New stuff from Old things

Recently we started painting to update our humble dwelling.  We are going from Americana to more muted shades of patina blue, brick red and mustard gold.  Changing the colors up means all the little embellishments need some updating.  I got ready with some scrapbook paper and Mod Podge...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I first covered the old pieces with a quick coat of off white paint then got to work covering up the old stripes and stars with new paper.

Finally the finished products hanging from the shelf pegs....

The wall color looks very blue in these pictures but it is more like the patina on old copper.  It sure was more fun to make something old into something new...plus it was very easy with Mod Podge!

Time to Get Blogging

Life has gotten so busy that I haven't blog since February!!!  I need to remedy that situation.  I am off to download some photos and get blogging again.  I hope to start posting on a regular basis again.  I am gathering my thoughts and hope to come up with some subjects you will find interesting!  Stop by later for a post or two!

I Love Mod Podge

I absolutely love Mod Podge!!!  It is easy to work with and very versatile.  I would like to show you what I have been working on.  I had a jewelry box circa. 1973 that was pretty drab.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture before I started to work on it.  I knew it had potential to be recycled into something else.  Here is what I have done so far....

I am still trying to figure out what to do with the inside.  I want to use it to store some smaller craft items.  Maybe stamping stuff or just miscellaneous tools and things.  Somehow it will be utilized in my craft room.  I like some of the things I did on this and learned what not to do too!  I will post when I finally get it finished!

Milk. Bread and Eggs

Ah, Indianapolis is under a Snow Warning for the second time in five days.  Each time snow is predicted the store shelves are emptied of bread, milk and eggs as Hoosiers prepare to hunker down for the storm.  I could never figure out why bread, milk and eggs?  French Toast!!!  

Today, the snow is here and the office was closed...what to make for breakfast?  FRENCH TOAST!  with a twist, of course!  I created Snow Day French Toast Casserole.  

I didn't think to take pictures as I mix things up so here is the rundown on this yummy concoction!

Preheat oven 350

Tear up about five pieces of bread...I just tore up enough to fill the dish.

In a separate bowl, beat 4 eggs...more if you are making a bigger batch.  This dish is 6 x 6 x 1.5.   Add milk (again, I didn't measure, just enough to make it milky)

Add sweetner - I lightened it by using Splenda adding enough to make it slightly sweet.

Add about a teaspoon of vanilla, spices ( I used pumpkin pie spice with some extra cinnamon but be creative!  I was wishing for some fresh orange peel but had none on hand)

Blend well then dump the bread into the egg mixture.  Mush it all up together so the bread absorbs the egg mixture.  It should be almost like batter with only a little excess liquid.  Add a little more milk or bread if need.  

At this point, I tossed in a handful of walnuts for some crunch...pecans would add some yumminess too!  Mix them in.  

Spray the dish with some non-stick spray. 

Cover the bottom with half the bread mixture.  

Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar (I had some Sugar Twin Brown Sugar in the pantry to help keep down the calories)

Top with remaining mixture and sprinkle with more brown sugar.  I topped it off with some pats of butter and into the oven.  I checked after 30 minutes and there was still some liquid when I checked the center so I popped it back in for another 15 minutes.

When completely baked through remove from oven and let stand for five minutes.  Scoop out a serving and top with some warm syrup.  Enjoy!

I have already thought of a few more variations with added fruit or other flavorings.  It is real comforting on snowy morning...thank goodness we had milk, bread and eggs.  

GO COLTS!!!!!!

The Week Begins Again!

Call me crazy but I like Mondays!  A new start to a new week...filled with plans and promise.  It is like a blank page ready to be filled with whatever comes your way.  

This week I plan on lots and lots of rehearsal for Jerry's Girls at Footlite Musicals in Indianapolis.  I am both excited and terrified at the prospect of opening night!  It is a cabaret setting so the audience is right there in front of you.  With this being the final rehearsal week, there won't be much time for anything else...until maybe Saturday.  So it is work and rehearse to fill my days!

How about your week?  What do you have planned to fill it up? 

 

The Furkids

At the end of October we were adopted by this sweet little guy.

 
We decided to name him Jasper...he has been so much fun for us....but not for Max, our 11 year-old dog.  Jasper has tried and tried but Max just wasn't having anything to do with a cat.  That was until this evening...I couldn't believe it!  Finally Jasper was able to share the couch with his big brother!!!  At first, Max growled a little. 

And, for maybe a total of five minutes, there was a truce!  I think Jasper might be winning him over!!

A Website for Wednesday

Ah...New Year and new beginnings!  Maybe this year you have resolved to get you blog looking better.  Well, do I have the website for you!  I am not sure how I found this site but I am sure glad I did.  I got my 3-column layout and it was soooo easy.  Please check out LeelouBlogs!!!

There are so many beautiful and FREE layouts and if you don't find something to your liking you can get something custom made for your needs!  And another cool thing...each month there is a FREE desktop theme.  I love the January one!   

So check out LeeLouBlogs and let me know what you think!