On the Lookout!

We recently went on a lonnnnngg road trip back to Illinois.  While we were in Iowa, we went to a really neat place called Amana Colonies.  There is a total of 6 little communities that were settled back in the 1800's and set up as a religious colony where everyone lived communally.  They had to abandon the whole idea in the 1930's because the young people started to move away.  What is left now is this charming rural community and a really, really beautiful 'downtown'.

THE LOOKOUT...

See the neat vintage metal bread box on the stool?  Well, dummy me I thought that is so cute, I should probably get one for the deck and plant something gorgeous in it.  But I didn't even look at the price tag.  So the rest of the trip was spent looking for one just like it.  Anyway, I would even be happy with a repro - so I'll keep my eyes open.

Move Over Martha!

                   Cute Invites                  
Our Homemaking Leader must make Martha jealous.  Her ideas have a definite 'look' to them and are so cute.




     "Find your wings and Fly"


                                                                                                                   
We held a special night to honor our outgoing young women and incoming Relief Society Members.  There were 4 girls (one of which couldn't be there).

 Cute aprons don't you think?  They were made of tea towels from Marshalls and Tuesday Morning.

Notice the cute trims to embellish the towels

 Naked tea towels - in their "before" state           

 

 Her jar-o-trims



 While we watched food demos, the 3 senior girls made these cupcake garlands.  She found most of the liners at Michaels and are of varying sizes.

Can't you imagine these for a girly birthday party?  Notice how every once in awhile you insert a doilie and also how some of the liners are inverted.  She uses bakers twine and a large eye needle to string them.

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We saw food demonstrations, the cupcake garland, the tea towel aprons and a professional housecleaner gave us some wonderful cleaning tips using stuff you would have on hand.

A fun and informative evening - and I think the girls felt special!

BBQ Pork Chops

I get tired of the same ol BBQ recipies so this one caught my eye. I've made it several times and although the ings. are simple, it really tastes good. Try it on steaks too.

In case you can't read the teeny, tiny print, here is the recipe;

1 c. mayonnaise
2 T. lime juice
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 t. chipotle chili powder (I have substituted chili powder)
8 pork chops

Blend first five ings. Reserve 1/2 cup; set aside. Grill or broil pork, brushing with 1/2 cup mixture, until done. Serve with reserved 1/2 cup.

A Beautiful Day!

We decided to take a Sunday walk and I thought I would take you along with us...



This is one of my favorite homes in the main part of town.  Farmington was settled by Mormon pioneers and some of the homes are still occupied.  This one used to be a hotel.

 I have always liked this house but it used to be painted yellow and was so much prettier, I think.

 I wanted you to see this fence.  It's just an ordinary wooden fence but I thought the way they drilled the holes in the tops was unique.

 There is a trail that runs along the back side of our local amusement park.  They have a small zoo and these buffalo are some of the residents.

 Along the trail...

This used to be a 'salt box' but they since added the porch and the garage addition.  Beautiful! 

 Used to be the city hall years ago, but is now a museum.

 I just love our mountains!

 And our sunsets!

Bedroom Makeover-Finally Finished - Almost!!

At least the painting is done. I still need new curtains - actually curtains, period would be nice since we have only had blinds up for awhile now!

Now, for the before and afters...

BEFORE

AFTER


BEFORE -CLOSET


AFTER
(I could only take this picture before we uglied it up with those pesky clothes and shoes!)
note the new fixture - I have the matching flush mount for the bathroom, just haven't hung it yet.




Decided I wanted hooks instead of racks. The beadboard is new.






BEFORE (those are paint samples on the wall)







AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER (spray painted rustic bronze)

BEFORE

AFTER (I found the pretty tray at Home Goods. It is to corral my perfume bottles - problem is, I can't find them now. I put them somewhere - but don't ask me where. I've turned the house upside down. I guess my family will know what to buy me for my birthday for the next couple of years!

BEFORE

AFTER

(as you can see the long wall is not finished. I'm waiting for my 'inhouse carpenter' to put up some wood paneling.)

I can't say that I like painting, in fact, I can say I pretty much hate it. But I do like the feeling of accomplishment when it's done and the crisp, clean look it gives a room.