Designs by Pinky

Thursday, February 13, 2014

~It snowed and I ORGANIZED the Pantry!!!~

Well, since last night we have gotten about 14 inches of NEW snow. We are having a lull right now but more is coming tonight. UGH. But at least we have our power and I am praying we don't lose it. I feel terrible for our friends in the south who are NOT prepared for ths crazy weather!!! So, I took the opportunity this morning to clean out both pantries and my laundry room. The plastic box on the door holds menus from take out places. All that is soon to be replaced with wire shelves that we ordered and should be here soon. The pantries are very small so I need all the storage help I can get.

The top shelf

has things I don't use alot

The next shelf...right side and

left side. (Note) I found this old trophy cup and plan to use it in a new vignette)

next shelf: crackers, cookies, cereal

I keep the toaster in a plastic bag

next shelf: I love using the wire things that double your storage area! I think you can see that when we moved in, we bought the opaque plastic shelf liner so things wouldn't fall through the slits in the wire shelves. Someday we may replace these with wooden shelves. ANOTHER thing on the "honey do list":):)

On the floor I have some placemats and platters sitting on the box of Duraflame logs that we use outside in the warmer months. The empty box holds my crock pot. It is being used right now; beef stew cooking for dinner tonight! I keep it in the box caue it fits really well and is great for transporting.

AND, I have some empty space! Believe me, it was full of accumulated crap when I started. I forgot to take before pics, sorry!!!! BAD blogger:) The other pantry is still a work in progress so I will show you that later. It too is getting wire shelving on the door so will be redone soon anyway.

This is what we woke up to, about 14 inches of NEW snow!

That is a ROBIN!!!!

My poor guy that is by the pond is up to his waist in snow:(

The front bushes are almost covered.

over the chair seats on the patio

I hope where ever you are, you are safe and warm and have power!!! XO, Pinky

Linking to:

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Judy @ DIY by Design for Sizzle Into Summer Wednesday

The Dedicated House – Make it Pretty Monday
Confessions of a Plate Addict - The Scoop
A Stroll Thru Life – Inspire Me Tuesday

TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME

Happy List Tuesdays~
Worthing Court - Home(work) Wednesday

Kim's Place: Savvy Southern Style

Ivy @ Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday

Let’s Dish!,

Fluster Creative Muster Party, Wed.

Katherine @ Katherines Corner for Favorite Things Thursday Hop

THURSDAY’S INSPIRATION

Imparting Grace for Grace at Home

All Things Thursday Blog Hop

Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for A Favorite Thing.
Between Naps on the Porch – Tablescape Thursday

Treasure Hunt Thursdays

Create It Thursday

Tutorials Tips and Tidbits, Home and Garden Thursday, Be Inspired Friday, Feathered Nest Friday, Be Inspired Friday

Dakota Creek Chic for Weekend Beautiful Blog Party

Fabulously Creative Friday Feathered Nest Friday
Show and Tell Friday, Seasonal Sundays

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

~Pepper Steak with Rice~

Today I thought I would repost a favorite recipe of ours. It is a simple recipe and very flavorful. A great week night dinner, and after having turkey for some reason we crave a little beef:) Hope you enjoy it if you try it. I start out with a pound of round steak and pound it thin and cut it into strips.

I add the 2 cloves of garlic, chopped fine into a bowl

then add the oil and the meat strips and combine

next, add the TBSP of paprika to the mix and mix it all together and let sit while you slice your vegetables.

green pepper, I did 2 medium ones

Now, add the meat to a skillet and brown on both sides,

I didn't get a picture but you then add the beef broth and simmer this for 30 mins., covered.

Add your peppers and onions and let cook for 5 mins. more.

Then you add the fresh tomatoes and gently stir them into the mix and heat for about 2-3 mins.

Serve over rice and ENJOY!!!

Here is the recipe I use:

3 cups hot cooked rice

1lb. round steak

1T. paprika

2 cloves garlic, crushed (I use the chopped garlic from a jar if I don't have fresh)

1 can beef broth

1 cup sliced green onions (I use yellow onions, 1 LARGE, since we LOVE onions!)

2 green peppers, cut in strips

2 T. corn starch

1/4 cup each of water (I use Sherry) and soy sauce

2 large, fresh tomatoes cut into 1/8ths

Directions:

While rice is cooking cut round steak into strips and put into bowl with 1 Tbsp. oil, garlic and paprika.Using a large skillet, brown meat. Add broth, cover and simmer for 30 mins. Stir in onions and green papper and cook 5 mins. more.Blend cornstarch, sherry and soy and stir into meat mixture til clear and thickened, about 2 mins. Add tomatoes and stir gently. Serve over rice.

Makes 31/2 servings.....unless you have my Joe at the table:):)

Monday, February 10, 2014

~Some Vignettes Around the House~

I have been moving things around and creating some new vignettes. I have CABIN FEVER so bad so have been "putzing". Do you all do that? I thought I would share some of what I did today. This first shot is the credenza in the foyer hallway. I love the 2 saki jars and especially the guy carrying the buckets.

Next to the credenza is a real plant on the right and a faux fern on the left. Real ferns are just too darn messy in the house, to me.

This is what is on the coffee table for now. It will change, I am sure.

I placed this little water lily in a tiny blue and white pot and glued the TINY frog to the leaf:)

A green ball sits on a candle holder.

In the sitting room of the master.

In the master. NOTE: since taking these pictures yesterday I ahve changed things. I'll share soon:)

A palm tree lamp, pottery piece and faux fern (to hide the cord:)

Right next to the front door. My SIL gave me the hanging lantern and I LOVE it. I found this stand at Lowes and it fits perfectly.

In the dining room. I am working on the dining room so will share more later.

Just a little something on the right side of the desk in my office. The pottery jar came from Disney World MANY years ago. Joe and I went to Epcot right after my Mom died and I NEEDED to get away. I had been taking care of her (with the help of aides) since I was working part time for 5 years.Note; this is changed too:)

Hallway between our 2 offices has this tiny piece.

This is one of my favorite pieces.

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to Pin it, if you see anything you like!!! I am linking to:

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Judy @ DIY by Design for Sizzle Into Summer Wednesday

The Dedicated House – Make it Pretty Monday
Confessions of a Plate Addict - The Scoop
A Stroll Thru Life – Inspire Me Tuesday

TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME

Happy List Tuesdays~
Worthing Court - Home(work) Wednesday

Kim's Place: Savvy Southern Style

Ivy @ Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday

Let’s Dish!,

Fluster Creative Muster Party, Wed.

Katherine @ Katherines Corner for Favorite Things Thursday Hop

THURSDAY’S INSPIRATION

Imparting Grace for Grace at Home

All Things Thursday Blog Hop

Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for A Favorite Thing.
Between Naps on the Porch – Tablescape Thursday

Treasure Hunt Thursdays

Create It Thursday

Tutorials Tips and Tidbits, Home and Garden Thursday, Be Inspired Friday, Feathered Nest Friday, Be Inspired Friday

Dakota Creek Chic for Weekend Beautiful Blog Party

Fabulously Creative Friday Feathered Nest Friday
Show and Tell Friday, Seasonal Sundays

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Thank God for HEAT!!!

I just wanted to do a quick post to let you know that we were without ANY power for the past 34 hours, but just got it back. At one time there were over 6000,000 people without power. A HUGE thank you to all the workers who have come from MANY staes and are working 16 hour shifts in the BELOW FREEZING temps to restore our ppower. God bless each and everyone of you!!!!!!!!!!
XO, Pinky

PS, I will get back to posting tomorrow my friends!!!!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

~Dreaming of The Tropics Table~

With VERY low temperatures and biting winds outside I am dreaming of warmer climates and tropical breezes!!! So, I have set a table to transport us there!!!

I kept the green tablecloth on the table and added the rattan place mats for added texture and they remind me of thatched huts:) I also am using a stack of plates which include a set that I got many years ago that have palm trees on them and palm foliage on the dinner plate.

I put 2 napkins together and corralled them with a simple green and white ring.

My clear bubble glasses remind me of sparkling waters.

The leaf bowl resembles the foliage on the plates

The salad plates have 4 different plam trees on them

This white raised edge plate is one of my favorites and I wish I could find more of them. WALMART sold them several years ago so if any of you know a source PLEASE let me know!!!