I'm Dreaming of a White Kitchen

After several years of dreaming about a white kitchen, it is finally becoming a reality this year.  I've never really shared pictures of our space because, honestly... it's my least favorite room in the house.  Honey oak/pine (we don't know!!!) tudor style cabinets with dark green formica countertops and white appliances.  Don't get me wrong, it's functional, just not pretty.  Here's a small glimpse of our kitchen, celebrating Ava's 6th Birthday Par-TEA.

We did spiffy it up a bit last summer... building a kitchen banquette in our eating area, so that has helped... some.  

Making cushions and pillows for the space will be budgeted into the kitchen redo.  

Here are several inspiration photos I have been collecting over the past year.

We'd love to frame out our windows by the banquette and add blinds similar to these.

Anne @ Hello Newman's just recently changed up her windows by adding shelving and blinds.

Jane @ Modern Jane shows us her sister's updated kitchen.  I'm in love with the subway tile with its creamy white with grey, pink and tan veining, as described by Olympia Tile.  

This is called Milky Way White Marble in the mosaic brick pattern.  Isn't it gorgeous?

 White cabinets, black countertops, farmhouse sink... what's not to love?

Outdoor fabric, known for its durability (especially when small children are spilling liquids several times a day) will definitely be used when making the banquette cushions.  

This Sunbrella fabric in Dune is a great neutral for our space.  

Our cabinets are similar to these pictured above.  I love the subway tile and the mix of hardware.

Love the open shelving, blinds and farmhouse sink.  Swoon!

(via bhg.com)

Love the pendant lighting...

If all works out the way we hope, the transformation should start in early June.  I will post "before" pictures of our "oh so lovely" kitchen before the demolition begins.  I'm excited to track our progress through this long awaited journey.  Hope you'll join me!

All images and their sources can be found on my pinterest board titled Kitchen Ideas.

I'm linking up to Sarah's Show Us Your House:  Kitchens

A New Year, A Fresh Start

Happy New Year!  It's been a busy first 3 days of this new year!  We've made some changes around here in the way of organizing, cleaning out closets and of course, packing up Christmas decor.  Over the long weekend, we made a trip to Ikea to pick-up an Expedit for the playroom.  With a new transformation, comes sorting and tossing of out-grown toys and cutting down on the clutter.  It has me motivated to hit other areas of the house.  I rearranged both of the kids bedrooms, as we get ready to transform Tyler into a big boy bed.  I can't wait for tomorrow, as it will be his first day back to preschool!  Both kids in school!  YAY!

While I'm getting things squared away and before I reveal the changes we've made,

 I want to share my wish list of things to accomplish in 2012.  I have had more fun browsing through all the recaps of 2011.  I've linked up to a few and I have to say, this is where you'll find the cream of the crop!
A few of these really inspired me to achieve my goals! 

To have a fresh and organized office with new paint, desk and area rug...

via World Market

I can't wait to use my frugal find from Garden Ridge... this Trellis Rug for $49.99!

Inspiration from these two ladies, using the Ikea Expedit will give me the organized office I've been longing for!

Source: Megan @ Honey We're Home

Source: Elsa @ Casa Greer

Inspired by Amber Lane Living...

I'd like to finish what I started in the pantry...

Using the fabric I chose as my wallpaper...

Make cushions for the painted kitchen banquette using drop cloth fabric...

What do you hope to accomplish in 2012?  My plan is to knock out these projects, so that I can move on to other exciting ideas that I don't dare start until I finish the above!  

I also hope to enjoy living in my house more than doing... one can only hope.

Gruyere Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions

This post will have you running to the store for these simple ingredients.  It's the perfect grown-up comfort food!  I first stumbled upon Gruyere cheese when I was watching The Nate Berkus Show and he featured The Neely's holiday recipes.  Their "Best Mashed Potatoes" were quick and easy, so I decided to add it to our Thanksgiving menu.  Their recipe on Nate's site calls for smoked gouda, but when I watched the actual show, they used Gruyere.  Their mashed potatoes were easy and delicious, just like they said!  I had some cheese left over, so I googled Gruyere and found this recipe from Tasty Kitchen.

Source: Tasty Kitchen via Alicia on Pinterest

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided

1 whole Small Sweet Onion

1 pinch of salt

1 pinch of sugar

4 slices Whole Grain Bread

4 slices Gruyere Cheese

Preparation Instructions:
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  All the sliced onion and sprinkle with salt and sugar.  The sugar is to help with the caramelization and the salt sweats the onion out a a bit, as well as balances the sugar.  Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are browned, about 20-25 minutes.

Take two pieces of bread; line one side with sliced cheese.  Then distribute some onions over top and top with the another piece of bread.  Brush the outside pieces with olive oil (I used Pam Olive Oil spray, so much easier!)  I recommend placing another pan on top of the sandwich in order to squash it down a bit. Cook the sandwich until the bread had browned, about 2-5 minutes.  Flip over and repeat.  Transfer to a plate and dig in!

This is SO delicious!  I think I made three in one week!
Here's my festive sandwich...

Have you made this?  Do you love it, like it, not like it?

I'd love to know what you think!It's been "repinned" several times on Pinterest,
so I'm thinkin' it's a favorite!  Have a great week!

Linking Up To:
Tuesday Talent @ Vintage Wanna Bee

Holiday Mantels

As I continue to decorate our home for the holidays, I thought it would be fun to share this collection of inspiring seasonal mantels I've found on Pinterest.  Many of these helped me to create the look I wanted to achieve, but needed guidance to get there!

Couldn't resist these beautiful Fall mantels.  

I ADORE the ceiling to floor design of this mantel!

Maybe we'll have something like this next Fall... fingers crossed! 

Source: Adventures in Decorating via Alicia on Pinterest

Source: Little Big Nest via Alicia on Pinterest

Now would be the time to grab some hot cocoa... Enjoy!

Source: Adventures in Decorating via Alicia on Pinterest

 Love these beautiful neutral mantels!

Source: Little Big Nest via Alicia on Pinterest

Source: Alicia on Pinterest

If you visit the source link above, it will take you directly to my Pinterest page.

Visit my "Christmas Mantels" board to view each picture and access the direct link.

As you'll discover, I've become a bit addicted to this wonderful virtual pin board!  

Can't wait to show you my inspired mantel!

I've Been Busy... You'll Soon See!

Are you ready for Turkey Day?  I'm hosting my family this year and that's all the motivation I need to get some projects checked off the list!  I'm excited to show you everything I've been working on!  Remember the making of the Kitchen Banquette?  

Have you been thinking, "When is she going to show us the final results?"  Well, friends, I FINALLY painted it last weekend and we LOVE it!  We hope to make the cushions for it this weekend.  I also decided on a farmhouse table and bench that we actually put together last night!  It's just what this space needed to complete the look!
Here's a website sneak peak...

I've been on Pinterest again (when I am not?!) and stumbled across an awesome tutorial for sweater pillows!  Megan at Brassy Apple made these beautiful pillows from thrift store sweaters!

I scoured hubby's closet and found TWO sweaters that I knew he hadn't worn in years and whipped up some of my own!  I'm putting the finishing touches on them, can't wait to show you!  And just look what she does with the arms of the sweater?
I am SO doing this!      

Oh, and one more thing...  I know I'm probably the last one to jump on this bandwagon (and they just might be making their way out), but I needed a cheap and easy fix for my living room windows and found a solution with canvas drop cloth!  Wait 'til you see what I came up with... so thrilled!  This is what I used... 

So, now that I've teased you with all that I've been up to, I hope you return to see the results!  In the mean time, check out my local friend, Lisa @ A Vintage Vine.  

She featured my chalk paint dresser and two other awesome projects from Cassie and Jenny!  I'll be back soon to show you the fruits of my labor!  :)

P.S.  I created gallery walls too...  two of them!  

New Boots!

I'm joining Ava's 1st grade class on a field trip to the Dallas Arboretum tomorrow and the weather calls for long sleeves, jeans and BOOTS!  YAY!  Finally able to wear the boots I purchased three weeks ago!  I haven't purchased boots in five years!  The weather here has been so unpredictable.  I recall wearing capris and tanks in November last year.  Cold one day, hot the next.  

AnNicole @ Our Suburban Cottage (I miss your posts, AnNicole) shared her Fall Faves last year and when I saw the boots she featured, it was love at first sight!  

Nicole Winchester Leather Riding Boot

The big bummer was by the time I had read her post, it was early Spring and clearly they were no where to be found.  I forgot about them until a few weeks ago, when DSW emailed me a great deal on boots.  I was quickly reminded of them and hopped on their site to search for something similar.  To my surprise, they had almost the exact same pair!  Above is the pair AnNicole posted... here is what I found:

Nicole Ranger Leather Riding Boot

I went to Polyvore in search of some inspiration, hoping to find some pics of the boots I just purchased.  They are my "go-to" site when I need wardrobe guidance.  Sit back and enjoy... I went on a pinning spree!  Loving all of these looks!  

Source:  Polyvore via Alicia on Pinterest

 I'm slowly (very slowly) building my Fall wardrobe to coordinate with these lovely boots!  

I think a trip to TJ Maxx is in order!  :)  Have a great weekend!