Delicious Eggplant Meal

I made this delicious eggplant meal for Jaime and I.  It was kind of a spur of the moment thing.  During Penelope's nap this afternoon I did my meal planning for next week.  I knew I needed to use an eggplant that I'd bought a couple weeks ago.  So, for some ideas I turned to Pinterest and just did a quick eggplant search.  I found some beautiful examples of the color eggplant being used.

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And I also found this

I knew I'd be making it quite soon. Quite soon turned in to tonight's dinner :)  I made the kids some GF/DF calzones with sausage, mushrooms, and spinach.  I had planned the same thing (with gluten and dairy) for Jaime and I, but just couldn't get that gorgeous eggplant and cheese picture out of my mind--I could practically taste it!  I've never had breaded and lightly fried eggplant, but I sure could imagine it.  I love it when I have everything on hand to make something I'm craving.  I even still had some fresh-from-our-garden cherry tomatoes that needed to be eaten.  The meal came together super fast and easy.  I did use a different goat cheese--just one that I had on hand.  Another change I made was to not peel the eggplant.  The peel is perfectly fine to eat and didn't impact the flavor or texture at all--keep all your nutrients (in this fried meal!) Also, NEVER put your fresh tomatoes in the fridge (the recipe says to cut them and then refrigerate them while prepping the eggplant. I just cut them while the eggplant was in the oven for the 7 minutes.) Jaime and I both decided this would be a repeat dish.  Give it a try!
Here's mine--I think I should have left it in the oven a little longer to melt the goat cheese more, but we were ready to eat.

Tile Tray

I have wanted to do a tiling project for quite some time now, I just didn't know how to tile--adhesive, grout, spacers, etc.  I'd LOVE to redo my bathroom and kitchen, but I knew I couldn't start with such big projects.  I even had some less than $5 tile picked out for a small project.  Then came along Chris over at Just A Girl with just the perfect beginning small tile project!  I've had a plain wooden tray on my bathroom counter for at least a year or so now to help corral a few items that always sit on the counter.  I wanted to paint it or do something to it, I just never quite knew what and, big picture, it was a project that was low on my to do list.  However, once I saw Chris's tiled tray, I knew that that was the perfect way to begin tiling, finish that boring wooden tray, and add a pretty touch to our master bathroom.  Chris posted a pretty thorough tutorial on how to do this project and I followed it fairly closely.  
First I played with the tile on the tray, including another tray because of the different sizes.  My chosen tile didn't fit perfectly in the tray and I wasn't about to figure out how to cut tile for this little project.  After playing with it, I still couldn't decide, so I went ahead and painted both trays.  Whichever tray I ended up not using I knew would go in the girls' room with their newly painted bookcase. (Their room is slowly coming together.)

After the paint was dry and I finally decided on a tile layout with a tray, I applied the adhesive/grout mix.  This stuff is great and easy to use--a lot like spreading frosting on a cake!  It does take time to set and dry. 

Also, because I was just beginning, I didn't spend money on proper tiling tools (just like Chris).  So, to spread the adhesive stuff I cut a square of the cardboard that the tile came on.  Isn't that tile pretty?

Then the adhesive needs to be scored.  I cut notches in my piece of cardboard.

Next came the fun part of laying the tile.  While deciding on my tile arrangement, I had cut my 12x12 sheet of tile in to strips because it was arranged in an offset pattern that just wouldn't work for me since I wasn't going to be cutting tile.  Working with strips was easy.  Since I was not having to lay individual pieces of tile, I didn't have to worry about spacers and just eyeballed space between each strip.

Then, because the directions on the adhesive/grout stuff says to let it dry for 24-36 hours before using the mixture as a grout, I did.  But I couldn't resist cleaning up the edges some with a damp cloth.

After waiting the designated amount of time, I used a new square of cardboard to spread the layer of grout all over the tile and in between each one.  Again, it isn't too different from icing a cake--with sandy frosting!  (My container of adhesive/grout looks like I barely used any from it.  For just under $8 it goes a LONG way!) I couldn't resist cleaning it up some since I had some chunky pieces of grout.  However, I realized the more I tried cleaning, pieces of it would come out from between the tiles.  So, take it from me, let it dry for the 4 hours it says then wipe it down.  See below how it all came off.

See in that picture above how there's still some chalky film on the tile?  That comes off super easy later after it's dried again for 24 hours.
Here she is all wiped down and shiny on the bathroom counter.

I can hardly believe that picture is just a month shy of being 5 years old! It was taken on our 5 year anniversary.

And because I couldn't resist a little staging...

Don't be afraid to learn something new by doing just a small project.  I still don't think I'm ready to tackle redoing the shower or the kitchen backsplash, but I'm ready and excited to try a bigger project...and I've got a couple in mind!

Steve Jobs: Passing

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“ You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

— Steve Jobs

 

 

Working on this today

Labor Day

Today is Labor Day.  A day off of school.  A day off of work.  Time for a last summer hurrah.  Right?  Do you give a second thought to what we celebrate this day?  Wikipedia says Labor Day is the day that "celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers."  There are so many jobs out there.  So many that go unrecognized, thankless, unknown.  Of course there are those that get praised and recognized and thanked almost daily.  Today, I give thanks to the people who work without recognition in those jobs that no one wants, those jobs where they don't get paid what they should, those jobs that require workers toil day in and day out without a chance to get ahead.  I've read a couple of books that are quite eye-opening about this topic.  The first I read a couple of years ago, called Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich.  For this book, Barbara left her home and became part of the low-wage working class to explore if she could make it.  It's quite a read and just might cause a paradigm shift for you.  I sure do appreciate the work and people who take those low-wage jobs in the hopes of providing for themselves and family, and who want to honestly earn money and do the best they can with what they've been dealt.   The second book I read recently that somewhat covers this topic is Tomatoland by Barry Estabrook.  While the book talks about many things regarding the tomato, it devotes a couple of chapters to those who pick the tomatoes and their lives in this line of work.  Did you know that today, here in America--the land of the free, slavery and indentured servants still exist?
So, on this Labor Day, consider thinking about and giving thanks to those who work with little to show for all the work they do.  And, the next time you encounter one of these workers, show them your appreciation, because chances are we wouldn't be able to get by and live the lives we do without their work.

Two Twenty One

Jaime took the kids to go launch rockets.  It's the first time I haven't gone to help and observe.  I want to go, but it's just too hot out for me right now.  Sooo, I'm using my time wisely by blog hopping and checking out what's going on out in blog world. :) 
One I enjoy reading Just A Girl.  Today she posted her Show and Share Day (SaS) review post.  Usually there are some pretty fabulous things out there that people have made, redone, created, painted, etc.  Today the Cork Candle arrangement caught my attention.  We are wine drinkers here in Casa Martinez (though not in my current state, of course!)  Off and on we will save the corks, me often saying I want to do some kind of project with them other than tossing them in a vase or decorative jar.  But, inevitably I end up throwing them away.  Now, though, I've found the perfect and quick decorative thing (and great for the Autumn season) to display/use those corks!  Chelsea has a quick and simple tutorial on her blog, Two Twenty One, showing how to make these.

I decided to check out some more of her blog when I saw her side bar pictures.  This project in particular is what started it:

Yes, peony topiaries!  Aren't they sweet?  I'm thinking of making some (the trick is finding good quality silk flowers), but in colors that would work better in our home.  Though, the pink are so sweet.  They might look too cute in Penelope's room :)  Chelsea has a step by step tutorial on her blog for these too...I'll be following it every step of the way when I make mine!
Another project on her blog is something that I already do and love to create except I do mine without the fancy-schmancy-kinda-wish-I-had-it Silhouette machine.

These applique shirts are fun to create and can be so cute and unique.  I'm thinking of making some pumpkin ones for the Autumn.  I saw one idea that made a tree on the shirt and then sewed red buttons on the tree for apples--super simple and super cute.  I've got some other ideas cooking up depending on if this baby is a boy or girl too.

Polyvore Coolness!

Autumn Decor by erinmartinez on Polyvore.com

Angel Vine Topiary - Ballard Designs, $25
News Text Pillar Candle | Pottery Barn, $17
Owl Shaped Lantern | Pottery Barn, $29

Several days ago I saw this posting on Home Stories A2Z and saved it to read when I had more time.  Tonight the kids were all in bed on time since tomorrow is the first day of school.  So, I had a bit of free time to read through the info and play with the FREE Polyvore software.  Oh my!  So cool and fun and best of all EASY!  It's neat software in that it lets you clip images from all over the web and create your own buttons, decor boards, and collages.  I highly recommend it.  When you get a bit of time, check it out.  I'm still figuring it out--like posting it to my blog without necessarily having all that descriptive text under the picture and that over-sized white square.  Anyway, just check it out and be sure to check out the tutorial post about it--it helped me get a quick start. Fun!

Someone Noticed

I got a sweet email the other day from a friend who noticed I haven't posted here in ummmm....months.  Pregnancy will do that to a person I suppose.  Or just life's busy-ness.
I've been pulling together some inspiration pictures for Penelope's room and thought I'd share them here :)

Via

What I like here is the paint and the way it is above the chair rail.  Also, the crisp white bedding with the blanket at the end of the bed.  I already have a blanket on all the beds, just a touch I love.  The other piece I really like about the room is the painting on the wall--it brings in lots of color and makes a great focal point.  I want to put a chandelier in her room, but need to keep the ceiling fan.  I might put a small one in a little alcove in her room and make it a fun reading/art corner.  I like the way the chandelier here isn't sparkly glamour...that just isn't Penelope right now.

Via

In this picture I love all the stuff on the wall--pictures, collage board, monogram, basket, mirror, etc!  A wall that can be continually added to and changed up.  Penelope's room has an alcove area where this fun idea might work.  Also, did you notice the outlet cover has been painted?  It blends right in! Love that!  Love the floor pillows for the art corner and the art storage here.  I've considered doing a few layers of the magnetic paint so that art work can be displayed and changed easily.

Via

That's all for now.  I'll have to share more later...hopefully much sooner than later ;)

45 Important Tidbits to Remember

Over at Style Your Life, I found this great list of thoughts/reminders/things to remember to ponder or act on that Jennifer got from a friend.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your  friends and parents will. Stay in  touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone..  It's more healing than crying alone.

8.  It's OK to get angry with God.  He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the  present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18.  Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.  But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don't save it for a special occasion.  Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the  brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five  years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything.  Give time time..

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34.  God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35.  Don't audit life.  Show up and make the most of  it now.

36. Growing old beats the  alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day.  Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw  everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41.  Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44.  Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." 

Light my Fire

Yesterday was my 33rd birthday.  It was a beautiful day :)  I was able to take a moment to read the first couple lines of this post by Centsational Girl.  Today I was able to finish reading it.  Oh boy, is it too strong to say that I fell in love with what she has to say?!  I've been reading Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly and he's speaking to me too.  If you're feeling a void, if you know that there's more out there, but just not succeeding, if you are stuck in the mundane, if you're overwhelmed, if you're under-whelmed read the post and the book.  Pure inspiration~and a little fire under the butt!  It's way past time to step up and step out!  Here's to an authentic risk-taking year :)  Take the challenge, I dare you! :)

Love this blog

I love reading and looking at the pictures on Emily's blog.  She makes decorating look so fresh and easy.  Such inspiration here!

January+Snow Days=Organizing

January and organization and snow days...these 3 things seem to be going together more and more.  And so, as another possible snow day comes, I'm planning on tackling some organization projects and enlisting the kids' help.  There are oodles and oodles of organizing blogs and websites out there, but I happened upon this one and have decided to jump on the 21 day challenge (although I'm more than fashionably late!)  As I read through some of her posts, I saw her Day 12 posting: organized spice cabinet.  Hello, genius!  I have almost all my spices in containers on the shelf, but I always have to lift a spice bottle up to see which one it is.  Here's the simple ingeniousness of an organizing guru...LABEL THE TOPS!!! I do owe a label maker and put it to great use so much that I ran out of label tape and never bought more.  BUT, I have plenty of permanent markers in several colors that I can simply write spice names on the tops of all my spice bottles.  LOVE IT!!!  So, here's to another snow day :)

Saturday Sharing

There are so many absolutely wonderful, creative,and inspiring blogs out there.  I thought I'd spotlight a few of my favorite current reads.

First up is Centsational Girl

Kate's got fabulous before and afters...many have tutorials so you can learn how to do the same.

Look what she did to this piece for her office:

Simply amazing!

There are decorating ideas aplenty, some recipes, gorgeous photos (she lives in northern California and often has beautiful photos of the vineyards), and so much more.

Next up is another daily read, Clover Lane.

Sarah's blog is inspirational to me for parenting perspective (she's got 5 kiddos).  She writes so authentically that I feel as though we are sitting in the same room having a conversation.  Love that! Her posts make me laugh out loud, bring tears to my eyes, and make me feel like I'm not the only mom going through similar things with my family. Sarah also has organizing and decorating tips.

Lastly for now, is Life in the Fun Lane.

I adore this blog for the furniture redos.  Holly has a beautiful classic style and gets most of her pieces from thrifting. Take a look at her daughter, Wren's, room.  Also, I fell in love with her WhiteBerry shop and find it inspiring my work.

I've got many more, but think I'll save them for next week.
Happy New Year!

Window Box How-to

 Have you ever wanted to add a window box under your windows?  I have! They look so gorgeous overflowing with flowers. 

I saw a link over on Just A Girl for a place called Hooks and Lattice and fell in love. I even ordered a free catalog to peruse.  Oh my, they are pricey!  Then, I found this little tutorial over on How Does She.  She even gives the prices of the materials needed...the entire project was under $5!  Now, that I can afford and it looks like a simple enough project to start and complete.  Check it out and add instant curb appeal.
Picture sources:
http://z.about.com/d/landscaping/1/0/-/I/purple_orange_window_box.jpg
http://sydandgoose.typepad.com/syd_and_goose/images/2007/04/09/12_60_77_web.jpg

Fun New Blogs

I've found some fun new (to me) blogs that I just have to share!  I love it when I stumble upon new inspiration, great pictures, wonderful tutorials, new stories.  It's like making new friends :)

So, first up is Noodlehead.  I've read her blog a handful of times in the past couple of weeks and I'm really enjoying it. This week she's been posting about sprucing up your kitchen.  Tonight (children willing) I'm going to make the pretty dish towels/mats.  I've got a couple of towels that are begging to be cut up and made pretty again.
Next, is Fly Through Our Window. Great photography, tutorials, stories. Real life :)
Also, A Pretty Cool Life is a fun read with plenty of eye candy too.  She's got a Flickr group as well as an Etsy shop that's definitely worth checking out.
Lastly, 33 Shades of Green...what can I say? She's got crafting, cooking, and designing all in one place. 
Wait, one more~Little Bit Funky~I've read SO MANY pages here, but must remember to turn the volume down when I'm reading at night.  She's got a heading at the top of her blog called 20 Minute Crafter.  Seriously 20 minute crafts. So perfect for those of us working during nap time, late at night, or in between everything else going on in life. 
Take some time and have fun reading and being craftily inspired!

Extra Practice Never Hurt

My guys do a pretty decent job when it comes to brushing and flossing their teeth. I'm proud to say that there are no cavities so far in their little mouths.  Sometimes, however, this twice-a-day routine can get dull.  And a hot summer is just about here (tomorrow at 10:30 it officially starts for us!)  I need some fun activities for all 3 kiddos.  I came across this awesome idea (some people are just pure creative genius!) and I know we'll be doing this one for sure.

Don't forget to brush and floss when this fun time is done :)

Fancify My T-shirts

I'm a T-shirt wearer, but I've been wanting to look more dressed up, pulled together, cleaner, and fancier, so I've found some fairly easy ways to fancify my T-shirt wardrobe.  Here are a few of ideas:

And these last ones...not T-shirts, but fit the bill of getting a little dressy :)

Most are knock-offs of some pricey T-shirts at places like Target, J-Crew, Anthropolgie, and others.All of these ideas are already tutorials, so they're that much easier :)
Photo credits: Ribbon Flower, Ruffle Shirt, Center Ruffle, Dressy Tunic, and Alice Dress.