy for Crust
Chef in Training
Today's Creative Blog
Home Stories A2Z
Ask Anna
The Gunny Sack
The Girl Creative
Between Naps on the Porch
Life Made Lovely

Serenity Now

Thirty Handmade Days

Whipperberry

504 Main
The Shabby Creek Cottage

UPrinting Business Card Giveaway

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

This giveaway has ended. Check back later for more great giveaways!

Do you have a blog? Are you going to a blogging conference this year? Do you own your own business? If you do, then you need business cards.

Since I started blogging last year, I have had numerous occasions when I needed a business card. I'll be talking to someone and, for some reason, the topic of blogs will come up. I mention that I have a blog and give him or her the web address. If they are like me, though, they will forget it one minute later. So, the need for business cards.

Texas Cottage is partnering with UPrinting.com to give away 250 die-cut business cards to one lucky reader. It's very simple to enter. Just read the entry requirements below. If you have a need for more than just business cards, check out the UPrinting website for some awesome products.

Prize Information

250 pcs Die-cut Business Cards for one winner

Choice of:
2 x 3.5" Rounded Corners

2 x 2" Rounded Corners

1.75 x 3.5" Rounded Corners
2 x 3.5" Leaf

2 x 3.5" Rounded one corner

2 x 3.5" Half Circle Side

2 x 3.5" Oval

2.5" Circle
14 pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV)

or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
6 Business Days Turnaround time
Free US shipping only

Entry Requirements

1. Like UPrinting Business Cards Page on Facebook.

2. Tweet about the giveaway.

3. Additional entires
      - Like UPrinting on Facebook.
      - Follow UPrinting on Twitter.
     - Add UPrinting to your Google Plus Circle

**Very Important: Leave a comment for each entry. Just tell me in the comment what you did and include your e-mail address. You may enter up to 5 times. This giveaway will run for one week and end Wednesday, February 1 at 11:59 (CST). The winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail. If you are the winner, please respond to my e-mail within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Restrictions

1. This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18 years old and above.
2. No prize substitutions allowed.
3. Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period.
4. Only email addresses used for the giveaway will be eligible to claim the prize.

Disclaimer
“You should assume that the owner of this blog has received free print products in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions.”

This giveaway has ended. Check back later for more great giveaways!

Sugar-free Apple Berry Galette

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

How was your weekend? Mine was great! I had fun on Saturday (lunch with the ladies and dinner with the family) and got some work done in the yard Sunday. The temps in the 70's made it feel like spring.

I made a galette last week and then again Sunday. It's so simple and the fresh fruit is delicious. Best of all; there is no sugar! I wasn't quite sure what a galette was, so I had to google it. I learned that a galette is a free-form rustic tart. It is French, and can be made from crepes or even buckwheat pancakes. Galettes can be filled with meat, cheese, or fruit.

Sugar-Free Apple Berry Galette

2 large apples

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 cup Truvia natural sweetener

1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust

1 tablespoon butter, cut in small pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Peel and thinly slice apples into a medium size bowl. Stir in lemon zest and juice; set aside.

In large mixing bowl, place strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, salt, cinnamon, cornstarch, and Truvia. Blend together. Gently combine apples with berry mixture; set aside.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Roll out room temperature pie crust on parchment paper. Spoon fruit mixture into center of pie crust, leaving 1 1/2 inch border around edge of crust. Place butter on filling. Gently flip crust edge towards middle, pleating as you fold.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes until crust is golden brown and fruit filling is bubbling. Cool pan on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 8 servings. Each serving has 190 calories.

Printable version

I have another giveaway this week. Don't miss it!

Linked to:

Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Something Swanky

This Chick Cooks

10 Fun Ideas for Valentine's Day

2012-01-18T06:11:00.000-06:00

Now that the kids are grown, I don't really decorate for Valentine's Day. I haven't made Valentine cards in years, and I probably won't this year.

For the next two months I'll be getting this house in shape for a wedding shower for our oldest son and his fiancée. You know how it is. The house is clean enough to have people over right now, but it's not perfect. I have some decluttering and some decorating to do before March 17. I'm trying to decide if I should attempt to remodel the guest bathroom before the shower. It's the only room in the house that hasn't been redone. Should I do it or will it stress me out even more?

So Valentine's Day will probably come and go without much fanfare here at Texas Cottage. Just for fun I browsed through the Better Homes and Gardens website and found some really cute ideas. If you are so inclined, check these out for some inspiration.

I love this heart garland, not to mention the cute headboard.

Wrap candy bars in some pretty paper, and add some embellishments for some fun treats.

Make this heart wreath to slip over a plain candle.

Wrap tiny gift boxes in pretty paper, add ribbon and a charm, and fill with candy. Perfect for party favors .

Make a Valentine card with scratch-off choices. The instructions show how to make the scratch-off paint.

Lots of other card ideas. I love this Tweet Hearts one.

Brownie Trifles!! Do I need to say anything else?

How about Chocolate-Cherry Stack Cake for dessert?

Cover a six-pack of beer with scrapbook paper. What guy wouldn't love that?

For someone who loves vintage, tie an old 45 on a package or box of candy. Even more meaningful if you can find the right song and add a personal photo.

Mediterranean Pita Pizza and Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

There were 128 entries in the $25 Container Store gift card giveaway! According to random.org the winner is #43, Liz! Congratulations, Liz! I'll be sending you an email. Thanks to everyone who entered.

I made these mini pizzas for lunch this weekend. They are quick and easy and make a great light lunch.

Mediterranean Pita Pizzas

6 ounces lean ground beef or lamb

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

2 6-inch whole wheat pita bread rounds

1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded fresh spinach

1 medium tomato, chopped

1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

12 pitted kalamata or ripe olives, quartered

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium nonstick skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until meat is browned; drain off fat. Stir in tomato sauce and rosemary. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes.

Carefully split pita bread rounds in half horizontally; place pita halves, rough sides up, in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Top toasted pita bread with meat mixture; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven. Top with spinach, tomato, feta cheese, and olives. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings. Each pizza has 260 calories, 10 grams fat, and 5 grams fiber.

Note: I used ground beef instead of lamb because it's more available and cheaper. I also used flat bread, and toasted it for 5 minutes before adding the meat and cheese. The flat bread will have more calories than the pita.

Printable version

I love reading your comments, so if you have time, please leave one. I'd love to hear from you if you make these or something similar, especially if you use ground lamb.

Linked to:

The Gunny Sack

The Girl Creative

Between Naps on the Porch

Life Made Lovely

My New Light Box

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

If you haven't entered the giveaway for a $25 Container Store gift card, don't miss the chance. The giveaway closes Saturday evening.

It's always exciting when a box is delivered. At least it is to me. So yesterday when the UPS guy delivered my dented and slightly smushed box from Amazon, I couldn't wait to open it and check it out. I wanted to play with what I bought, but I also wanted to make sure nothing was damaged. Luckily, everything was fine.

Well, I finally bought myself a light box! It's heck taking photos in my house. All the wood absorbs the light and everything has a yellowish tinge. I've seen on several blogs how to make light boxes. I assumed that if bloggers were making their own, they must be expensive. I did a search and found a couple on Amazon that were reasonable. I decided to buy one using some of my earnings from this blog. I told myself I was investing in my business, not just buying a new toy.

I bought the SP200 Photo Studio In a Box. It was only $41.95 for the light box, 4 fabric backgrounds, 2 lights, and a small tripod.

Everything folds up and stores in it's own bag. Instead of having a big box to store, I only have this bag to put away. The only thing it lacked was an instruction manual. I think after more experimentation, I'll figure out the best way to use it.

Here is a straight-out-of- the-camera shot without the light box. I used the natural light from the window and the light over the dining table for illumination.

Here is the shot using the two lights provided with the light box. Again, it's SOOC. I can see some shadows, but I think by adjusting the two lights and adding one above the box, they should be eliminated.

Now the same shot with some editing.

I should have taken some photos of food yesterday, but I hadn't cooked in a couple days and I needed to go to the grocery store. So the next time I cook for the blog, I'll be using the light box for the photos. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

Free help in organizing your home (A giveaway)

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

This giveaway has ended. Keep reading Texas Cottage for more great giveaways!

I'm going to help your organize your home! No, I'm not coming over. I wish I could. I would love to visit with my readers! But I don't really like to fly, and it's too far to drive.

I'm having a giveaway to celebrate ~~500~~ 511 Google Friends! I am so excited about the chance to share a new year with all of you, I'm giving away a $25 gift card to The Container Store. I realized yesterday while purchasing these cute baskets at my too-close, newly-opened Container Store, that I have been there 3 times since the beginning of the year. I could spend hours there!

I just love the colors!

If you are lucky enough to live near a Container Store, you can use the card there. Otherwise, you can use it online.

Here is how to enter the giveaway.

1. Leave a comment. If you can't think of anything to say answer the question, What room in your home needs to be organized?

2. Become a Google Friend and leave a comment telling me you are (or have been).

3. Tell your friends on Facebook about the giveaway (with a link to this post) and leave a comment telling me you did.

4. Tweet about the giveaway (with a link to this post) and leave a comment telling me you did.

Leave a separate comment for each entry. It's important to either leave your email address in your comment or have an email address in Blogger or Google. This way no one is a "no-reply commenter". Everyone can enter up to 4 times.

This giveaway is open until 8:00 pm Saturday, January 14. The winner will be chosen at random, and announced next Monday, January 16.

This giveaway has ended. Keep reading Texas Cottage for more great giveaways!

The Container Store did not pay me or give me the gift card. I just spend way too much money there!

Organizing the Spice Cabinet

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Did you know that being organized can save you money? I like trying different ethnic recipes, so I have a multitude of herbs and spices. My spice cabinet became quite unorganized during all the cooking I did at the end of 2011, starting with 31 Days of Autumn Recipes and continuing through the holidays.

Organizing my spice cabinet was a quick and easy project to get me started on my organizing resolution for 2012. Here is the before photo.

What a mess! I found some old, expired herbs and spices hiding in the back, not to mention several duplicates. Look at how the bottles are facing every which way! This is so unlike me.

I emptied the cabinet and sorted through all the bottles and jars emptying the old ones in the trash. I recycled the plastic bottles, and washed the glass ones to use for craft supplies.

According to McCormick, herbs and spices do not last forever. Here is how long they do last:

ground spices....... 2-3 years
whole spices..........3-4 years
seasoning blends... 1-2 years
herbs.................... 1-3 years
extracts................ 4 years (except pure vanilla which lasts indefinitely)

McCormick even has a spice checker on their website if you have a McCormick product that does not have an expiration date. A couple years ago, I started writing the purchase date on the labels with a permanent marker, so I only had a few whose age was questionable.

I decided to use a small drawer near the stove to store my most used herbs and spices. I bought the 4 ounce glass jars at The Container Store because they fit nicely in the drawer. I washed the jars the day before I used them, so they had time to dry completely.

I used chalkboard labels I won in a giveaway but can be found on Etsy. After I decided which spices I used most often, I filled the jars, wrote the purchase date on the bottom, and added a label.

For the cabinets I bought 3-tiered acrylic organizers at The Container Store so nothing would get lost in the back.

I used the same cabinet for my cooking herbs and spices, but moved the baking spices and extracts closer to my baking center. (Organizing Tip: Store your stuff where you use it.)

You may have noticed in the photo above I have 2 bottles of lemon extract and 2 jars of ginger. Now I can tell at a quick glance what I have on hand, so no more wasted money buying duplicates. Money saved!

Linked to:
Whipperberry
Serenity Now
Organize and Decorate Everything
Sugar and Dots
Ginger Snap Crafts
Lil' Luna
Laugh, Love, and Craft
Home Stories A2Z
Chef in Training
A Bowl Full of Lemons

The DIY Showoff

Between Naps on the Porch

The Girl Creative

The Gunny Sack

Reduced Sugar Banana Bread

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Since many of us made a resolution to lose weight, I'm starting the year with some low-fat and/or reduced sugar recipes.

Hubby loves banana bread, and since I buy bananas weekly to top his breakfast cereal, I usually have some ripe bananas on hand. I decided to try a new banana bread recipe from Truvia. It was sweet, but not too sweet, with just the right amount of banana flavor.

It's worth a try, especially if you are concerned about the amount of sugar in your diet. The recipe does call for a small amount of sugar. I think it ends up being 1 teaspoon per slice (if my math is correct). That's 60% less sugar than regular banana bread!

Reduced Sugar Banana Bread

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 1/2 tablespoons Truvia (or 12 packets Truvia)

4 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (about 2 medium) very ripe bananas, mashed

1/3 cup buttermilk (or 1 teaspoon vinegar added to enough milk to make 1/3 cup)

1 large egg

1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9x5x3 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

Whisk together the flour, Truvia, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

Mix the mashed bananas, buttermilk, egg, butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Lightly fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. The batter will be thick and lumpy. Don't overmix or your bread will be tough.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake about 55 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes; transfer to wire rack.

Cut into 12 slices. Each slice has 130 calories, 6 grams of sugar, 6 grams of fat.

Printable version

Linked to:

Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Fingerprints on the Fridge

Texas Cottage in 2012

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

So, what's in store for Texas Cottage in 2012? I've written about my resolutions for the new year, but didn't really talk about this blog. You probably want to know what's going to happen here this year. When I started blogging in April, I wrote about whatever came to mind. Therefore my posts were on just about anything and everything.

This year, I want to focus more on homemaking (not housekeeping). I define homemaking as the art and practice of transforming a house into a home. (I'm not sure if that is really the definition, I just made it up.) A home is where a family wants to spend time. It's filled with comfortable furniture and comforting smells. A home contains what makes you happy and content. It is clean, organized, and free of clutter.

So to give me a direction, and to give my readers something to look forward to, here are my goals, projects, and ideas for 2012.

1. Organizing
I plan on whipping this house into shape. If I can't find room for something, it's gone! I'll keep you informed of the progress and show before and after photos. My biggest project will be finishing my craft room.

I started small today, by cleaning out my spice cabinet. That post will be coming soon. Some other projects I will be working on this year are organizing the paper clutter, cleaning up the home office, and time management. I'll post tips, hints, and photos as they come up.

2. Decorating
I have a few projects in mind such as the entry hall, the guest bedroom, the master bedroom. Mainly I want to finish decorating the craft room.

3. Remodeling (DIY)
Our last room to remodel is the hall bath. That has to be done this year! I'll share all our successes and failures. I hope there aren't many failures!

Before

4. Cooking and Baking
I'll continue making delicious dinners and desserts. Since I'm trying to lose weight (12 pound loss so far!), I'm going to make low-calorie, low-fat, healthy alternatives to some of our favorites.

5. Crafting and Sewing
I plan on making a few things throughout the year and posting tutorials. If I make everything I have pinned on Pinterest I'll be very busy!

6. Gardening
I'm going to try my hand at raising a few vegetables and herbs again this year. (The only thing I have growing in the garden right now is parsley.) And, I'll be taking photos of flowers and animals in our yard.

7.Cleaning
Of course, we all have to clean, whether we like to or not. I'll share what I've learned over the years to make it easier.

This is not my home.

8. Everything else
My brain never stops. It's full of some useful, but a lot of useless information. So if I go off on a tangent, please forgive me.