I am still nursing a lovely sickness -sigh-. Regrettably I am not the best patient.
So, I thought to make me happy, I would show you the new things that I have made recently for my bedroom/office suite.
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First is this gorgeous ottoman made from 2 clementine crates. I got my inspiration from here, but adapted it slightly. To be honest I was happy to find something to do with the clementine crates that I have sitting around the house. I believe now, after seeing how easy this project is to complete, I have to make more! 
I used 2 clementine crates, one on top of the other, epoxied and wired securely together. I allowed the boxes to cure for several days before trying to attach anything to them. I know I won't be using it that often, but wanted to make sure the crates were secure before going any farther.
Instead of foam, as I didn't have any and was too cheap to purchase any, I used an old pillow to create a soft top for my wee piddies to rest upon. Instead of the very formal upholstered look on the inspiration ottoman, I went with the soft, billowy, princess dress look by creating small box pleats out of the muslin fabric. And to give it some bling, I found this lovely, kitchy trim to cover up my imperfect stapling! I added some paint to the top to make it even more 'mine', as well. I think its just perfect!! :)
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I also made some practically free wall art. First is from the inspiration piece here, and I will freely admit her's are MUCH better. This is not the easiest of projects for me, as my OCD went into major fits, but it is not too bad! :)
I used 1/4 inch square balsa wood for the trim, toilet paper tubes and some mailed post card thing from a local realtor destined for the trash as I never have paper towel tubes in my house.
This was horrible to paint. I used almost a half can of Krylon black satin paint to cover them. The balsa wood and water just soak in the paint. I probably should have primed them first, but I am impatient and rarely do what I should.
The one in the middle was the first I completed. Its just horrible, but I kept it anyway :) By the time I finished the last one, the one on top, I had the process down!! :)
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Lastly is my shim starburst mirror. My inspiration came from here, but once again adapted it to meet my own budget of nothing! :) I attached the shims with E6000 glue onto a round piece of foamcore board and spray painted the whole thing black to match the rest of the art on that wall.
I found the mirror at the Dollar Tree,and simply attached it with the same glue. I allowed the whole thing to 'cure' for a week before I attempted hanging it. I was really afraid that it would fall down, but it hasn't moved an inch since I hung it 3 weeks ago.
One thing I must tell you, expect to use a lot of paint as the shims truly just absorb the paint like water to a man in the desert.
New Stuffs Around the House
My Dog's Have Rules for Me
Milo and Dixie are German, raised in a Southern home, and have a wee bit of Redneck in them, so it is normal that they should have some rules that I must follow. Just so I do not forget their rules, I have printed them out and shall endeavor to live them out just as they have written them for me.
After all, that is what a good Dachshund owner should do! ;)
So while they sleep on the sofa, I shall become their doggie bed and veg in front of the tv all day as there is a Doctor Who marathon! :D
As My Birthday Approaches...
I have prepared a listing for Milo and Dixie (and the boy child) should they wish to purchase something to commemorate the day I was born and provided just for them as personal assistant, laundress, chef, taxi service, etc.
So if any of you have the chance, just mention these things to them :)
A Few of Shelle's Favorite Things:
Wiener Dog Art
Hand painted Kerchief
Wrist Strap Keychain
Dachshund Anklet
Freebie from Benjamin Moore Paints
Yay!! I love something free... and free paint from Benjamin Moore is definitely a good thing!!
Go to Benjamin Moore and get your coupon for a free color sample. It expires June 30th.
Whew!! I took some time off @_@
Ok I was meaning to take Spring Break off as I had a wee little project due at the end of that week and needed as much focus time as possible, but then that week turned into another and then half of another! I definitely didn't mean to take off that much time, but its easy to do.
Project done - got extra kudos and great money!
Dachshunds - got extra spoiled and great at barking!
Food - got made, but not with any great deal of thought nor experimentation
Crafts - got left behind and are now piling up wanting attention
Male Child - got spoiled, worse than the dogs, and great at annoying, but cute at it!
So what am I doing now? Preparing for a birthday party with lots of handmade paper goodies and lots of great food. A 50th birthday party, which is even better. :)
Here are some of the goodies I have made thus far...
Tray Liner
Food Place cards
Working on cupcake flags and a paper banner today... :) I will post the other things when I have them completed.
Chicken Piccata
I love chicken piccata. I found out, the last time I made it, Reed hates it! So I thought to myself, "This shall be the only time I ever make it!!" :( That made me all sorts of sadz.
He is great about trying anything, and oftentimes will like things that I had no clue would appeal to him. Cooking to me is all about learning and adapting things to your palate and the palates of your family and friends.
Ok, so then I thought "He isn't crazy about lots of lemon flavor... ok, so lets see what we can do to make it still piccata, but without as much of the strong lemony flavor."
So, this is it! :) He loved it! :D
*Btw, I am still loving my Goodwill plates!! :D
Chicken Piccata
*2 large lemons, divided
*4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
*1/4 cup Miracle Whip Calorie-Wise Dressing
*1 cup of finely crushed wheat Breton crackers
*1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese
*2 Tbsp. olive oil
*2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
*3/4 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth
*1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
*1/8 cup parmesan cheese
*1 Tbsp. butter
*8 oz cooked angel hair pasta
Cut 4 thin lemon slices from half of 1 lemon. Squeeze juice from remaining lemons; set aside. Mix cracker crumbs and parmesan cheese together. Coat chicken with Miracle Whip, then dreg in cracker crumb mixture.
Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 min. Turn; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until chicken is golden brown on both sides and done (170ºF). Transfer chicken to platter; sprinkle with parsley. Cover to keep warm. Carefully wipe out skillet with paper towel.
Add lemon juice, capers and broth to skillet; cook on medium-high heat 6 to 8 min. or until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally. Add butter and lemon slices; cook and stir on low heat 3 to 4 min. or until butter is melted and lemons are heated through. Add the 1/8 cup of Parmesan cheese right before plating.
Plate angel hair pasta, top with chicken and spoon lemon broth mixture over the top.
