Banana Pudding

So I've made a promise to myself to try the things I've pinned on Pinterest. Um, I'm gonna be at this for awhile then, trying things that is. Last I looked I had over 10,000 pins. Yep that's a lot of doing. So the easiest is the cooking board. Tried the banana pudding recipe that I found and it was delicious. I've actually made it twice now. Yep that good. The first time I followed the instructions. It was really sweet and almost made me pass out. Just kidding, but it was too sweet for me. So the second time around I used heavy whipping cream instead of cool whip. I just whipped up the heavy cream without sugar and added it instead of cool whip. But I'll give you the link for the original version (here) and if you want to add the heavy whipping cream instead just use a pint of it whipped up and in place of the cool whip. Happy eating. Amanda

 Picture brought to you by Pinterest. 

Finally Fall

So I've finally decided to decorate for fall. Something I haven't done in the last several years because I just didn't feel up to it. But this year I wanted to and that's a good sign. Nothing over the top or fancy. I've really just fallen in love with all the simple fall arrangements and rooms that I've seen on Pinterest. They inspired me to get off my duff and do something. So I did. Remember we live in a small duplex so things are kinda crowded. So here's fall in my corner of the world. The weather has cooperated a little bit lately and it's not hitting 100 anymore. That's a relief.

Living room 

I did do one small project. I've had this picture for years now. A harvest print that I still love, but I wasn't in love with the frame or the mat any longer. So I spray painted the frame white and added burlap to the mat. Just a small change, but I love it now. You can spy the finished project on my oak hutch.

Ms. Kitty watching the changes.

Are you done yet? I need a nap. Yep she rules the roost. 

Happy fall everyone. Linking up with Feathered Nest Friday over at French Country Cottage.

Pan roasted chicken with lemon-garlic green beans

So I'm a big Pinterest fan. Perhaps big isn't a large enough word for my infatuation with Pinterest. It's like my BFF on most days. I wish I had had Pinterest when I was homeschooling the kids. I'm a visual person so of course I'm in love with that site. Anyways. So I know most of us pin but what do we actually do with those pins? So I've been trying some of the recipes. Here's one I thought was really good. I'll post what I thought I would change at the end.

Here's the recipe from Real Simple. Here's their picture.

So here's how my version turned out.

I used my large cast iron skillet because it was oven proof. I probably wouldn't put the lemons on the bottom again. For me it made the potatoes and green beans too tart. I would marinate the chicken next time instead of just dipping it. Other than those 2 things it was great and very simple. So I hope you enjoy this recipe too.

Amanda

A corner of the living room

I don't think anyone followed me over and because I don't want to delete this blog it comes up as my primary account and directs everyone to this blog. So I'll re-post the first post I did at the other blog.
So I'm finally feeling like getting around and doing something with this house that I'm not totally in love with. It does have its pluses but also a lot of minuses. The square footage doesn't bother me, just how they utilized that space. I don't think the kitchen area is all that it could be, but it's a rental so I've got to live with it. Besides that's a whole other post.
So here's a before photo that you've already seen of the same decorated corner.

And here's the same corner after. It's really hard to photograph this house because of all the light it lets in. And I'm not the best photographer.

The oak dresser is a family piece and I couldn't get rid of it. I'm using it for office supplies right now. The mirror on the dresser is also a family piece. When you downsize from 1,500 to 871, you really have to pick and choose which pieces you really want. I was determined to use pieces we already had. Which for the most part I did. The only new piece is the little nightstand that is doing duty as a storage piece. I want to paint the cedar chest and I've been pinning ideas in Pinterest (my BFF) of course. I've also fallen in love with a slip-covered sofa at Ikea. So that old green couch will go bye-bye. Oh new curtains or valances and paint that pine nightstand and this room will be done. I think. Here's to hoping for more doing. Amanda

Moving

I'm not closing this blog because it means too much to me, but you can now catch me at this blog Second Honeymoon Cottage. I just get too tearful when I look at this one, but it has so many memories that I just can't delete it. So here's to happier blogging over at the new blog.

I know I've been remiss in blogging this year. Here it is May and I haven't done a decent post at all. I could say I've been busy, but mostly I've just been asleep. Not wanting to do anything. No inspiration, no motivation, nothing. Depression? Probably. But I've got to get busy. I've certainly pinned enough to get inspired.

Here's to 2012 being a better year

This is one year I'm not sorry to see go. Most of blog land is doing a year in review. It's been a pretty dismal year. There's been some good times, but I'm not sorry to put this year to rest. So may 2012 be a better year for everyone.

Happy New Year!!

Hugs, Amanda