I’ve Been Pinspired!!!

Posted on May 16, 2013 by natalie mulligan

Hello, everyone!!! This week I’ve started the big push to complete my great room area. I have painted the walls, ordered area rugs, gathered some accessories, and even bought drop cloths to make my very own slipcovers for my sad sectional. I will be sharing the reveal in the next few weeks. But, for now, I thought I would show you some of my pinspirations for the space.

I love everything about this kitchen/dining area. The natural colors, earthy textures, and flash of fabulous in the form of orb pendants.

Who can resist these old beams going across this ceiling? (Spoiler alert*** I will not be installing any such beams in my great room area!)

Family room designed by Oz Architects

Granted, this space is a little formal…okay, a lot formal….for my family room, but I’m totally drawn to the symmetry of this space.

The built-in bookshelves, natural fiber area rug, and beautiful beamed ceiling are all calling my name.

….Great style, textures, and fabulous french doors.

How about this idea for covering up your flat screen?

If possible, I would import this entire simple, yet elegant dining room into my home. The weathered farm table, slipcovered chairs, ethereal flower arrangement, topped off with the oversized, over the top chrystal chandelier…..(and don’t even get me started on the built-ins!)…Perfection!

I’ll be providing little updates over the next few weeks to let you know how the process is going…wish me luck!!!

**All images provided by Pinterest.

Graphic Cow Art Tutorial

Posted on May 10, 2013 by natalie mulligan 5 comments

So, I made the best of my recent cow scare and forever commemorated the incident in the form of some cow art. If you didn’t read this somewhat embarrassing post, you can find it here.

You may remember that I was on the verge of death when I succeeded in getting the money shot. Here it is in black and white. Look at those menacing eyes.

I decided that the memory still haunted me, so I softened the photo with some graphics I was able to achieve on PicMonkey, a free online photo editing site. I used their “posterize” option, which you can find under Effects in the far left-hand column. She looks almost gentle and serene now.

Then, I saved the image and took it to Staples and ordered a 24×36 Engineering Print, which normally only costs 3-4 dollars. (I got mine for free, because they had just turned on the machine and said it was a sample!)

I brushed Mod Podge onto the inside of the glass of an old window I found at a flea market. Then, starting at the top of the image, I carefully placed the the print inside the window frame, pressing out air bubbles as I went. (It helps to use a ruler to flatten the print into place as you go.)

I painted the window frame black and hung it on my little bare patch of wall!

And finally, every lady loves flowers, so I placed these beautiful hybrid hydrangeas on top of this vintage-looking ladder.

Quick, easy, and cheap… that’s what I call a triple threat!

Linking to:

Whipperberry, Tatertots and Jello, Be Different Act Normal, Artsy Fartsy Mama, Made in a Day, Somewhat Simple,

Oven-Fried Chicken

Posted on May 2, 2013 by natalie mulligan 3 comments

I love doctor’s appointments, or at least I found a new reason to love doctor’s appointments after having babies and toddlers running around the house. Two of my top requirements for a great doctor’s office are: a) long wait times; and b) lots of great magazines. I especially enjoy visits to the doctor’s office if they have cozy chairs, soft elevator music, and maybe even a water dispenser. It’s almost like a spa day. In fact, I find myself feeling a little snippy if they call me in right away.

A few days ago, I was at the doctor’s office when I spied this oven-fried chicken recipe from the pages of this month’s Food and Wine magazine. It looked absolutely delicious and I found myself thinking about it more than occasionally. So, I decided to pick up the ingredients and talk my daughter into making a slightly adapted version.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, separated

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup whole milk ( I used low-fat milk)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 5-oz bags kettle-style potato chips (such as salt-and-pepper flavor), finely crushed

6 bone-in chicken thighs

6 bone-in drumsticks

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°. Place the racks in your oven in the upper and lower third of your oven. Then, spray wire racks, used for cooling baked goods, with cooking spray and set them over 2 rimmed baking sheets.

In a bowl, place 1 cup of flour and some freshly ground salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the milk, mustard and some more salt and pepper. In a third bowl, combine the crushed potato chips and 1/4 cup of flour.

Give the chicken a light dusting with flour, removing any excess. Dip the chicken in the milk mixture, followed by the crushed potato chip mixture. Be sure to press the chips firmly to the chicken. Transfer the thighs and drumsticks to the baking sheets. Then, before baking, spray the chicken with cooking spray.

Place the chicken on the upper rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After twenty minutes, lower the drumsticks and thighs to the bottom rack and bake for about twenty minutes longer, until completely cooked and crispy.

This recipe was easy and delicious,…just ask my daughter! You’ll have to pick up a copy of this month’s Food and Wine magazine to see their scrumptious ideas for what to make with the leftovers (or you could set up a few doctor’s appointments)!