MNI-UPDATE TO THE LAUNDRY ROOM

I love working on projects with hubby and after doing the mini-update to the mudroom we knew we needed to mosey into the laundry room.  The laundry room, like the mudroom was not bad but we wanted to add some beadboard to the laundry room to tie the two rooms together. We were happy with the outcome and we estimate it cost around $30 today because the clock was not being used and I made the sign out of a piece of scrap wood, etc.

 No beadboard......

Hubby installed the beadboard, the molding and then painted the new molding and beadboard the same color as the molding that is on the bottom. I found a couple of green potted plants (in the garage in a box!) in mossy terra cotta pots to add to the look.

 Removed the old sign and the bulletin board...

While hubby was busy installing the new beadboard, I was making a new laundry room sign.

 Now I will know for sure what time it is when doing laundry!  The clock looks out of scale in the photos but in reality it does not - very hard to take photos in the galley type room.

 The sign was easy - first painted an off white color, let it dry.....

 Then using Annie Sloan color Duck Egg, did the stencil......and painted the stars too (they are metal and were black).....

Using Annie Sloan dark wax on the star on the right, I was able to give an antiqued look to the star and a nice finish.
Out to the shop to sand and give the sign a little antique look and then finally a coat of Annie Sloan's clear wax to give the sign a nice finish. A nice project in less than a day.

Resource

Annie Sloan paint and waxes, at specialty stores & online
All the other items needed to complete this project are to be found at your local hardware/big box store.

Thank you for stopping by.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!

Americans in Strength

by Roger Robicheau 

Americans in strength unite This union born in freedom’s light  United States, how sure we are We’ll pull together, near and far  The world can see of what we’re made Each state is of the highest grade  Determination, filled with pride Our people’s will won’t be denied Our founding fathers set to stay The road we’ve traveled to this day A quest for right cannot be wrong With help from God, we will stay strong  Support our troops ranks number one For the job they do is never done  When forced they put it on the line True patriots, when called they shine  Let’s raise Old Glory with a cheer And thank all soldiers, past and here  Thank you for stopping by.

4TH OF JULY TABLESCAPE AND DINNER

A quiet 4th around here this year. A patriotic tablescape and an easy dinner - the Pacific Northwest has been having record heat so I thought something yummy in the crock pot would keep the kitchen cool.

Red and white checked tablecloth, red charger, some cute dinner and salad plates, patriotic dessert plate - ready for the 4th.

Love the lantern and the ambiance it gives.....

Some more red and two more candles....

And finally I remembered to take out the Mary-Lake Thompson apron and kitchen towel (love her towels) that I bought after the 4th two years ago!!!  That apron is so cute will put the "chef" in the mood to celebrate the 4th!

I am only going to post one recipe for this dinner as I am keeping this pretty simple. The Kitchen Whisperer posted her wonderful recipe for Bacon BBQ Sauce a couple of years ago and it is so worth the effort it takes to make this yummy sauce.  It is good just as a sauce for BBQ, on burgers, etc.  I am going to cut up a pretty good size pork loin for the crock pot, layer a cut up onion and some chopped garlic in the bottom of the pot, add a little chicken broth (and other spices if you like) when it is almost done, drain some of the liquid out of the meat and put in this wonderful sauce - when the pork is falling-apart done I will shred it and add more of the sauce for the sandwiches.

Recipe for the Bacon BBQ Sauce:

Ingredients

Sauce

• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped into 1” pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp garlic, minced
• 4 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1/3 cup whiskey (Jack Daniels) I buy a airline bottle at the liquor store
• 4 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1⁄3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 Tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp espresso powder or 1⁄2 cup strong coffee
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp Spice Rub *See Note

Spice Rub

• 2 Tbsp sea salt
• 1 Tbsp celery salt
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp fresh black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp mustard powder
• 4 Tbsp dark brown sugar

Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over medium heat, and add the bacon.
2. Cook, stirring, until the bacon is browned and crispy.
3. Add the onion, garlic, tomato, and spice mix and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until the onion begins to soften.
4. Add remaining ingredients, and bring to a low simmer.
5. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
6. Remove from the stove and allow to cool.
7. Transfer to a covered container (I prefer glass) and store in the fridge.

Resource

Cream flatware, Pottery Barn
Gingham dessert forks, Target
Silver napkin rings, Nell Hills, Atchison, KS 
Fluted champagne glasses, Ralph Lauren
Red crystal water goblets, Horchow
Red dinner napkins, Bed, Bath & Beyond
Desert plates, Ciroa
Salad & Dinner plates, District 23
Red lacquered chargers, Centrum 
Lantern, Hobby Lobby
Candle Sticks, Oddity Home Seasonal Christmas Decoration White Crackle Ceramic Candle Holder 4.5"x10.75" Pack2

Thank you for stopping by.