Patriotic Little Ones

I always remember loving America and love that my boys do too. This morning I put out the flag for the USA world cup game. I told the boys what I was doing and the Small One responded, "Now everyone can see our flag wave!" They are so passionate and I love it.
This was the guys last night at the gardens. Google+ has a #PaintUSA to paint your face for the world cup, just in time for the 4th of July as well in my opinion. 

Easy DIY Valance

I have had this piece of fabric for my boys' room for like 2 years, sad I know. I finally saw this idea and was motivated to get it done for their room. So here is my material list:

Fabric (At least 12" long and several inches longer than the window)

Ribbon (optional)

2x3 board (an inch or two longer than the window)

Spray Adhesive

Small Angle Brackets

Wood Screws

Fabric Instructions:

1. Hem the edges so they are crisp and clean. I just did a simple fold over hem. I used pinking shears to prevent fraying. You only need to do the sides and bottom edges.

2. I added a ribbon to embellish it a little and add some interested. I just used a simple gray grosgrain and stitched it straight across on the top and bottom of the ribbon. 

Adhesive:

I thought about adding pleats and then had to reign it in because it is for boys, I think it needed to be more simple for them. I prefer spray adhesive because it applies smooth, is tacky to re-position if needed and dries quick. 

1. Glue each end of the board with fabric flush to the bad edge as shown above. Leave enough fabric on top to meet the back of the board. 

2. Center the fabric on the board and glue the front of the board. Fold under the excess on the sides. This adds some interest and gives the side a little flare. Play with the folds before gluing to make sure it is positioned exactly where you want. 

3. Fold over the top and glue. 

Back view, glued and ready to hang. 

Attach:

Get out the drill! I think I am weird but I actually love getting the drill out.The drill doesn't scare me but not making it level does, huge pet peeve for the Smart One, so I was a little nervous just doing it myself. I was extra careful and was very pleased with how perfectly level it ended up. :)

1. Attach the brackets to the bottom of the board, spaced evenly. I used 4 brackets to just make sure it was supported enough. 

2. Using a level mark the spots with a pencil for the screws to attach to the wall. Notice the space between the top of the window and bottom of the board. Most often there is a metal plate at the top of the window and will be much harder to screw in needing a special drill bit and screws. 

3. Starting in the middle start attaching with the screws. Adjust location of screws as needed, things shift a little when inserting the screws. 

Stand back and enjoy! I am really happy with the way it turned out and added a little interest and pattern to the boys' room. 

Entry Refreshed

Remember when I posted an in progress picture of the board and batten we were working on in the entry? Oh yeah that was back in January. I helped my sister do her entry as well, the whole idea started with her. Here are a couple of pictures when we first moved in almost 4 years ago. 

Pretty boring

The stairs are the only interest in the space

Ready to be painted, the tape is the green. 

Painted and deciding if we should paint the doors or not. 

Still needs some interest so the idea to pant the bench comes in. 

All painted, including the doors

I moved some things around and made the pattern on either side of the picture. The idea came from here. And as I was taking a couple pictures today I realized the pattern from the mirror is repeated with that little toilet paper art. I should have seen that before, ha!

Complete with hooks and painted bench. I love how the bench turned out. 

I really do love the way the whole project turned out, it is amazing the difference it makes. It is funny how after we painted the Smart One said that he always thought the walls were white but obviously not with the "Dove White" next to it. The inspiration and ideas to build the project came from this entry and this dining room. It is always nice to get a project finished!

My Version of Neiman Marcus Dip

I tried this dip at a Pinterest party (which was fantastic and so much fun, by the way) and thought it was delicious. Every priesthood conference the women together and some snacks and I chose this, and as you can it was a big hit. I just took a picture of what was left for me to bring home. So here we go my knock off Neiman Marcus Dip:

8 oz package of cream cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 green onions sliced (really however many you want)
1 small package of slivered almonds
Garlic Powder

Cream together mayonnaise and cream cheese. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and sprinkle garlic powder. I am sure it would be good with bacon bits as well, I was just too lazy to defrost and then cook the bacon. Enjoy with crackers or bread. I made the wheat baguette which will have to be another post.

The letter Q

The Silly One was learning about the letter Q one day at school. They made a crown for the "Queens of the House." He was so excited to give it to me and I was happy to wear it. 

I often don't feel like a queen while cleaning up this and that, changing poop in pull-ups or countless other things that happen in a day. But hugs and love from my boys definitely make me feel closer to that!

Hawaiian Coconut Rice

Here is a delicious side that my family enjoyed, especially the boys! (You know it is a keeper when they love something other than hot dogs.) I don't know how much like Rumbi Rice this is because I don't really care for Rumbi and it is just what the recipe said when I got it. 

Hawaiian Coconut Rice with Red Beans (aka Rumbi Rice)

2 cup long grain white rice
2 1/2 cups water
1 (14 oz.) can coconut milk (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 tbsp. sugar
1 can red beans, drained and rinsed

Combine all ingredients in a rice cooker. Gently stir it all together so the beans are mixed in. Place the lid on and start the rice cooker. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. 
If you don't have a rice cooker: combine water, coconut milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Stir in rice and beans. Bring to boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked. 

I used a lite coconut milk and think the regular would have more flavor. We'll be having this again.

Lemon Parmesan Chicken

It is April and I am ready for grilling season, anyone else with me? I think the hit and miss 60's days are tricking me. Here is another of our favorites on the grill. And the best part is that it is about 170 calories per serving!

Marinade:
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 cup lemon juice

2 chicken breasts
grated Parmesan cheese

Mix marinade ingredients and add chicken. Let sit for a few hours and they are ready to grill. Cook chicken until juice run clear. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt. Enjoy!

I've done this and other marinade meals as freezer meals. You just mix the marinade, add the chicken, label the bag and freeze!