Ahhh

We have moved again! This is the 4th place that Harry has lived in his little life. I really do not want to move again for a long long time! I hate moving. I have a lot of cool things that I will be posting soon. Like my colander lamp! My new collection of washboards, and a couple yummy recipes.

I am going to leave you a picture of Harry in his costume. We didn't go trick or treating but I still wanted him to get to dress up.

I love this little man!

Repurposed rake??

When I saw what could be done with a rake, I got excited! I was instantly on a mission to find a rake. Hoping I could go to a local thrift store and pick one up, I was quickly discouraged! No one had rakes! I seriously checked over 10 thrift/antique places in the area and nada!
Well God knew how badly I wanted to do this project, and I was able to get one from a friend of my Grandma's who recently passed away. Sad that I got one from someone who died, but I promise it was put to good use! I know that Mrs. Peggy would have loved what became of her rake, she was quite the crafter herself! So drum roll . . . . what did I make out of an old rake??  

I made a necklace holder!

I bet you didn't know that something that is made to be used out in the yard can actually be used to display some of your favorite jewelry!

Instructions on how to make your own necklace holder

(* you can purchase a rake at Lowes or Home Depot for around or under 10$)

Step 1 - Use a saw to cut off the handle. I had my husband do this with an electric saw because I don't trust myself to make a straight cut. (*make sure your cut doesn't have any rough edges, you may need to take some sand paper to the end)

Step 2 - Spray paint. You do not need to spray paint, if you like the natural color. But I would encourage you to clean it, and maybe take some sandpaper to the rusty spots.

Step 3 - Well you could be done after step 2, but if you want to add some detail to it, you can wrap some ribbon around it, like I did. You could even glue some flowers or other items to it. The possibilities are endless!

Step 4 - To hang it on your wall you can just use a screw , just make sure you tighten the screw after you place the rake up for better stability. (* make sure you hang it somewhere you or someone couldn't trip and hurt themselves. Pretty sure my husband acted out a couple scenarios of tripping and losing an eye... uhh so dramtic!)

Do you have any random items that you have repurposed?

Jen

Co op inspired dinner and dessert

Mmmmm who doesn't love a big plate of hearty spaghetti! I honestly could eat a pasta dish every meal of the day. Love them carbs! But my husband disagrees... but I have to admit if I did eat all the pasta my heart desires, I would probably look like a rigatoni noodle.
Anyways I was able to talk my hubs into a spaghetti dinner. I had a nice bag of fresh organic mushrooms, some kale, and garlic from the co op basket that I needed to use.

So I asked my husband to saute the mushrooms in a white wine, and I cooked up some ground turkey in the garlic. After the mushrooms were complete we used the same pan to cook down the kale. We then let the kale sit in our sauce (jar of hearty veg prego) with the mushrooms and meat so the flavors could mingle. I have nothing against using a jarred sauce, but I always like to add something to it. The end result was a nice hearty spaghetti that I am looking forward to eating for dinner and then for leftovers tomorrow! 2nd day pasta is my favorite!

Okay for dessert, which was actually made by my husband, were Honeyed Apple Bars! He has been wanting to bake something fallish, and since we had a nice bunch of apples he found a way to use them.
Here is the recipe for these yummy bars!



3 simple steps to getting your Honeyed Apple Bars!

Step 1 - Peel and slice your apples

Step 2 - Bake it!

Step 3 - Admire it . . . then EAT it!!

What is a fall treat you like to make?

Jen

Hoot

I am taking longer than I planned with my thrifty repurposing projects. I did finish this little guy the other day , just forgot to share him with you.

When I saw this little guy I knew that I needed to bring him into the Sessions home. He had a lot of potential. He just needed someone to help him shine!


















So with a little washing and some pumpkin orange spray paint, his real potential came through. He will be living up in the kitchen to watch over me when I do my dishes.

Do you have any projects in the works? Or any projects you would like to start?

Get inspired, it is easier than you think!

Jen

Co-op inspired lunch

The other day my awesome friend paid me in organic produce! I wish everyone would do that! Sometimes I think that if we were to go back to the barter system things would shape up in this world. But anyways...

Today for lunch I decided that I wanted to make something different and differently. So I went back in to my pantry/ storage and saw my panini press! I hate when you forget you have treasures like this! So I pulled it out and then went to my fridge. Harrison has been a terrible eater lately, and is it my fault. I have let him become a carb a holic because I have been to lazy and not pushy enough to make him eat his veggies and fruits. Haha I had this great idea that if I made a smoothie he might like it. Well I made an avocado smoothie, which I found to be fabulous, but Harry saw the color and ran into the other room. After forcing  gently coaxing him to try a sip, he made the nastiest gag face ever then said in a pathetic voice "Oh mama no"

Anyhow back to my original reason for writing this, I wanted to share what I made for lunch.

For Harrison -  Grilled Peanut butter, banana, and Nutella Panini

For momma - Grilled Kale, avocado, chicken and colby cheese panini

I actually liked the kale, it has a nice strong spinach like flavor. The only thing I didn't like about it was the tough texture. It was a pain to bite through with out having it slide out of my sandwich. But  I would eat it again.

So if you have a panini press, I would encourage you to take it out and use it. It makes creating a grilled sandwich so much easier.

Yummy
Jen

My little Harrison

Family time at the park

Lately I feel that if I don't edit my pictures then I am putting up junk! Ugh I don't know where I came up with that thought, but today that thought is junk and I am throwing it away. Why would I want to put that pressure on myself! Here are some unedited pics of the park last night! Man O man my little boy is growing up before my eyes. In some of these pictures I swear he got older between shots!

Ahhh how nice to just put up pics and I am done!



Thirtfy finds

Ever since I have moved into this house I have decided that I am going to be repurposing a lot of items instead of buying new. I have also rediscovered that I LOVE going to thrift stores! I forget what great deals can be found! I have hit up a few in the area as well as the "Bargain Barn" where my Grandma lives.

Here are some items that I got for a steal! In the future I will show you how I have repurposed them!!

Goodies list:
2 wine carafes = 2
1 salad dressing maker = 1
2 candle sticks = .50
scrabble game (could have found this cheaper) = 6
Wood crate = 3
4 mini cookie sheets = 3
owl trivet = 1
recipe box (full of recipes!) = 1
expandable rack = .75
drawer organizer = .50
metal tin = .25
_________________________
Grand total              19!

I am excited to have some projects to work on! I will keep you updated with the before and after projects as well.

Fun times ahead!!

Jen

Weekly food: Spiced banana oat muffins - My revamped recipe

Okay I am under going a revamp, in my house, my mind, my blog, and my kitchen. I need to add some excitement into my life and when I am in the midst of projects or cooking I feel. . . EXCITED! First of all because I am creating something for my family, but also because I am using talents that Yahwah has given me! We can give Him glory by just doing what we are made to do! Being the best Wife, mom, and woman is what I plan on doing.

So for my first new and improved blog, I will teach you how to make some scrumptious and healthy muffins.

Spiced banana oat muffins

 Makes 12 muffins:


4 really ripe bananas ( I used frozen bananas)
1/2 cup sugar
1 beaten egg
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
( to make healthier add 1 cup shredded very finely carrots, just make sure you squeeze extra liquid out of them.)

 Mash the bananas and mix with sugar and butter. Add the egg. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Slowly add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and combine. Pour into a muffin tin, only 2/3rds and sprinkle with some dark brown sugar and oats.

Bake at 350* for about 20 minutes. (Depending on your oven you may need to cook a little longer, just make sure your toothpick comes out dry!)


Then enjoy as your house will smell amazing!

But are they good?? Lets just ask a highly certified food critic!



Harrison my super picky food critic




Here goes nothing!




This isn't looking good for the baker . . . me




Taking a second bite




Testing it out on his taste buds




Thinking of how to break it to me


 

Have fun creating!

Jen



Weekend with Leelee

Harry seeing Leelee up on the slide

Leelee giving me a silly smile

Harry was loving his ice cream!

His new cheeser face!

Harry trying to get Leelee, she is a little bit faster than him!

I see you!

Trying to get up to see Mama.

Yes, my little crazy girl!

She was in her own little world

Lee's was trying to wipe sand off Harry's cheek. So sweet

She couldn't help herself, she had to kiss him because he was being such a good boy.

Love <3

Daddy's little boy

Walking looking for shells

We had a fun weekend, and it is always great when we can visit with our little Leelee.