Pecan Cinnamon Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough | Brunch Recipe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvFPF3nNAJ25nMDGvLRh65cfQ58txNtbsIGa_HUBWBIqn-gr_yP2XfQQ5Zu7kuvVp1rVcGCfx_ZjlVyDe47QR9eEC-ZLscGv2RTalJrUv-yE5o44g752ic3NC2mvGP70GbI6i-Atr3TM/s1600/IMG_9462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvFPF3nNAJ25nMDGvLRh65cfQ58txNtbsIGa_HUBWBIqn-gr_yP2XfQQ5Zu7kuvVp1rVcGCfx_ZjlVyDe47QR9eEC-ZLscGv2RTalJrUv-yE5o44g752ic3NC2mvGP70GbI6i-Atr3TM/s640/IMG_9462.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>Sorry for being away so long! Emma's been out on Christmas break, which limits my computer time.  Substantially.  I have been taking photos of our dinners and holiday to share in the next couple of weeks, though, so stay tuned.  As soon as we get back to our regular schedule, I'll be able to get them on the blog.<br /><br />PHOTO : Christmas Eve finery  <br /><br />In the meantime, I thought I'd share a last minute idea for a New Years Day Brunch... as I'm searching my own files planning our menu for tomorrow morning. <br />  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3npZtWCSCWiuLzyDZ4YmmjoIKsS-D6yECV5F4urPDozO46BR2NBY-SQUdHPijA5DDhQ6Lr2bUFxheBKiQkNiFJv1QSrIB6rFUWUgjxzvv79rwZYdEZLFqErytSKiszLctefwkgye0ew/s1600/IMG_9523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3npZtWCSCWiuLzyDZ4YmmjoIKsS-D6yECV5F4urPDozO46BR2NBY-SQUdHPijA5DDhQ6Lr2bUFxheBKiQkNiFJv1QSrIB6rFUWUgjxzvv79rwZYdEZLFqErytSKiszLctefwkgye0ew/s640/IMG_9523.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/cinnamon-rolls-from-frozen-bread-dough.html">re-posted last week, one of my all time favorite things to do is to make "homemade" cinnamon rolls from frozen bread dough</a>.  We had friends over for brunch this week and, in addition to the classic cinnamon rolls, also made Pecan Cinnamon Rolls.  With just one extra step, you can create these sticky, pecan glazed cinnamon rolls.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Pecan Cinnamon Rolls</span><br /><i>from frozen Bread Dough </i><br /><i>6-8 rolls </i><br /><br />1 loaf of frozen bread dough, thawed (it comes 3 to a bag)<br />3 tablespoons of butter, softened<br />1/2 cup of brown sugar<br />2 tablespoons of cinnamon<br />1/4 cup of sugar<br />..........<br /><br />Pecan Schmear :<br />4 tablespoons of butter, softened<br />1/2 cup of brown sugar<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon of salt</div>1 cup of pecans<br /><br /><br />Thaw the loaf of frozen bread dough in the refrigerator or on the counter (there are directions for thawing on the bag).  Allow the thaw dough to rise for 1-2 hours in a warm area covered with a damp cloth.  Roll the dough out into a rectangle onto a floured surface.  Spread softened butter on the rolled out dough.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLn1EI3lldMz1z2LI8LXqvFyvucbeVJIkIHrWM8gnIGtoHRXymzZpNppCortMi21sUiY4VIk3V-oiYN2yuGTKYb8VtyQpTU0puzoA5fsphlzQZI1PtzB9VRiNefhUBN7wuOE04_XGakM/s1600/IMG_9498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLn1EI3lldMz1z2LI8LXqvFyvucbeVJIkIHrWM8gnIGtoHRXymzZpNppCortMi21sUiY4VIk3V-oiYN2yuGTKYb8VtyQpTU0puzoA5fsphlzQZI1PtzB9VRiNefhUBN7wuOE04_XGakM/s640/IMG_9498.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Sprinkle sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon over the dough.  Roll up the dough into a log.  Slice into 2-inch thick rolls.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS2a9aD9nkQZMZIKJQKlRAZYhpb7ZvGyC321I5bk77WNii0ZHWSrZtpved0BSx9-ibWhBUOMI5iufFsPcW9DVw8OK-Ip99-jq33yiG3Gyz_yFoPfAlCm0IQJc48Jix-ei3silaysSbbQ/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS2a9aD9nkQZMZIKJQKlRAZYhpb7ZvGyC321I5bk77WNii0ZHWSrZtpved0BSx9-ibWhBUOMI5iufFsPcW9DVw8OK-Ip99-jq33yiG3Gyz_yFoPfAlCm0IQJc48Jix-ei3silaysSbbQ/s640/IMG_9495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Create the schmear by creaming together 4 tablespoons of butter, salt and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.  Scoop the mixture into the bottom of a round pie dish or baking pan.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapO-lZ5BmZpNUrk4iGCoa1OzFdBWBYDoaCCnsocd50E0IBbVgi472C4qHJ8aWVpoRRRflik4AajzbgTiuKReLNnNErRv5TZwvQ5RRKeqRn2DwF0UfxNJSSCV9ol7Yzsa7nEWDTMzurY4/s1600/IMG_9496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapO-lZ5BmZpNUrk4iGCoa1OzFdBWBYDoaCCnsocd50E0IBbVgi472C4qHJ8aWVpoRRRflik4AajzbgTiuKReLNnNErRv5TZwvQ5RRKeqRn2DwF0UfxNJSSCV9ol7Yzsa7nEWDTMzurY4/s640/IMG_9496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Put pecans on top of the schmear mixture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIviYQB5SFJ_96HvyrRepmQ-MHWOdvE-RuVSqeC9ltfYwsjf6wYym3DHm2q1ETd45kyQ1_I8KMSzzXXAHl6AEedJUP_qhXw5uYrQSkYI2Ha_wIxfn3hyphenhyphenORNvB_YWI2D6EXCcc6MyNm-00/s1600/IMG_9499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIviYQB5SFJ_96HvyrRepmQ-MHWOdvE-RuVSqeC9ltfYwsjf6wYym3DHm2q1ETd45kyQ1_I8KMSzzXXAHl6AEedJUP_qhXw5uYrQSkYI2Ha_wIxfn3hyphenhyphenORNvB_YWI2D6EXCcc6MyNm-00/s640/IMG_9499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Place the rolls, spiral side up in the baking pan.<br /><br /><br />Cover with a warm damp towel and allow to rise 2-4 hours (or overnight) in a warm area.  When the rolls have doubled in size, bake them at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes until they begin to brown.  Let them cool for 5 minutes, then invert them onto a plate or serving platter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkFyKWYXCbJG7qXosSWUbasY93mzSR-fo7wgq1yEERvdTRusY7708bcFWIALGyDMXuJgQIQNUJK01Yzg3elgmK-re9skQhSOZmza3wOD9keDEL68UcrfQq1YMq5TkQi7XkzSiKKMq7f0/s1600/IMG_9519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkFyKWYXCbJG7qXosSWUbasY93mzSR-fo7wgq1yEERvdTRusY7708bcFWIALGyDMXuJgQIQNUJK01Yzg3elgmK-re9skQhSOZmza3wOD9keDEL68UcrfQq1YMq5TkQi7XkzSiKKMq7f0/s640/IMG_9519.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />

Pecan Cinnamon Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough | Brunch Recipe

Sorry for being away so long! Emma's been out on Christmas break, which limits my computer time.  Substantially.  I have been taking pho...

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Operation Pantry Remodel: Phase 2

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you all enjoyed your holidays! It was my first year ever with just the two (three) of us. I missed my family but it was nice to be our own family too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's our one and only holiday photo (in case you missed it on instagram or facebook):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcyuGSCNWcphZ8ibOmpiepayct63JPFCr2rdpkppKsTGr8yVB9Jsba1qU-RDFJt22Pn-9ts3sBMAEnhhiHHo0NqxEsLojQCKv3Wksp_23CeJZDbBB3KOYTncc65nbW7gP1YX9Ffxb-d1g/s1600/150603_395718320503570_1684831131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcyuGSCNWcphZ8ibOmpiepayct63JPFCr2rdpkppKsTGr8yVB9Jsba1qU-RDFJt22Pn-9ts3sBMAEnhhiHHo0NqxEsLojQCKv3Wksp_23CeJZDbBB3KOYTncc65nbW7gP1YX9Ffxb-d1g/s1600/150603_395718320503570_1684831131_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Susie was a good girl and dressed up for the occasion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that the holidays are over, it's that time again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGIxi9YK-l1S_5wC2cM2jQKcmrDECWCMtS5w96Frld1iBw3T1bpCpYzJlYEY0pTwMcrt_xKGPzjwZ_2grnB3-NQxku7LuW4Mn440cT84D7lO_ti7yuCuItEQ2226iF7OG93_Ulwf2JAvU/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGIxi9YK-l1S_5wC2cM2jQKcmrDECWCMtS5w96Frld1iBw3T1bpCpYzJlYEY0pTwMcrt_xKGPzjwZ_2grnB3-NQxku7LuW4Mn440cT84D7lO_ti7yuCuItEQ2226iF7OG93_Ulwf2JAvU/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yep, we've jumped right back in to our pantry remodel!<br /><br /><br />Let's go back to where we left off last time:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictTTOhBwFF8hU8kVCz4Gd82IkSbvvYP2PWf6TmKJB6LBQrHgZO5OC8O_5_VepudjQddxVPSoKcOUg05h-2Rz5GxIUJM2OpcGNxw7bb1nekopzZ8jBxpA6IeLe_j9tQJoElCi31ah5gLr3/s1600/IMG_9402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictTTOhBwFF8hU8kVCz4Gd82IkSbvvYP2PWf6TmKJB6LBQrHgZO5OC8O_5_VepudjQddxVPSoKcOUg05h-2Rz5GxIUJM2OpcGNxw7bb1nekopzZ8jBxpA6IeLe_j9tQJoElCi31ah5gLr3/s1600/IMG_9402.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I came up with a plan, purchased a few boxes and glass jars, and was ready for the next step.<br /><br />During this month-long hiatus, I was still stuck on what to do with the very top shelf. Should I add more boxes/baskets? Keep everything out in the open? Nothing was really working for me.<br /><br />And then.... last week... out of nowhere, it hit me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/094803/094803022093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/094803/094803022093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Ditch the top shelf altogether and get a medicine cabinet. This made perfect sense for so many reasons:<br /><br />1) I could utilize the otherwise wasted vertical space up to the ceiling<br />2) Concealed storage without having to pull down an entire basket to grab one thing<br />3) Items inside would be lined up in a single row, easy to find and sort<br />4) The shelf below this will have tall jars which I can now easily lift out without a shelf above in the way (the cabinet is only 7" deep)<br />5) The bottom nook makes a perfect spice rack, which I hadn't yet figured out a solution for.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_108779-444-TT210_0__?productId=1002149&Ntt=rsi+medicine+cabinet&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Drsi%2Bmedicine%2Bcabinet&facetInfo=" target="_blank">This cabinet</a> from Lowe's (Estate by RSI) just happened to be the exact width of my pantry and the most inexpensive model I could find. Plus it was white so I wouldn't have to repaint. It was meant to be.<br /><br />With my dilemma solved, I had new motivation and excitement to get the ball rolling.<br /><br />I went to Lowe's to find my shelves, and found this 24"x72" ready to paint board for $31. It was perfect because it was the exact width of my pantry, and when cut into 4 pieces, it was also the exact depth I needed (18"):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NK6ssBGCysbeEUinby9wf3UEog2MAGbdJHxGo28qu4Ld5fKUh_GtPPxOc3c2i3-Vk-MmvS7Ww7F0FBGw9UMA9p6uBFXNa_D9zL2oZ2LD9_eU8ZUmyjjHPiHarKH0AzBsbQ24fpdWc5uW/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NK6ssBGCysbeEUinby9wf3UEog2MAGbdJHxGo28qu4Ld5fKUh_GtPPxOc3c2i3-Vk-MmvS7Ww7F0FBGw9UMA9p6uBFXNa_D9zL2oZ2LD9_eU8ZUmyjjHPiHarKH0AzBsbQ24fpdWc5uW/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's a closer look:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9zHZkX-i-5cc7sYmCOYiHk0xBOWN4mhVkvnvaBc2EbM1avCHU2R3P_uzeZgfyju5WbwOrG7lfaN5rdHcV7UhwrHmzClu3bUJkR3DHyGd52D7EtYFWXG2veo7G0yGNokHqsdkOt5C6P-r/s1600/IMG_1928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9zHZkX-i-5cc7sYmCOYiHk0xBOWN4mhVkvnvaBc2EbM1avCHU2R3P_uzeZgfyju5WbwOrG7lfaN5rdHcV7UhwrHmzClu3bUJkR3DHyGd52D7EtYFWXG2veo7G0yGNokHqsdkOt5C6P-r/s1600/IMG_1928.jpg" /></a></div><br />4 shelves for $32, not bad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevXBDB15AvR7O2mBAOJqjEmEMyat6Spso0tTItiyMgb9IbLtPMWJR1Kwbwpvkjun-bdVSdSbwZ27qE07QHws8TAcBsA2TBElSPpmGCF5kEb1WxKGhxkjd-3hqOixYJaxQZ_Y9itBfx3bP/s1600/IMG_9681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevXBDB15AvR7O2mBAOJqjEmEMyat6Spso0tTItiyMgb9IbLtPMWJR1Kwbwpvkjun-bdVSdSbwZ27qE07QHws8TAcBsA2TBElSPpmGCF5kEb1WxKGhxkjd-3hqOixYJaxQZ_Y9itBfx3bP/s1600/IMG_9681.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm only using 3 shelves, so it's good to have an extra just in case I need it later on. Or for other projects.<br /><br />I also picked up some 1x2" primed MDF pieces (you can see them on the left in the photo above). These will be my shelf supports—more on that in the next post.<br /><br />Lowe's had my cabinet in stock so I picked that up also:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcxoxjLX4ovA7hj8FYsdDaBFcknUj8u5mgwfKTmt55iSXw7aFeBwJ0WOAV8JKBvyRdiSbMuuUY7AIWwR6NAYyBEib8DYpzVZ90Nm5SgSYD_hs9Igc6Bo8VG9OKoRQKcI3lo3xXXiBbY6c/s1600/IMG_9680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcxoxjLX4ovA7hj8FYsdDaBFcknUj8u5mgwfKTmt55iSXw7aFeBwJ0WOAV8JKBvyRdiSbMuuUY7AIWwR6NAYyBEib8DYpzVZ90Nm5SgSYD_hs9Igc6Bo8VG9OKoRQKcI3lo3xXXiBbY6c/s1600/IMG_9680.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'll be swapping out the stock knobs for cute ones from Hobby Lobby.<br /><br />After removing the useless bifold door, it was time to clean out the pantry:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dIc8rSAIBxAeFsFftFcfwtdE0B6u_XJ-x2RspKVbGyFTYBlD5wOE-o8LgBvIXdiGjG6vI7_CzVbvkvINgP75lrxIKJrdqLnbrRXTO2W5xGsmYn5OVro9XK8_XE9DcYYUeuXfoBnJ2KNX/s1600/IMG_9667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dIc8rSAIBxAeFsFftFcfwtdE0B6u_XJ-x2RspKVbGyFTYBlD5wOE-o8LgBvIXdiGjG6vI7_CzVbvkvINgP75lrxIKJrdqLnbrRXTO2W5xGsmYn5OVro9XK8_XE9DcYYUeuXfoBnJ2KNX/s1600/IMG_9667.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-gKvge5bTSmSJ3dtHqaq7PDCcqysrd-vlw_WW_UphWwIXDKpT1mEFZUSL5QKkyziLZ1b8QzzPP0Q1Ba9XXEwdVv-A3AGBCCnSDtOtj2NHpYv8UO97Kh1dAjDdPvqk1OmcIEQ4SpU90yj/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-gKvge5bTSmSJ3dtHqaq7PDCcqysrd-vlw_WW_UphWwIXDKpT1mEFZUSL5QKkyziLZ1b8QzzPP0Q1Ba9XXEwdVv-A3AGBCCnSDtOtj2NHpYv8UO97Kh1dAjDdPvqk1OmcIEQ4SpU90yj/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then it was shelf demo time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsqMvR2ip60RrM3J6Fw2OX_sz41nmpiwVb6tdhrxc0UUZNnASyOuFEpoWwAwKml9ssointgA-nkbjIPf_zph5AjArrM6pJvfSng83deU4VjK0nZD8CZTcGB-JTw-gEErSBzPL5FvMNzf-/s1600/IMG_9668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsqMvR2ip60RrM3J6Fw2OX_sz41nmpiwVb6tdhrxc0UUZNnASyOuFEpoWwAwKml9ssointgA-nkbjIPf_zph5AjArrM6pJvfSng83deU4VjK0nZD8CZTcGB-JTw-gEErSBzPL5FvMNzf-/s1600/IMG_9668.jpg" /></a></div><br />I was left with some nasty anchor holes...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uHBpRnF5K_acTCROx6INZXj9AJdi2S3q0nK4NBCvqKeFTLwN0df11dEpY0_n-gujzqbPbgs8YEQIw0iYQ5jImOk1Gam2V-zCBj_eeLnVEI52GFdCaygHhLLpZulYjgV1aJ6PIkhFqbVS/s1600/IMG_9670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uHBpRnF5K_acTCROx6INZXj9AJdi2S3q0nK4NBCvqKeFTLwN0df11dEpY0_n-gujzqbPbgs8YEQIw0iYQ5jImOk1Gam2V-zCBj_eeLnVEI52GFdCaygHhLLpZulYjgV1aJ6PIkhFqbVS/s1600/IMG_9670.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The whole thing was basically just a mess from lazy construction practices... so I took some time (but not too much) to patch and sand everything down.<br /><br />Then, it was time for paint!<br /><br />I decided to use the leftover paint from our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/sunroom-living-room-wall-progress.html" target="_blank">sunroom ceiling</a>—Valspar's Tropical Mist.<br /><br />Here's a mid painting shot, via instagram:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpJDk5DfIDd64BR6scrm3e_gHgiIoM5cMD0s-tAMpCL_vjdstSBtw3O2-o4QL4Y93zk9D7Q9IEe69mHyrmV77x8Ws8B7EEMHMoj6t-QwwwMusLA8Vn6Wug6XVTfCD0wx9yPj6EsJ_3ulG/s1600/IMG_1929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpJDk5DfIDd64BR6scrm3e_gHgiIoM5cMD0s-tAMpCL_vjdstSBtw3O2-o4QL4Y93zk9D7Q9IEe69mHyrmV77x8Ws8B7EEMHMoj6t-QwwwMusLA8Vn6Wug6XVTfCD0wx9yPj6EsJ_3ulG/s1600/IMG_1929.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the walls were dry, I added a fresh coat of white to the baseboards:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SeqRbWbMqlKGBrHNP3huymIqicM6VvZD7wWtRFzB-KbiMa8mt-sgOijL3VDyyrRZG3TnIYDgp44hA57tCs48nvdffqQTmrjyX1xcHcJF2mo1ZRorD99ZOLRmtTYvUVK5ft9g5P4EuJcT/s1600/IMG_9675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SeqRbWbMqlKGBrHNP3huymIqicM6VvZD7wWtRFzB-KbiMa8mt-sgOijL3VDyyrRZG3TnIYDgp44hA57tCs48nvdffqQTmrjyX1xcHcJF2mo1ZRorD99ZOLRmtTYvUVK5ft9g5P4EuJcT/s1600/IMG_9675.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And finally, Brad installed a couple recessed lights this morning:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04Xl1TgoEZa2xZW0u7GiHfEsFbv7OgFMB5tMf9_AsXxx1i5Ny6cXd7IupRB5UFvYT6twB-3bbxWEYEI-kRcg1kt2KDQ3aSVwUCFR8EMWeJsHTVA4OaOWqIHgK3VcoT5y6r0typrNJ1cFM/s1600/IMG_9671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04Xl1TgoEZa2xZW0u7GiHfEsFbv7OgFMB5tMf9_AsXxx1i5Ny6cXd7IupRB5UFvYT6twB-3bbxWEYEI-kRcg1kt2KDQ3aSVwUCFR8EMWeJsHTVA4OaOWqIHgK3VcoT5y6r0typrNJ1cFM/s1600/IMG_9671.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />They're a little off center because there's some piping in the attic in the way. But the bulb direction is adjustable and you can't see them unless you're on the ground, so no big deal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cqEsjfj_7bJXv9MpC2GKaaqpQ6qdO5iqD5NHCTGYD7uQBAAMtPtjHKQ3sqy-nQkRAw53pgbJneDJjF6amN_45wNZFGgcSLKWdvXF_PouSbYbc7pVdwabMtHXNJpvXbdr805I10O3V2w5/s1600/%2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cqEsjfj_7bJXv9MpC2GKaaqpQ6qdO5iqD5NHCTGYD7uQBAAMtPtjHKQ3sqy-nQkRAw53pgbJneDJjF6amN_45wNZFGgcSLKWdvXF_PouSbYbc7pVdwabMtHXNJpvXbdr805I10O3V2w5/s1600/%2527.jpg" /></a></div><br />We put them on the same circuit as the rest of the kitchen lighting, and they are dimmable as well.<br /><br />Here's the pantry as it stands now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2n4Ga0jRvZ3341wNilNHq5rf3lAeju2T5YZtnrHqv_QPrfV_lL64lqaDhliR6wHyVEEY1hixNMwtshyphenhyphenUXObpIUIYa9VzN1QXWdHawioBaHlDYrsgxkTmz2Gt3mlcwHIvay6ik04RjcIg/s1600/IMG_9676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2n4Ga0jRvZ3341wNilNHq5rf3lAeju2T5YZtnrHqv_QPrfV_lL64lqaDhliR6wHyVEEY1hixNMwtshyphenhyphenUXObpIUIYa9VzN1QXWdHawioBaHlDYrsgxkTmz2Gt3mlcwHIvay6ik04RjcIg/s1600/IMG_9676.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7yAM42oHzxe63EDNF0i_9P7fIkFPY0xUbHYcYJFG4toZiSMvmjQCN25dQ2fO_woQwAbsXtgNKwv4eNp07tZw3KciLwCIQSWZtIObcKunrVOQw9crtYyeZ-PdfMXtAb7fHXrKhzXIXaz_/s1600/IMG_9679-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7yAM42oHzxe63EDNF0i_9P7fIkFPY0xUbHYcYJFG4toZiSMvmjQCN25dQ2fO_woQwAbsXtgNKwv4eNp07tZw3KciLwCIQSWZtIObcKunrVOQw9crtYyeZ-PdfMXtAb7fHXrKhzXIXaz_/s1600/IMG_9679-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />It looks *way* lighter in these photos than it does in real life... I hate this lens. Anyone want a Canon 10-22? Bleh.<br /><br />Here we go... I just ran into the kitchen and took this from my iphone. It's grainy, but realistic:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu33OisFa-gJg9MoB0dDAcmvqqKXESHS0OjtOpgdO6e06bfM4_4UWlzWJdjbCy8O2ye61-91w6QupUs5r_0pcdP1cNB3ePsAOVRKZ8VOCdwBoDF72dXGfwlMyVMBUQghXNX9V0mgXb2_w/s1600/IMG_1930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu33OisFa-gJg9MoB0dDAcmvqqKXESHS0OjtOpgdO6e06bfM4_4UWlzWJdjbCy8O2ye61-91w6QupUs5r_0pcdP1cNB3ePsAOVRKZ8VOCdwBoDF72dXGfwlMyVMBUQghXNX9V0mgXb2_w/s1600/IMG_1930.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />See... it's <i>very blue</i> in there. A little jarring but it will come together once everything is installed and in place.<br /><br /><br />Before I jump into phase 3 (the not so fun part of shelf installation), I'll share what I've been scheming for the fun part: fabric.<br /><br />Luckily, Brad agreed to let me leave the bifold off and hang a curtain. Since then, I've been keeping an eye out at every fabric/home improvement store I've stepped into, hoping to fall in love with something.<br /><br />Here's my vision: mostly aqua and (gasp, a new color!) yellow. Something floral or organic or graphic (but not too bold). Seems like there would be tons out there, right? Nope. Or maybe I'm just too picky.<br /><br />I spent entirely way too much time searching the world for "the one", and never really found it. There were countless close calls, so eventually I had to settle for the best option.<br /><br />Here were the final contenders (all via Etsy):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-STIHJJQEEm-ObVg-6rZThnegplhieqaPQ6-oUc_dHWctX_N8NPxTEQMK2r573cHj3yXBZOEDPktZ-DbJX9FGmPryo51QWuAyrRKf1OIVg4596hopCAV4SsYNIHpjS9z2sJVsiqhoSZ6/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-STIHJJQEEm-ObVg-6rZThnegplhieqaPQ6-oUc_dHWctX_N8NPxTEQMK2r573cHj3yXBZOEDPktZ-DbJX9FGmPryo51QWuAyrRKf1OIVg4596hopCAV4SsYNIHpjS9z2sJVsiqhoSZ6/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Which one is your favorite?<br /><br />Can you guess which I finally settled on?<br /><br /><br />....<br /><br />........<br /><br />................<br /><br />...........................<br /><i><br /></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqgMm53_Svr7G_gLCraWpuCOrv79SK4IEXYi-XYhVtJsHcJyFin0x2v_Wlzt-8_hJbRRPOygiZk8P5L8OoCo8tzBT89pIsfic7LlE-FC-Gwu9sL78d6KvIVI3ZJS7ryKloEoOeS1YiGs2/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqgMm53_Svr7G_gLCraWpuCOrv79SK4IEXYi-XYhVtJsHcJyFin0x2v_Wlzt-8_hJbRRPOygiZk8P5L8OoCo8tzBT89pIsfic7LlE-FC-Gwu9sL78d6KvIVI3ZJS7ryKloEoOeS1YiGs2/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I *almost* pulled the trigger on the bottom left, but decided the colors weren't exactly right.<br /><br />So McKenzie Bohemia in Aqua by Dena Designs it is.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPE35lUOVxgaoQKv6laHDEUrJVpMT_vKPG3cCuDnR-EpTsMr8Y-lYfb3-Ets0yrRvMtPiwIY22cYjKlPqJsQGAFTohQmxOD_A_jWfI5wf7uu-73l4skj2JkujGAxiagi5fAUMH9K1dyN3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-30+at+3.33.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPE35lUOVxgaoQKv6laHDEUrJVpMT_vKPG3cCuDnR-EpTsMr8Y-lYfb3-Ets0yrRvMtPiwIY22cYjKlPqJsQGAFTohQmxOD_A_jWfI5wf7uu-73l4skj2JkujGAxiagi5fAUMH9K1dyN3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-30+at+3.33.51+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />I purchased it <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117967444/dena-designs-df70-mckenzie-bohemia-aqua?ga_search_query=dena" target="_blank">here</a> and it came to $22.22 shipped for 2.5 yards. I'll use stitch witchery to make it into a curtain, and of course document that whole process later.<br /><br />Hopefully it will be yellow enough in person—but if it isn't, I have other plans to add a splash of yellow. And I'm pretty excited about that project.<br /><br /><br />Cross your fingers for me that all goes well and we have shelves and a cabinet installed next week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />

Operation Pantry Remodel: Phase 2

Hope you all enjoyed your holidays! It was my first year ever with just the two (three) of us. I missed my family but it was nice to be our ...

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A Peek Around our House the Night (okay, two nights...) Before Christmas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTeZ4AJ8SoR8jqOOBiqv6oiNjX5NlIEcw3hlJDfLY6mNXvn_I9lWZfz5jG_T76tmZHDTpLUfh4nK3Ee0jjTIAE3-Mxsbjz1Y1IzUpQha3tpm2c0vPeNhbVEGmcIH3CxlI0iSuNtCbA7s/s1600/IMG_9390.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTeZ4AJ8SoR8jqOOBiqv6oiNjX5NlIEcw3hlJDfLY6mNXvn_I9lWZfz5jG_T76tmZHDTpLUfh4nK3Ee0jjTIAE3-Mxsbjz1Y1IzUpQha3tpm2c0vPeNhbVEGmcIH3CxlI0iSuNtCbA7s/s640/IMG_9390.jpg" width="520" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc3yJOdNnO8ZMjVhgkOrcDfE48gUbBl5cnrSL9-4QQpSfL3qmGhM9RrngqvpIESg-e_uoKNnuB_JQ_IJhzwf-a4svyfMtjYbklxG_XeD0CwZc2L1Z8BwPGzbuJs2wcsv7cZHJxLOm6aI/s1600/IMG_9396.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc3yJOdNnO8ZMjVhgkOrcDfE48gUbBl5cnrSL9-4QQpSfL3qmGhM9RrngqvpIESg-e_uoKNnuB_JQ_IJhzwf-a4svyfMtjYbklxG_XeD0CwZc2L1Z8BwPGzbuJs2wcsv7cZHJxLOm6aI/s400/IMG_9396.JPG" width="400" /></a>Here is a peek around our house just before Christmas!  Last night Santa (a.k.a. Mike's parents!) made a stop at our house and left this antique sleigh complete with red and robins egg blue paint - isn't it perfect? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3M9aIfZoh9nyS-md9nsiFBSQloWt6F2T5ZZieVmc9TqQvCOdd0yIHJ0D1vNl-LZD35RyBW6vbA4XyVUYYXFzkZqOyXdXwQ3Y2VMA1bKWuot-8V3CslaQLmZJPcYQjsnMgC9ye3e8XKI/s1600/IMG_9382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3M9aIfZoh9nyS-md9nsiFBSQloWt6F2T5ZZieVmc9TqQvCOdd0yIHJ0D1vNl-LZD35RyBW6vbA4XyVUYYXFzkZqOyXdXwQ3Y2VMA1bKWuot-8V3CslaQLmZJPcYQjsnMgC9ye3e8XKI/s640/IMG_9382.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I filled our urns with sprigs of cedar and piles of ornaments (non glass, but glass-looking).  The glittered ones look so great and sparkly at night.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxPuoA3ENDT6N3bHgxoWe1VV7k2lsAHdwbjaymmvMzYKpp2WMkyBvmmycTRKNV8eZtf7jSJEbyEis1tB40CsqhAOc6Z7F3CpB24cMVHEGiMjPrXG7nxev5nLC0HxVEiBefDIo1k89iUs/s1600/IMG_9368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxPuoA3ENDT6N3bHgxoWe1VV7k2lsAHdwbjaymmvMzYKpp2WMkyBvmmycTRKNV8eZtf7jSJEbyEis1tB40CsqhAOc6Z7F3CpB24cMVHEGiMjPrXG7nxev5nLC0HxVEiBefDIo1k89iUs/s640/IMG_9368.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Our tree, a Frasier Fir, is decked with upholstery strapping and ornaments, as always. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ97BsjVEk2_QFx72Pytx5uf2t5XYuFMdheQr43PSlGFOJeCpo68e0h0jUiZ0PPM6NQNZpPthdBedw9_SELORV8b6sqI-yczM2dD2_5KDnxq358yL-OA4UvNXLXKd5hT1hRkoRgO7mXM/s1600/IMG_9364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ97BsjVEk2_QFx72Pytx5uf2t5XYuFMdheQr43PSlGFOJeCpo68e0h0jUiZ0PPM6NQNZpPthdBedw9_SELORV8b6sqI-yczM2dD2_5KDnxq358yL-OA4UvNXLXKd5hT1hRkoRgO7mXM/s640/IMG_9364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of the gifts (but one from Mike to Emma) are wrapped in brown paper and satin ribbon.  I know brown kraft paper is really popular right now, but I've loved it for as long as I can remember.  For the last 30 years my Aunt Lisa has wrapped gifts in her signature craft paper and plaid ribbon.  At some point, maybe 15 years ago, I adopted her wrapping style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90haqcCRpBIBw9Gu2kvBrqMxy4iv-jPX1zWa5KQNVhR2mb7OX8_yfHCLYZ1vvbFLJT-NLT-_HiWVWpHnvSh_11NhhctKOsWdxxOkyw7t59zx6JLP8cUgWl4emx5btltisXg_DynQC5JI/s1600/IMG_9363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90haqcCRpBIBw9Gu2kvBrqMxy4iv-jPX1zWa5KQNVhR2mb7OX8_yfHCLYZ1vvbFLJT-NLT-_HiWVWpHnvSh_11NhhctKOsWdxxOkyw7t59zx6JLP8cUgWl4emx5btltisXg_DynQC5JI/s640/IMG_9363.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emma loves to unstack and re-stack the presents.   She particularly loves the packages with the red satin ribbons, which happen to be hers... smart girl!  Maybe she can read her name written on the packages in gold sharpie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCWjQAewMY88lSVNVlB-mjPBKudaxSdkmWIR1aJ51Oc-vElL2Y5ckRV6vhuO98S5oEDwAitCYoCpJFOt7fYRH_9zv9t-G8iGPXyuEPwDFgB8wIDMVJm2jSVpAI1IIL9jfyChFUNIXQCk/s1600/IMG_9366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCWjQAewMY88lSVNVlB-mjPBKudaxSdkmWIR1aJ51Oc-vElL2Y5ckRV6vhuO98S5oEDwAitCYoCpJFOt7fYRH_9zv9t-G8iGPXyuEPwDFgB8wIDMVJm2jSVpAI1IIL9jfyChFUNIXQCk/s640/IMG_9366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this pillow featuring a vintage woody wagon that I picked up at Pottery Barn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB-M_N2cHIAxE6UfMEKJnc36zS98cVbrMbVgGAa36RJtKNip227u7vDMZfddHQ9iCRgBvY9qNP3YbIzxr2n2Yu4ZwX1Z6DLgoU-oIJ5orQeKyOzDcFPEYtQiqEOgLmCo9Zxiz4JXt0HE/s1600/IMG_9371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB-M_N2cHIAxE6UfMEKJnc36zS98cVbrMbVgGAa36RJtKNip227u7vDMZfddHQ9iCRgBvY9qNP3YbIzxr2n2Yu4ZwX1Z6DLgoU-oIJ5orQeKyOzDcFPEYtQiqEOgLmCo9Zxiz4JXt0HE/s640/IMG_9371.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mantle has fake (gasp!) white pine sprigs with real magnolia leaves inserted in it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSBrb-4f1LbjoqzVgkeieVc59kKa0ehPVc_SyDWKaNtFCCxfaxfMjXWH8vf53TQMnz0osyFNqobPoiMZGsyv2HwP4aaaS63LObOXc-96xtPcWfwqqSUiFZhBV-ttd8FR0S1ZTbS8LHHI/s1600/IMG_9370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSBrb-4f1LbjoqzVgkeieVc59kKa0ehPVc_SyDWKaNtFCCxfaxfMjXWH8vf53TQMnz0osyFNqobPoiMZGsyv2HwP4aaaS63LObOXc-96xtPcWfwqqSUiFZhBV-ttd8FR0S1ZTbS8LHHI/s640/IMG_9370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the combo of the two AND the real magnolia leaves seem to make the fake pine look real.  Bonus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7gNDxnYh4MaLmxzMzB1ojEskXy1Qmc1YZWaKVqBp8BxErUCZeZJLnl3yLTf5c326gUqxTohPmsmCd_6M1zBdtbxsxwemS7ARSxUInIbPs0Y964lXhxlE8Lpwtz_g162HafhdvunliCs/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7gNDxnYh4MaLmxzMzB1ojEskXy1Qmc1YZWaKVqBp8BxErUCZeZJLnl3yLTf5c326gUqxTohPmsmCd_6M1zBdtbxsxwemS7ARSxUInIbPs0Y964lXhxlE8Lpwtz_g162HafhdvunliCs/s640/IMG_9387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A bay leaf wreath in the kitchen. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-Bd6AYCjD8lkzEfmixxu-x_vWaG0d204c6vL7wNx6RfGUg1sBZe9i3BSIdncUHwAb4elVzMC34F3-TXMPTnlMws7nP0v63sUDB-CO-SN_KX8fCTAkJYRoeHlEM7F64pCNCtcOkRYgGw/s1600/IMG_9332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-Bd6AYCjD8lkzEfmixxu-x_vWaG0d204c6vL7wNx6RfGUg1sBZe9i3BSIdncUHwAb4elVzMC34F3-TXMPTnlMws7nP0v63sUDB-CO-SN_KX8fCTAkJYRoeHlEM7F64pCNCtcOkRYgGw/s640/IMG_9332.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Potted paperwhites in the kitchen. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ipCJpkJyDxo8FuHeU5KeCuUwFyPPuqcFFnIH9CxVFE0Fv-v_o7ZuRvNrFZk9FuqqjgXslGBFUXRQsG1nm9sYmkO-gj__50QDbWwxO2EvABQ2jT3gAtHgyXQ2YW1Rb3yOp_1hXe889V8/s1600/IMG_9398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ipCJpkJyDxo8FuHeU5KeCuUwFyPPuqcFFnIH9CxVFE0Fv-v_o7ZuRvNrFZk9FuqqjgXslGBFUXRQsG1nm9sYmkO-gj__50QDbWwxO2EvABQ2jT3gAtHgyXQ2YW1Rb3yOp_1hXe889V8/s640/IMG_9398.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Packaged snowflake cookies ready for delivery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK3kj85F61xptpg3KsEqy6pWLV-4HhYM8ew3puCSbmnDx-QgBhP5Xjc2k1O4q0NWUj1J5izQbZOUmmVRRzujdkQjmLc7zb20X-Xxy6pOhX8hL7VqwWmCJb46-uEZUqgBqfafpZnEroo0/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK3kj85F61xptpg3KsEqy6pWLV-4HhYM8ew3puCSbmnDx-QgBhP5Xjc2k1O4q0NWUj1J5izQbZOUmmVRRzujdkQjmLc7zb20X-Xxy6pOhX8hL7VqwWmCJb46-uEZUqgBqfafpZnEroo0/s640/IMG_8585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Bay Leaf Wreath in the dinning room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vLLhCYryR7B7jIkQt8VycXP2eLQhpIddO3N7Jwpm39bnWf80tCyVnujia_oLat3hxmu86xsvfXLKYLzXfzILSXNhOxRBi6u9Ap2HFy29Yy25kTphTwAjYEb9kVL0wtJv6Tr82pkLulw/s1600/IMG_8891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vLLhCYryR7B7jIkQt8VycXP2eLQhpIddO3N7Jwpm39bnWf80tCyVnujia_oLat3hxmu86xsvfXLKYLzXfzILSXNhOxRBi6u9Ap2HFy29Yy25kTphTwAjYEb9kVL0wtJv6Tr82pkLulw/s640/IMG_8891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A tree in our bedroom dormer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYH5hrTEP633_bH-QPAyts6HbqtbcsUFQ_4PPfQwMtO497ocEqid_vkqydIH5NFKmqyNyVa42UHYfcaXBkVO-LfsRNQR0yO3bab0-w5DhiBnPK_TW5JhN1WJUUGwNR-T_6seN9HZDM6E/s1600/IMG_8605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYH5hrTEP633_bH-QPAyts6HbqtbcsUFQ_4PPfQwMtO497ocEqid_vkqydIH5NFKmqyNyVa42UHYfcaXBkVO-LfsRNQR0yO3bab0-w5DhiBnPK_TW5JhN1WJUUGwNR-T_6seN9HZDM6E/s640/IMG_8605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Merry Christmas, Everyone! <br /><br />

A Peek Around our House the Night (okay, two nights...) Before Christmas

Here is a peek around our house just before Christmas!  Last night Santa (a.k.a. Mike's parents!) made a stop at our house and left thi...

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Photos from Weeknight Holiday Dinner Party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMbG8dPaZenrX-mhioykEsbx9_rv74nzYCOTZEi3VLFv13U2zMJl_Bgla0XWw3EHc2-1zIzxIza-NF3CGZnm_g8UVjLq3PQ_EpQq_20GrcqqsjTIUxNOFLwGre5OpBtSYJFoynNNum00/s1600/IMG_9280.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMbG8dPaZenrX-mhioykEsbx9_rv74nzYCOTZEi3VLFv13U2zMJl_Bgla0XWw3EHc2-1zIzxIza-NF3CGZnm_g8UVjLq3PQ_EpQq_20GrcqqsjTIUxNOFLwGre5OpBtSYJFoynNNum00/s400/IMG_9280.JPG" width="400" /></a>Last week we hosted three parties.  Wheew.   Three years ago, I would have said that I'd catered 3+ parties this week.  The holidays used to be sooo much different then - I spent every night cooking and everyday shopping for ingredients.  Then, the weekends were back-to-back parties.  Loading and unloading my car and making my way to clients' homes in the ice and snow.  </div><br />I loved my job during the holidays - everyone was so gracious and their guests were usually very kind.  I was fortunate to spend festive evenings in bustling homes that were filled with holiday cheer.  The only problem was that those home weren't filled with <i>my</i> festive friends and family (except when Mike was my happy helper). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year we packed our holiday entertaining schedule to the max and hosted a family party (Emma's Birthday), an open house for everyone on our new street and a small dinner party.  Tonight, I'm sharing photos from our small dinner party for 5 - us, our 2 guests and Emma.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, I reworked the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/12/easy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html">floral arrangement from Emma's birthday party</a> by adding clove studded oranges and red/orange amaryllis to the pink amaryllis, magnolia and cedar.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nNvkRtVNjB9LOwWOGcQzFYUoUBPwKOaEY-4oORuMEhxHKw873HxeMXYCTvitgzthX3GMydfvUDDwkf9tivZEWnWN9QSalXS4XXkFZ1TeBEIMBhVOURJqYV5ufWAfFZSDr_rAU3h82oM/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nNvkRtVNjB9LOwWOGcQzFYUoUBPwKOaEY-4oORuMEhxHKw873HxeMXYCTvitgzthX3GMydfvUDDwkf9tivZEWnWN9QSalXS4XXkFZ1TeBEIMBhVOURJqYV5ufWAfFZSDr_rAU3h82oM/s640/IMG_9247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A photo of the simply set table just before dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj93ucMKhOL2kQn41qz-I2oTC76eKyA51I4sz9CtMegk9vF0RhpXgcpvxNorK26oukm3Oqqk9aysI-UMiUrsKIhUXsG_wnboaMy4aEx7w5WIAqCV_7-_gDQgns85GvHB5qKtLmIK-NMHE/s1600/IMG_9259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj93ucMKhOL2kQn41qz-I2oTC76eKyA51I4sz9CtMegk9vF0RhpXgcpvxNorK26oukm3Oqqk9aysI-UMiUrsKIhUXsG_wnboaMy4aEx7w5WIAqCV_7-_gDQgns85GvHB5qKtLmIK-NMHE/s640/IMG_9259.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Light snacks with wine before dinner. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1vMSm2LBFqBA_jg2sTgSTsLrVMDHJMBjumC9zunLHFh8W6e1PQcpT1jgcYtMDQ-Q4UUB_Ghm6RNCjTX_zaaFQ2dPm5JpQksZyb3PJTBSCFxdbUUD5X2U-6GGQobq0BBXV6pK0LTcZsI/s1600/IMG_9254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1vMSm2LBFqBA_jg2sTgSTsLrVMDHJMBjumC9zunLHFh8W6e1PQcpT1jgcYtMDQ-Q4UUB_Ghm6RNCjTX_zaaFQ2dPm5JpQksZyb3PJTBSCFxdbUUD5X2U-6GGQobq0BBXV6pK0LTcZsI/s640/IMG_9254.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />  The evening's entertainment...<br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41ZY1babEOW6Zz1k1tsXnkxHd4QwumkVUixpAaq_yEhRk6tuzzpzZQxU5aUdRWRv5sOIyIlkfoGJ_X3c4aw2j2ni5jgtbUbvHb1jJR0EOEGoD0ZNa5XuA-zERes1YwfHyo_6WSa7uLnA/s1600/IMG_9261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41ZY1babEOW6Zz1k1tsXnkxHd4QwumkVUixpAaq_yEhRk6tuzzpzZQxU5aUdRWRv5sOIyIlkfoGJ_X3c4aw2j2ni5jgtbUbvHb1jJR0EOEGoD0ZNa5XuA-zERes1YwfHyo_6WSa7uLnA/s640/IMG_9261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Goat Cheese & Roasted Beet Salad over greens with a Lemon Vinaigrette <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYW_PWZIre369wG6zP6re8DSOqTXVHN03qjv5euEATyUi_Fev1aYmOAH3134pjVZ96U_UMo_GGd5H1XXLrcvFUzRglWpuhKyHpOWaNlE5RA3mU62FuZLMtUfIaPffRRefpt35t1oYx68/s1600/IMG_9238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYW_PWZIre369wG6zP6re8DSOqTXVHN03qjv5euEATyUi_Fev1aYmOAH3134pjVZ96U_UMo_GGd5H1XXLrcvFUzRglWpuhKyHpOWaNlE5RA3mU62FuZLMtUfIaPffRRefpt35t1oYx68/s640/IMG_9238.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />A new dessert created from my old creme brulee recipe... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJgNHUsYf0LhuO8JHRbnisufn4sdYViwj75qAePTnJajVTkwm6X2oXmtB8JaY6HUtO5EI-9jESJn14tEorAUxMV-niQD7JjjANU58fZH1GciL5gP5uAeJREdGUoUaqnFXC0u9XBpobBo/s1600/IMG_9234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJgNHUsYf0LhuO8JHRbnisufn4sdYViwj75qAePTnJajVTkwm6X2oXmtB8JaY6HUtO5EI-9jESJn14tEorAUxMV-niQD7JjjANU58fZH1GciL5gP5uAeJREdGUoUaqnFXC0u9XBpobBo/s640/IMG_9234.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Milk Chocolate Creme Brulee (pre-caramelized top!)</div><br />Stay tuned for recipes and more photos from our holiday parties!

Photos from Weeknight Holiday Dinner Party

Last week we hosted three parties.  Wheew.   Three years ago, I would have said that I'd catered 3+ parties this week.  The holidays use...

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