Freckled Star

Mom's Famous Cheese Potatoes:)

Sorry I completely forgot I said I would give out this recipe!!

Hopefully you haven't already got your grocery shopping done.........

But if you have these are great for Christmas too:)

 

Super easy recipe........

You'll need:

3 pounds of potatoes Yukon's or russets cut into quarters

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 8 oz. container sour cream

1 stick of butter

1 bunch green onions chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar

In a stockpot boil water and add handful of salt. Turn heat to medium and add potatoes. 15 minutes then drain. Rice the potatoes in a 9x12 baking dish.

*special note~if you have a potato ricer there is no need to peel, the ricer catches all the skins and you just clean it out periodically with a fork. If you don't peel the potaotes and mash with fork in baking dish.

While the potatoes are boiling melt the stick of butter in a sauce pan. Add the sour cream and soup blend til creamy. Add the cheese. When the cheese is melted add the green onions. Pour on top of the potatoes. You can add a handful of shredded cheddar to the top if you like. The more cheese the better:)

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes. Until all bubbly at the top. These can be made up to one day ahead of time. Like I did:) Just cover in saran wrap and refrigerate.

Easy peasy:)

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I am so incredibly thankful for all my family and friends! You all make my time apart from my love bearable. Truly:)

Talk to you next week.........

Oh and my bangles are almost done!! Can't wait to share:)

 

Gotta love Oprah:)

and corporate sponsors!!

It's rare I get to watch Oprah but I do try to watch her Favorites show every year.....

Yesterday I started to then had to take the kids to see Megamind. Damn you Thanksgiving break and bored children;)

So for those of you interested here is my take on Oprah's Favorite things........

If you're not well........

Come back later:)

First the iPad. Now I want one and I don't even know how to use my iPhone properly:)

Andre Walker Haircare. Hmmmm........never heard of it.

UGG Sparkle Boots. Hmmmm.......the black ones are ok but gold and silver not unless you're 10.

Sophia Satchel by Coach. Damn why does this have to be made in China!!! Therefore making me unable to purchase it because I refuse to buy a $400 bag that some poor Chinese citizen made for $1.50!!! But I love it and I want the cream one BAD!

Magaschoni Tunic and Leggings. Nice if your over 55 or live in the South. And leggings I can't wear. EVER. Unless you have no butt and knobby knees leggings make your legs look like one big drumstick and for $260 I think I'll pass:) Besides they will cost $15 at the cleaners every time you get cookie crumbs on them:) Or popcorn, croissants or chicken pie...........

Hope in A Jar. Wasn't impressed but the box is cute:)

A $500 gift card for Nordstrom Lingerie for you and a friend!!! Now that's what I am talking about. I could have very well cried over this one:)

Herb Savor by Prepara. This thing is huge and not very practical and if Oprah uses this then I am a monkey's aunt!

Chicken Pie and Popcorn. I can make you both for under 15 bucks.

Le Creuset. I guess I don't have to tell you how I feel about this one. I would have ran down and kissed Oprah on the mouth for that:) And probably be thrown out;) and on the news..........

Miraclebody Jeans. It's called the Gap! Get the curvy ones. Ankle length if you are wearing flats and regular length if you are wearing killer heals! You can get 2 pairs for that price:) The best way to look longer and leaner.........heels and jeans ladies:)

Sophie Jewelry Box. Pottery Barn enough said:)

Jessica Leigh Diamond earrings. GORGEOUS!!

DonorsChoose.Org gift card and Kiva Organization Gift card. Very nice!

Williams Sonoma Mini Croissants. You will need those stretch pants!

Talbott teas. I am totally down for that if it's free:)

The Book of Awakening. Have no idea.

The panini maker got one. And the Breville one rocks!! The lasagna and brownie pans. Dumb!! I'll take the brownie mix though:)

All the CD's no thanks. You just gave away an iPad what do I need CD's for:)

$29 Mac and Cheese I'll take if it's FREE! You could add that to the popcorn and chicken pie I can make you for under $15 bucks:)

Ralph Lauren Cashmere sweater and throw. LOVE the blanket. Notice how the word CASH is in cashmere. Good God!! $498 for a sweater and $595 for a blanket!! If it's made in China I will have a FIT!

Elfa Closet and Netflix. Well ok if I must.........

Love me some Judith Ripka! Gorgeous!

Kyocera Knives. Odd........

Philip Stein watch. Yes please:)

Lafco candles. $55 each holy cow!! And I bet half of them smell like butt.  Here's what you do go to Target and get the Yankee candle ones and peel off the cheap looking sticker (it comes off easy)and no one will know the difference:) My favorite is the Pumpkin ones right now. Oh and they are on sale this week 2 for $25 I think!

LULULEMON IS AWESOME!!! If you ever see me and my fat dog out walking and you think to yourself damn that dog is fat but Andrea sure is rockin' those pants it's because they are Lululemon!! It's all I wear and the best part........I could eat all 36 of those mini croissants and they would still look awesome:)

Nike Free Run Shoes. If you want your shins to hurt wear these.

A Nikon D3100 always nice.

A Royal Caribbean Cruise. Hmmm......after that fiasco they just had at sea for 4 days with no power NO THANKS!! How about a trip to Washington DC or New York City to see the 9/11 memorial. Be inspired:)

You can keep the top:)

Sony Bravia with 3D television could definitely use for the condo:)

Tory Burch!!! Drooling:) Love this!!

A Course in Weight Loss which you will need after the $125 worth of popcorn you just ate;)

And finally a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Hmmmm........nice but........

A 2011 Ford Edge would have been better:)

So there you have it my take on Oprah's Favorites for those of us not lucky enough to be in the audience we can just sit back and dream:)

For those that were there........

Lucky ducks:)

Here is the link if you want to see all the fabulousness:)

Oprahs Ultimate Favorite Things 2010

Got started on my Bangles yesterday! Lovin' it. I'll have more pictures soon:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Romantic White Christmas

Well Beth and Karla are at it again:)

This time with A Romantic White Christmas

To follow up their Romantic Gothic Ghosts tutorials from the Fall. This time around is just as beautiful as the first! So many fantastic ideas for $25 and all you need is a color printer and some simple tools and you will be on your way:)

I decided to do the Flurry Feather Wreath first...........

 

To make this I had to buy the wire frame ($2.99), 3 boas ($3.49 each) and two stems of Christmas leaves ($1.49 each) all at Michael's :) I had sheet music but if you don't then you just download it off the site and print. Step by step instructions easy peasy:) Then you add your own little trinkets like the crown brooch I had and the jeweled ribbon.

 

 

Loved this project!!

If you are so inclined check out the above link. You will not be disappointed. I know I will definitely learn some things and get some really cute decorations out of it. I think I'll be doing the banner next! Then they had some ornaments all covered in vintage paper with a paper flower and some ribbon streamers. So cute! Getting me kick started for the holidays:) Oh and they have some really cool decorating tips too and you get to see all the creations displayed thru their homes. Really neat! I love seeing where people live and create:)

Have a wonderful holiday week!

Three more days and I'll be at the beach! Woo hoo!!

Starting my Bangles today!

Wish me luck..........;)

 

 

 

I {heart} The French General.........

And Kaari Meng who was just the most extrodinary teacher!

Really I know she probably hears that all the time but for me it was one the best classes I have ever taken:)

This was my first time making jewelry. I know I signed up for Kristen's Bangle class without a clue as to what I was doing. Sometimes you just have to leap!!

When I saw this class on the website I thought for sure I should take this before starting my Bangle videos to get a little bit of a grasp on the whole jewelry making process. And for $55 the project looked really cute so I leaped........

 

Let's get started.........

First we stuffed our heart with lavender and lambs wool. Stitched the opening and set aside.........

Next open up our notions tin.......

 

 

After laying out all our findings we had to glue a couple of pieces that had to be set aside.........

And then it's head pins, looping, laying your chain down right so all your baubles hang forward and attaching......

This is how my necklace turned out...........

 

I still can't believe I did that!!

Love all the little charms............

 

Next was our bracelet. Where we made our own rosary chain with those eye pins and beads you see......

 

I have decided I can make rosary chain all day:) Once you get started it's easy to just keep going and going........

Then we started decorating our heart with all sorts of lovely findings..........

 

 

Lastly I made a prize ribbon. I even made the little button you see.........

 

I can't believe how much I made today. The 3 hours flew by!!

Another thing I have to mention.........

Kaari is so generous:) If you wanted to go with a different color or were looking for a different charm or needed more head pins she provided it. It really was an amazing experience!

So incredibly glad I went. Sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Our else life can get pretty tedious and boring! So leap!:) It's ok to do something just for you sometimes...........

These classes just may be my saving Grace:)

Well Lindsay wants me to make her bracelet. Might as well practice my new skills:)

~The link for The French General is to the right under Beautiful Shops~

 

 

 

Something special.........

Last night my son brought home my mom's old roll top desk.........

I have thought about it often but because of space issues never really thought I would be able to have it......

You see since my mom died my dad has moved 4 times (he just can't get comfortable anywhere) and because of that we have furniture all over the place!!

This desk has gone from one garage to another........

Now when it came home last night it needed a little bit off TLC:)

Really it was just cleaning it and there was an issue with spiders that Zach freaked out about as we tromped it up the stairs to it's FINAL resting place:)

Which is my bedroom:)

 

This last week has caused me to reevaluate some things............

Number 1: I have way to much going on in my studio to be able to do jewelry. My desk is just too full of other crafting crap. Also my studio is designed for me to work standing up and I think with the intricacies of jewelry making I should be sitting down:)

Number 2: I do not like being downstairs by myself at night. At 7:30 is when my house quiets down. Dinner is done. Kids are upstairs listening to music or the television, getting ready for the next day and I am downstairs alone. It kind of sucks:)

So me with my brilliant ideas thought hmmmm........

I'll buy a desk and move all my jewelry making stuff upstairs! I did have to get rid of my bedside table (it's really for decorative purposes anyway:) and I'll just use Frank's! I only need it for the clock and phone anyway. Brilliant;)

Then I saw how much desks were!!

Holy crap!!!

Hmmmm.......

With all dad's furniture there has GOT TO BE a desk floating out there somewhere. Just so you know we have furniture in 4 different houses and garages right now! My cousins, my uncles, my brothers house that we still have and the desert house.

I went to bed late that night and I dreamt about it.........

Funny how those things work!

 

Pretty neat right?:)

Needless to say it's just perfect:)

 

It's got all these great cubbies...........

 

Look at these little hooks.......

 

And I have plenty of room to use the little vintage tart tins I found for a $1..........

 

I love it!

I will especially love it when the wicker office chair in Pecan comes that I ordered at my local Pottery Barn:) Since the desk was well free I splurged just a wee bit on the chair;)

Well have a wonderful weekend. Looks like rain for me which I don't mind at all. Just wish I wasn't driving all the way to French General tomorrow for my class. But I think I can handle it:)

 

Neglect........

That is what I my studio feels like..........

Seems I have a 100 projects going at once right now........

I have not even begun my Bangle class and I have all this stuff........

 

I have decided to start this Monday. I have something coming tonight that is going to make all the difference and I am really excited about it!! More on that later..........

So amidst all that crap........

I decided to get some Christmas presents done that I have been putting off for the last month........

Hand-making pretty things is not hard at all..........

It's the TIME!!!

So here is some random snippets of pretty things.......

Which I cannot tell any real details about because they are all supposed to be surprises:)

But I will when they reach their rightful owners;)

 
 

 

 

 

I tell you I have been having some fun in there the last few days:) I love when things come together and I really love when I don't have to buy a single thing!! Although I did splurge on those sugared little pine cones:) You can find them here.

I have a kid asking me when is dinner:)

So I must be going..........

And in case you are reading this Camden and Carolyn........

I had a wonderful lunch today with the most well behaved little girl. Really sweet:) We talked of snakes, cats that bring lizards as gifts and she drew me a picture. And she carried her little purse like a girl on a mission lol:)

You two must come out to the Gardens. We don't have a Disney store;) But we do have a train!

Have a wonderful evening everyone:)

One day at a time..........

First I would like to thank everyone who has left a comment recently..........

You have no idea how much I appreciate them:)

Truly THANK YOU!!

Now the last few weeks have been a little rough. It seems there is never enough time to do all that you want to do. But I think Frank left knowing that everything is going to be fine here. At least I hope so.......

And the last few days..........

Were exhausting. Everyone was super anxious. It was a cross between just go already so we can adjust and then when we're actually on that tarmac it was wait 2 more weeks! It was a roller coaster for all of us......

But I can't complain!

I get to stay here in my nice big bed, with my comfy jeans walking around barefoot and he lives here.........

 

Not very fair is it...........

But do you think he complains?

No he doesn't.

Even though today I got a pedicure and he got a small pox vaccine that I hear is pretty nasty.

Guilt........

Yes just a little........

That's why I CAN NOT get all teary eyed.......

That would just be down right bratty:)

Here's just a few pictures of the ceremony and us at the airfield......

 

 

 

 

And then he was gone......

 

And it was sad. Saying good bye never gets easy. Especially for the kids. But they know this is what dad does. It's who he is. Protecting the weak and the innocent who cannot protect themselves. Defending this country against terrorism and all that try to do us harm. Protecting our way of life even if he doesn't like how some people live it. He is not political. He does not force others to do what he does. He sacrifices for what he believes to be a greater good. That there are things worth fighting for that are greater than him.

And that's why I adore him.

Have a wonderful evening with your family.

I have some Fettuccine Alfredo to make:)

I'll be back soon. I have been crafting the last week!!


 
 

 

 

 

Put a fork in it........

It's done!

Man I am still stuffed from yesterday:)

Now I know why I do not make the turkey what an undertaking!

And Frank loved it so much he said that's the new go to turkey recipe.........

Wait........

Does that mean I have to do the turkey now???

I better not:)

Anyway it was a lovely dinner.........

All recipes came out of Bon Appetite November issue for this year. Still available in the stores if you are so inclined........

My winners are........

Malt Beer Brined Turkey with Malt Glaze

 

Came out some what like the picture:)

 

Rustic Herb Stuffing

 

Bingo this one I was right on the money:)

 

Vanilla Spiced Caramel and Pear Tart

 

I thought mine looked a little over cooked but no one seemed to mind:)

 

And last was Mom's Famous Cheese Potatoes. Which I did not get a picture of because forks went into it before I even got it on the counter:) I will give the recipe out before Thanksgiving I promise they are so easy and so GOOD!!

They were probably the only easy thing I made yesterday......

This menu I have to say is not for beginner cooks. It required a lot of prep time. The turkey sat in a brine for 16 hours. Which made it absolutely DELICIOUS so you can't skip that part. It also called for Malt Barley syrup and if you don't know your way around several different grocery stores it's hard to find. Which by the way if there is anyone local out there who thinks they want to give the turkey a try I have a half a jar of syrup that I will probably never use again!:)

The stuffing can be made easier by purchasing plain stuffing bread cubes available just about everywhere this time of year instead of making your own. 

The tart........

Good God it was a pain in the butt! Peeling and coring pears is not fun! It also required some extra time because after the pears are done cooking in the homemade caramel sauce they have to sit awhile. It also requires fun ingredients like Star Anise and Whole Cloves. Which I also have and will share if you want to give it a whirl:)

But all were TOTALLY worth it:)

I started around 6:30am. and worked mise en place (pronounced MEEZ-ahn-plahs it's French for having all your ingredients and equipment prepared and in place before proceeding with the recipe:) until 10am. Went to work and got home at 3pm. Zach had placed the turkey in th oven for me at 2pm. From 3pm. on I did not sit down until 6pm. when dinner was served. It was a long process!! But again totally worth it:)

I now know there is a reason I don't do everything myself!!

So remember if you are looking for something new to try (shake things up a bit:), a challenge or just looking for tips and variations of recipes pick up a Bon Appetite. Not everything is difficult or needs obscure ingredients. There are beginning recipes too. Also if you are looking to try cooking or are already a novice cook "Cook's Illustrated" is an awesome publication. I love how they road test ingredients like green beans. Fresh, frozen, canned they tell you what works and the best brand. They also tell you the worst:) They have great quick tips and how to make the most of your space. This month was how to pit a pear without losing half the fruit. Came in handy! A melon baller DUH!:)

Well the boys will be back soon. They went golfing today:)

And now I have to finish up the laundry all Frank's bags must be turned in tomorrow and we have to get every last pair of socks, brown t shirt and boxer short in there! He'll have to do his own laundry now:) That ought to be interesting! Whenever he leaves he either takes enough for the trip or he sends it out on post to get done. There is a rumor going around that the laundry service in Iraq may be shutting down as more and more of the civilian contractors are leaving country. Uh oh:)

Happy Veteran's Day!

Thank God for their heavy hearts and broad shoulders:)

 

Preparing.......

What can I say?

I am out of sorts with not a whole lot to say this week........

We now have 5 days left and the last 3 have been hard.........

Watching Frank say good bye to his 89 year old grandma was in a word........

HEARTBREAKING!!

That may be two words........

She cried and cried then he got teary eyed just watching her and then it was all over.

Uhgggg enough of that!

Today I am going to Gilding again but taking someone new:)

(Oh and as an aside I have NOT started my bangles yet! As you will see thru this post my mind is in no position to even attempt anything new creatively at the moment:) but man I am racking up the supplies lol!)

Also picking up some cupcakes:)

I finally got an idea for my Christmas ornament exchange that I need to make 13 of!! So I'll head over to Micheal's:)

And I need to head to the grocery store for ingredients........

Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving here:)

Went to 3 stores yesterday and finally found a turkey!!

Thought we were going to have chicken there for a minute!

Again we went with a turkey, stuffing and dessert recipe from Bon Appetite.......

Usually Frank does the turkey and stuffing every year for Christmas (Thanksgiving we go to his parents). The last few years he has found inspiration thru Bon Appetite. So last week when he picked up the magazine and was flipping thru it I had a wee bit of a meltdown. Just a tiny one:) Seeing that we have NO time to really do this and him especially, I have broken it down so it is manageable and we will be eating Turkey tomorrow come hell or high water:) With my dad and Chris. We don't need no stinkin' traditions lol:)

So I am off to to buy puff pastry and hopefully some pears. Crossing my fingers:)

The kids have a 4 day weekend for Veteran's Day which is great! We will head down to Anaheim Friday sometime and stay the night. Maybe see a little Disneyland:) Our Yellow Ribbon Event is Saturday and then we need to haul butt back to make Tyler's end of the season party.

Then Sunday morning comes and to say I am DREADING it would be an UNDERSTATEMENT!!!

Poor Tyler. I have a feeling he may finally lose it. And I am getting teary just thinking about it:(

Enough of that.

We will all be fine.

I know we will:)

I am so incredibly humbled by Frank. The sacrifices he has made but all along being a wonderful husband and a loving dad. Although Lindsay doesn't really think so right now:) He is brave, strong and has a love for his country and fellow soldiers that most will never feel in their lifetime about anyone or anything.

So keep your shoulders back, your back straight and your chin up.......

And.........

Embrace the suck:)

 

 

 

 

My inspiration comes from.......

Kristen's Ethereal Bangle class started Monday!

Woo Hoo:)

So for our first "homework" assignment we were supposed to think about where we find inspiration and write it down..........

For me it comes from........

The ocean. Shells, sands, corals, sea glass, colors of the water, waves, mist, sounds of seagulls, watching pelicans in flight, warm sun, cool breeze..........

My backyard. Lots of bird feeders, fountain, the sound of the pools waterfall, the sprinklers going, fresh cut grass, the butterfly bush, green herbs growing, succulents in mini planter gardens, buddha statues......

Walking. Crisp mornings, incredible views of the mountains, palm trees, well tread paths, lavendar and viney rosemary everywhere, wildflowers, 2 old crows always on the telephone lines.........

Changing of the seasons. The smells of Thanksgiving, the days getting longer, leaves turning orange and red. The coziness of winter, hearty meals, the smell of the fireplace, snow in the mountains that can be seen from where I sit in my office now. The refreshing sounds of spring, flowers all in bloom, everything coming back to life. The lazy days of summer, cool drinks, barbeques, the occasional out break of thunderstorms getting the hot concrete wet, there is no smell quite like it.

Music. Softly playing.

Quietness.

Candlelight.

Scents such as lavender, vanilla, rose or peppermint.

Natural fabrics, colors, textures, light.

Whites, browns, tans but with a shot of color like a teal or navy blue.

The Corinthians. Faith, hope and love. The greatest of these........

Love:)

Organization. I have to know where everything is and sometimes a project will strike just by me holding a box of beads or going thru a bunch of scrap fabric or paper that has been color coordinated.

Crafty women's blogs:)

Art retreats!

French General most definitely!! Kaari's books are incredible!!!

Magazines, catalogs and decorating books.

Gift shops like Home Arts, Garden Gate, My Heart's Ease and Birds of a Feather all located in Cambria California.

 

That's all I can think of right now:)

More than inspire all those things bring me peace and calm.

In this otherwise hectic, crazy, exhausting world:)

 

Thinking of taking this class........

 
It's at French General. 

Hmmmmm..........

I just talked myself into it:)