Stainless Steel Countertops

As most of you know, I am a stay-at-home mom.  But I also make cakes (wedding, birthday, etc) from my home.  This helps me keep my sanity and earn a little extra spending money to fund my HGTV and DIY Network addiction. :)

Anyway, one thing I have really been wanting for our kitchen is a larger center island.  Our kitchen is great and we have lots of counter tops, but our center island counter top is fitted to the cabinets and doesn't allow for bar stools.  Something that I've wanted since the first party we had at our house. 

Here is a photo of the unfinished kitchen right before we moved in 6 years ago.  Please forgive the quality of the photos...our digital camera was much lower quality back then!

Here is a photo of the kitchen after we painted and move the appliances in, but we were still moving all of our junk in, so therefore all the junk laying around.

Our home was built by Beazer Homes.  They are not a custom builder, so we didn't get many options on finishes, but we did get to pick our counter tops from about 10 different laminate styles.  This is a close-up of ours.

It's great because it doesn't show stains.  My parents have white counter tops courtesy of the previous owners of their house and I don't know how they have lived with them for so long!  While I like the color of our counter tops, laminate really isn't the "in" thing anymore.  Obviously.

So, besides wanting some bar stools, I've been wanting a surface that is better for working with my cakes. I do cakes with fondant icing a lot, but I always have to spread out some vinyl mats to work with it on because fondant sticks to laminate.  And the last thing you want once you've rolled out a huge sheet of fondant is for it to stick to the counter and leave a hole right in the middle because a patch almost always shows, so I would have to re-do it a lot.

In my research of finding out the best surfaces for fondant use, I found that solid surface counter tops and stainless steel are both NSF certified (food safety standards).  I am a home-based "cottage bakery", so I don't have to meet the NSF standards, but I like to do everything as sanitary as possible.

I really liked the look of stainless steel to add a little modern look to our kitchen.  So I did some further research and found some companies online to get quotes from and also went to Home Depot and Lowes for some quotes as well.  Um, can you say EXPENSIVE?!  I needed a 3'x6' piece for our island, and most companies were coming in around $2500.  I think the lowest quote I received was $1700.  Which was even more expensive than the high-end granite at the big box stores.  Yikes!

So, I did some more research.  AKA, I called my dad.  My dad is an airplane mechanic and I know he works with metal and welding and such, so I thought he might have some ideas.  Unfortunately, he said he didn't have the tools or access to the tools needed to work with stainless steel.  But he recommended calling a local metal shop to see if they could custom fabricate anything for me.  SCORE!  I called a local company and they quoted me $310.  WHAT!?  You've got to be kidding!  They used fancy terms like "sheared edges" and "20 gauge" in the conversation, so I called up my dad just to see if that is what I needed and he agreed, so I ordered it!

The company did end up taking a little longer to make it than they originally promised, but I really wasn't in any hurry and it wasn't that big of a deal.  I actually probably got it sooner than if I would have ordered it from any of the other companies.  I actually ordered it on 9/13 and got the call that it was ready for pickup on 10/5.  So, three weeks.  The most nervous part of the process was just waiting to see it.  Since it was custom, it wasn't like I could go and pick it out.

Anyway, here's a long-awaited photo of the new island counter top!

See how it shines?  I love it!  It's got a brushed finish so it should mask any scratches pretty well.  I was really nervous about how sharp the corners and the bottom edge would be, but I really don't think it will be a problem.  At some point, one of the kids is bound to run into one of the corners and get hurt, but they would do that with any surface.  They are soldered, so they aren't sharp but they definitely stick out farther than the old counter top.

So, here's a photo of the entire kitchen.  As you can tell from the first photos, not a lot has changed since we moved in.  We still have the same colored walls (I love the color!).  Just about the only difference is the light fixtures.  We changed out the mushroom light over the sink and added a couple matching pendant lights over the island.  I still need to find 3 bar stools and am even thinking about changing the back/sides of the island to a bead board and add some trim molding around the base to give it a more "built-in" feel.  Oh, and eventually we will change out the rest of the laminate to a solid surface.  And I would live to have a marble tile back splash (subway style) and add crown molding to the tops of the cabinets as well. See, I told you I watch way too much HGTV and DIY network!

 

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Groupon Photobook Deal

I wanted to share this groupon deal with you guys.  It's $35 for $115 value from PhotoBooks America.  I am working on a post of my photobooks from previous years.  I make a yearly scrapbook for our family and then order 6 copies of it.  One for us, and one for each set of parents and grandparents.  It has been a major hit for 6 years now and I am stuck doing it because everyone wants it!!  It's the perfect gift for the people who have everything, and the best part is that it forces me to get my scrapbook done on a yearly basis.

I have used a couple of different companies before, but never this one.  Last year, I bought a similar groupon deal from picaboo and it saved me alot of money.  This year I am going to try Photobook America.  The reviews are good so fingers crossed.  This is a great price for a Christmas present.

Follow the link for details.
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu4896155

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Parenting -- It's Not for Wimps

First, a warning.  If you are easily offended or disgusted by little kids' bathroom behaviors, then stop reading.  Come back tomorrow, and the next day, but just not today.  I have a very graphic picture coming up you don't want to see.  However, if you are a mom --- well then, you'll probably be ok!

I think I'm a pretty real person.  I may not advertise all my problems, because who doesn't have them and I feel like mine are so minimal compared to what so many people go through.  My mother-in-law has a saying "At least I'm not hanging on a cross". We all feel sorry for ourselves sometimes but we have it pretty good.  But while I try not to complain, I do like to commiserate with my girlfriends.  I'm the first to admit that I'm not a perfect mom and I pretty much run from moms who try to pretend they are.  I like my friends to be real.  I always say that as women we should be honest with each other so that we all know that our challenges, concerns, and experiences are normal.  I think there is so much unneccessary "mommy judging", instead of support.  Luckily I've had the pleasure of knowing some amazing moms that I've learned so much from.  But as I read back through some of my posts here I think I've been holding back.  Afraid someone will think differently of me, laugh at me, think I'm a terrible mom because my son did this or that.  So I am going to try to share more and keep it real.

In the interest of keepin' it real, I present the following.  I was looking through some photos and ran across this one.  This is my son during potty training.  He went to his room one afternoon.  I chose to ignore the silence, fooling myself into thinking he was playing quietly so I could have a few minutes of my own while older brother was in kindergarten.  After 7 years with his mischievious older brother, I should have known better.  Here's what I found when I went to check on him. 

Of course I had to grab the camera (it was funny the first time; the next 3 repeat performances were not nearly as funny).  He decided to proudly pose with his work of art.  Note the torn blind in the background and the upturned teddy bear and chair in the corner.  Keepin' it real. And also, if you are wondering what all that rope on his crib is about it's a crib tent. We got one when he first started climbing out of his crib at about 15 months.  He liked to wake everyone in the house up (brother included) for 1 and 4 am parties.  After some research I found the crib tent and it lasted until he was almost 3.  And, I added a little "privacy screen" in photoshop in case you were wondering! ;)

Never trust a silent toddler. 

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Hoagie Dip

My family had a really fun farewell-to-summer/ hello fall bonfire this past weekend with lots of yummy food.  Of course, I forgot to take pictures of everything but I'd taken a picture of this recipe when I made it a couple of months ago.

My son says it "tastes like a sub".  It's really simple.  A great football watching recipe.  I also love that I can order what I need at the deli kiosk instead of waiting at the counter for it!

I modified a recipe from 2 others I saw.  I think it originated in the Food Network magazine.

1/4 pound each deli salami, ham, and turkey (use whatever you like)
1/4 pound of your favorite 2 cheeses (I used provolone and cheddar)
1/2 to 3/4 cups pickeld banana peppers
4 or 5 pepperoncini
1/2 medium onion
1/2 head lettuce
1 tomato

Chop all the above ingredients into small pieces and mix together.

Dressing:
6 tablespoons vinegar (red wine is best, apple cider is also good)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix dressing ingredients and pour over salad.  Mix everything up and serve immediately.  Serve in a bread bowl.

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Recipes to take to someone

As most of you know, I had a baby a couple months ago. She was baby #3, which meant that my schedule suddenly got even more hectic. Fortunately, I belong to a WONDERFUL group of moms and they came to the rescue! They brought me meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for THREE ENTIRE WEEKS! Did I mention that I LOVE my MOMS club?

Because this was baby #3, I think most people thought I had everything under control and would be fine, because nobody else brought me meals this time around except my wonderful next door neighbor. But this was probably the hardest post-pregnancy time I've had. Because not only are my boys constantly on the move, but it's taken a lot longer this time around for my body to recover from c-section #3. Have I mentioned how much my MOMS Club rocks?!

Anyway, I wanted to share the recipes of what people brought me. Because all the meals were good, none of them were repeats, and some of them were different than your usual casserole (not that those are bad!) and I know that the hardest part for me in taking a meal to someone is actually deciding on what to take.

Enjoy this list, and I hope it inspires you next time you would like to take a meal to someone.

Recipe #1
Creamy Baked Ziti

what you need

4 cups ziti pasta, uncooked
1 jar (26 oz.) marinara sauce
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
6 oz. (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
3/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA
1/3 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

make it

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt. Remove from pan; drain. Meanwhile, add marinara sauce, tomatoes and cream cheese to same pan; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently. Return pasta to pan; mix well.

LAYER half the pasta mixture in 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with layers of sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella and remaining pasta mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.


Recipe #2
Southwest Chicken Salad

what you need 

1 bag salad mix
Various favorite veggies (peeled and chopped cucumber, carrots, cherry tomatoes)
1 can or 1 and 1/2 cups frozen corn, drained or thawed
1 can black beans, drained
Tyson or Kroger brand fried chicken fritter style, baked according to directions then cut into small pieces
sharp cheddar cheese- use as much as you like
Santa Fe style tortilla strips (usually found near the salad section at the store)- as a topper

make it 

layer all ingredients in listed order. This is good with southwest ranch dressing or regular ranch mixed with salsa (1:1 ratio)!


Recipe #3
Simply Lasagna

what you need

1 lb. ground beef
2-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1 container (15 oz.) POLLY-O Natural Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg, beaten
1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

make it

HEAT oven to 350°F.

BROWN meat in large skillet on medium-high heat. Meanwhile, mix 1-1/4 cups mozzarella, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley and egg until well blended; set aside.

DRAIN meat; return to skillet. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Add 1 cup water to empty sauce jar; cover with lid and shake well. Add to meat mixture; stir until well blended. Spread 1 cup meat sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish; top with layers of 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture and 1 cup meat sauce. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce and cheeses. Cover with foil sprayed with cooking spray.

BAKE 1 hour or until heated through, removing foil after 45 min. Let stand 15 min. before cutting to serve.


Recipe #4
Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet Recipe

what you need 

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 carton (18 ounces) refrigerated fully cooked barbecued shredded pork
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, undrained
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions

make it 

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute red pepper and onion in butter and oil until tender.

Add garlic; saute 1 minute longer. Stir in the pork, tomatoes, broth, cumin, pepper and salt; heat through.

Drain pasta. Add pasta and cheese to pork mixture. Sprinkle with green onions.


Recipe #5
Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese


what you need

1 (8 ounce) packages macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded good quality
1/2 cup breadcrumbs, buttered

make it

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.
3. In a large saucepan melt butter.
4. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
5. Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.
6. Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
7. Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.
8. Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.
9. Turn off flame.
10. Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.
11. Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.
12. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

(You can also freeze this recipe in zip-lock bags for later use - once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce allow to cool to room temperature before adding to your freezer - I generally pull it out the night before and allow macaroni and cheese to reach room temperature; I then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling.


Recipe #6
Southwestern Taco Pot Pie

what you need

1 pound lean ground beef
1 (1.25-ounce) package Taco Seasoning Mix
1 tablespoon oil
1/3 cup water
1 (1-pound) package frozen green, red and yellow peppers and onions*
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup salsa
1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on package
8 ounces (2 cups) shredded cheese recommended: Colby/Monterey blend or Mexican blend
Garnish:
Sour cream
Taco Sauce

make it 

Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Add taco seasoning mix and water; mix until ground beef is well coated.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large saucepan over medium high heat until hot. Add peppers and onions; cook 4 to 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and drain excess liquid. Add garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, corn, and salsa, stir well and set aside.

Prepare pie crusts as directed on package for 2-crust pie using 9-inch glass or metal pie pan.

Combine salsa and corn mixture with ground beef; mix well. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese evenly in bottom of crust-lined pan. Spread 1/2 of beef mixture evenly in pan over cheese, pat down. Sprinkle 3/4 cup cheese in pan and spread evenly with remaining beef mixture, pat down, top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Top with second crust and flute; slit in several places.

Bake for 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cover edge of crust with strips of foil or a pie crust shield after 15 minutes of baking. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Store in refrigerator.
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of taco sauce. Also recommended: guacamole, salsa, and diced green chiles.

* If using fresh peppers and onions, use 1 1/2 cups chopped onions and 2 1/2 cups chopped peppers and increase prep time and stove top cooking time.


Recipe #7
Baked Barbecue Chicken, (served with Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli) 

what you need 

1 package drumsticks
2 cups ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste

make it 

Preheat the oven to 450. 

Place the drumsticks into a baking pan or on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or a baking mat.

Combine the rest of the ingredients. Pour 1 cup of the sauce over the chicken, reserving the rest. Bake the chicken until it’s opaque. About 40 minutes. Pour the rest of the sauce over the chicken and bake about 5 minutes longer. Serve!


Recipe #8
Italian Chicken 

what you need 

4 (4 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 cup Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
Chopped tomatoes and green onions, for garnish
1 cup Mozzarella cheese
1 lb pasta, cooked as directed

make it 

Combine Chicken and Italian dressing in a zip-loc bag. Refrigerate for an hour or more.

Cook pasta as directed on package.

Place chicken in a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Drizzle with salad dressing; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and salt if desired. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. 

To deliver, place noodles on the bottom of a foil baking dish. Top with chicken and Italian dressing juices. Sprinkle with chopped tomatoes, green onions and Mozzarella cheese.

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Fall Bucket List

I just found this printable, and I thought I would share.  It's really cute and ironically most of the things on the list were on my "to-do" list anyway (though she does have a blank version if you have different activities on your agenda)!

There are tons of these online, but this one is the cutest one I've found!  I've printed one and will hang it on our door to the garage...adding a little color to the plain white door and reminding us of the fun to be had this fall.  Instead of checking off the squares, I'm going to write the date that we complete it and then save it for our memory box.

Visit her blog, Funky PolkaDot Giraffe to download and print this for yourself!

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Courageous the movie!

Did you like "Facing the Giants" or "Fireproof"?  Well, the newest film from the same producers (Sherwood Productions) is now out!  I haven't seen it yet, but it's definitely on my list!

Visit the website, http://courageousthemovie.com/ to see a preview or find out what theater near you has a showing!

Here's the description from the website:

Honor begins at home.Four men, One calling: To serve and protect.
As law enforcement officers, they face danger every day. Yet when tragedy strikes close to home, these fathers are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, and their faith. From this struggle will come a decision that changes all of their lives.
With action, drama, and humor, the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures embraces God’s promise to "turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers." Souls will be stirred, and hearts will be challenged to be...COURAGEOUS! 

Stars: Alex Kendrick [FLYWHEEL, FACING THE GIANTS], Ken Bevel [FIREPROOF], Ben Davies, Robert Amaya and Kevin Downes [THE MOMENT AFTER 1 & 2, MERCY STREETS, SIX: THE MARK UNLEASHED]

I'm not sure if I can actually get this to work, but here's the trailer!  If it doesn't work or takes too long to load, visit this website to see it.

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