Nov 27, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Y’all know how I feel about Christmas, right? That glorious holiday spirit. The season of making and baking, crafting and giving. Simply wonderful.
In the past few years, I’ve strayed from decorating every inch of Bedford Manor. I mean, it’s just me and the cats here, and I doubt they care how many stockings are hung unless they’re filled with catnip and toys.
Instead, I set up a few inexpensive decorations the week of Thanksgiving, and let them stay up until after New Year’s. They’re easy, quick, and I don’t feel like I’m drowning in Christmas when I walk through the house.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Meet Sven
For starters, I set up my Nutcracker Village. This is the twelfth or so year since I started collecting. What started as “I would like this set of four” turned into a beautiful holiday tradition. Each one I have is unique. This year, I set them on top the living room display cabinet, and hung the smallest ones on the tabletop tree.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Nutcracker Village
The mantle is next. One string of garland and a few oversized, old-fashioned jingle bells add some Walton-esque atmosphere.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : My Old-Fashioned Mantle
A long, narrow tray holds votive glasses and decorative glass stones. Battery tea light candles complete the look. You can piece this look together with inexpensive thrift store and dollar store finds, or purchase a complete set online and at holiday home decor stores.
Frankly My Dear . . . : Mantle Candle Tray
My new decorative contribution this year is the pine cone/bell mix. I simply took a large clear vase and mixed small pine cones and colorful jingle bells. Near the top I placed a battery tea light candle, and covered it with a few more cones and bells. The flickering light reflects off the shiny bells and casts pine cone shadows on the brick at night, and in the daylight the colors are just as bright and lovely.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Pine Cones and Jingle Bells in Clear Vase
It took me two days to decide if I wanted the “hassle” of setting up the big tree this year. Since last year I’d only set up the tabletop one, and I finished NOLA this year, I decided I’d celebrate and bring back my Mardi Gras-themed tree. I took three strings of lights: purple, blue, and green, and zigzagged them up and down and around, draped long ribbon from the craft store, and hung beads and masks I picked up at the local party store.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : My NOLA Mardi Gras Tree
The beauty is, when the season is over, it’s just as easy to pack and store as it was to set up.
So, from all of us Nuts here at Bedford Manor, we wish you a very relaxed and affordable Holiday season.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : November in California
And Frankly, My Dear . . .: That’s all she wrote!
Sep 4, 2013 |
When we moved into Bedford Manor nearly four years ago, Dot’s bath was in pretty good shape. The only improvements we made at the time were to remove the left behind decor, paint the walls, and set up a Sandy Beach/Polka Dot theme that flowed well into Dot’s bedroom.
Polka Dot Beach
Dot’s Beach Bath
What we didn’t take care of was the tub itself. These blue flower stickees worked great to prevent slips and falls, and so it wasn’t really high on my To-Do List to remove them.
Blue Bath Flower Stickees
Plus, I’d tried a few times and nothing seemed to work. I’d looked online for solutions and all of them called for strong anti-adhesives that were too chemical in composition. After the second try, we couldn’t enter the bathroom for 24 hours, the odor was so strong. And as life at Bedford Manor continued, the To-Do List was readjusted to fit the immediate needs and availability of both product and money.
But lately it had become apparent that they were wearing out. It was time for a Bath Tub Makeover. In desperation, I asked Obadiah (my coworker) if he had any ideas. Indeed he did. A can of WD-40 and a straight razor. Really? I pondered suspiciously. Could it really be that simple? He assured me it was. Spray. Wait. Scrape. Yes, he insisted. So we bought the necessary ingredients.
WD-40 and a Straight Razor
Of course, when it rains it pours and recently Dot’s water knob cracked. This morning she reminded me that I had already bought the replacement, and she couldn’t wait any longer.
Broken Knob
So I figured, What the heck. Let’s make tonight a Home Improvement Night.
Since the WD-40 would need to sit for a few minutes, I sprayed the tub first. I made sure that each flower was fully coated, then went over them again for good measure. I was surprised that a little went a long way. As it began to work its magic, I worked on the knob.
A quick unscrewing of the old and the new one was soon in its place. Dot’s choice of a clear knob instead of dark really brightened up the tile around it.
Bath Tub Knob
Then it was time to scrape the tub. Scrape is really the wrong word. It was more like nudging, lifting. The razor slipped easily under stickees and separated them from the tub.
Scraping the Stickees
In just about ten minutes, I had the entire tub scraped. But there was still residue.
Blue Stickee Residue
I was worried that the tub would be permanently shadowed with these outlines. My worries were conquered. Another quick spray of the WD-40 and another passing of the razor over the area, and the tub was residue free. A quick rinse with a mixture of hot water, vinegar and dish soap eliminated the final oils and dirt.
Look at that tub shine!
Of course, I can’t have Dot slipping and falling now that the stickees are gone. Good thing we bought a bath mat!
Bath Mat
And now with a new knob and a nice mat, Dot’s tub has been made over.
Bath Tub Makeover
I can’t believe it’s the same tub! Less than $35 from start to finish. Doesn’t this look relaxing?
Bath Tub Retreat
And Dot? She loves it. In fact, she’s already in there washing her hair. I wish she’d hurry up… This Girl needs a bath. After all, it’s not easy being the Queen and Handyman of my own castle. Then, again… maybe it is.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
My Housing Project: 2013
My Housing Project: Back to the Beginning
TGIF: One
P.U.S.H.
Oct 22, 2012 |
A year ago I posted my recipe for Baked Frittata. It’s still a family favorite: inexpensive to make, delicious to eat.
It’s why Hayley calls me “Momma” with a smile.
It’s my Go-To Lazy Weekend recipe.
It’s what I bribe my brothers with. [Let’s just say they’re coming home for the holidays… trust me!]
But the new Blog look mandates a new recipe look, dontcha think? So here it is. A familiar recipe with a new look.
" title="Baked Frittata" alt="Baked Frittata" style="width: 200px;" />
This delicious Italian baked omelet is a favorite! Add or omit ingredients to suit your own family's flavors. Onions, mushrooms, diced chilies... the ideas are endless.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (or other diced meat)
- 1 can diced, seasoned tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, cut
- salt
- pepper
- seasonings (Italian mix, basil, garlic salt)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Scramble eggs in bowl.
- Add all other ingredients.
- Mix well.
- Spray 9 x 9 inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Pour mix into baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, until eggs are cooked and edges are slightly browned.
- Serve big or small portions.
- Enjoy!
3.1
http://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/22/baked-frittata-with-photos/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
You can also bake this wonderful mix in muffin tins for an individual-sized bite.
However you choose to make and bake your frittata, I wish you Happy eating!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
