the glittered nest

Our weekend

Ok, so Zilker Park is becoming a regular thing with us.  Having a two year old that loves trains...it's kind of a no brain-er.

 

   This is soooo Austin...had to take this picture.  This musician was playing right by the train track.  As we turned he was there playing wonderful tunes!  I love Austin!

After the train we went to the Flip Happy Trailer .  This is an actual trailer that is parked right off of Barton Springs Road that sells all kinds of sweet and savory crepes.  We only got to take a picture because the wait was an hour for a crepe!

 

         

 

Last but not least we had a wonderful time playing outside with our little fire pit going.  

 Oh yeah...the margaritas were fun too!

My Little Birdies

I'm excited to show you something I've been working on.  This was made from two hangers and sheeting I ripped. The little birdies represent my three children.  I sewed these on a machine.  This birdcage lovingly hangs in their bathroom.

 I've become so incredibly sentimental and I am constantly looking for different ways to show my love for my family.  The girls got a big kick out of this.  I don't know if it will last throughout the years, but it was worth the smiles on their faces in that one moment. 

 I'm still working out how to put the birds on the hanging twigs without them falling off!  

Here's a little something I'm working on for a friend.  Jennifer....no peeking!

lunch at home

I have been sick for the last three days and needed to do something special for myself today to snap out of it!  I want to share some great recipes with you.  I find it is so important to take time and create a special time for myself in the midst of all of the day to day details.  I love to cook and was craving a soup with cabbage. I found all of the ingredients here today at Central Market.I could walk around that store all day and spend a fortune. Here's my little special lunch today. 

 

Ok first..the delicious drink is called Vignette.  It is a wonderful alcohol free drink called Chardonnay soda.  It is a yummy grape fizzy drink from Sonoma.  The soup is my concoction filled with cabbage,leeks,celery, tomatoes and beef broth. Here's how to make it  You will want seconds!

1 head of cabbage

2 leeks

two celery stalks

1 can whole tomatoes(use the juice also)

1 large box of beef broth

Chop it all up and throw it in a large pot, bring to a boil, reduce and simmer for thirty minutes. 

Add a couple of shakes of Cavenders Greek Seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Add some crusty bread for dipping.

Here's the best part!  Dessert: I found this recipe in this month's Gourmet Magazine.

 

Download Brandied Fig Vanilla Pudding the only changes I made were to use apricot flavored brandy and strawberry preserves instead of fig. 

Another wonderful topping for the pudding is called Ficoco.  It is a wonderful chocolate fig topping I found at Whole Foods(not central market!). It is super sweet though so only use a dab.  It is great on pastries or just spoon it on ice cream.  Enjoy!

Happy Anniversary

 

I made these chocolate covered strawberries for my parents anniversary.  After I dipped them in dark chocolate and white chocolate, I added a lollipop stick that you can find at craft stores.  This makes it easier to eat.  How many times have you eaten one and the chocolate ends up all over your hand?  A good trick is to reuse the container the strawberries come in.  This only works well with the big shallow container.  Add some paper shreds and some ribbon and it looks like you bought the chocolate dipped strawberries from the bakery only for half the price!! 

I am making these for teacher gifts this Friday!  Happy Valentines Week!

 

Happy Anniversary to my mom and dad.  56 years together!  Where does the time go?  I love you guys.

Martha Stewart Rose Napkins

My girlfriend Jennifer sent me this link...are these not adorable! Go to  Martha Stewart for directions.

How cute would these be for a girly brunch or even a birthday party for your little ones.

Chandeleirs

I love chandeliers. If I had my way, I would have one in every room of the house!  I changed up a couple and wanted to share:

 

 

I bought these shades at Hobby Lobby for 2 dollars each and added a strip of white sheeting that I tore.  I have other lamps in the house that have this torn sheet too.

 

This candelabra  is in my kitchen.  I found this moss on a ribbon role in Canton at a booth called Pinnagortis.  You can do this with any moss you find at a craft store.

 

 

Delicious Friday

Have you every tried Pimento cheese as a salad rather than a sandwich?

 

Pimento Cheese (adapted from Henpeck Market's recipe)

1 package Colby shredded cheese

3/4 cup mayo

4 TBL pimentos

1 small can sliced black olives

salt and pepper

Lots of shakes of Cholula hot sauce(to taste)

Add some lettuce and there you have it!

 

Super Target has some of the best little desserts during the holidays.  These are great for when you have company or for a class party.  Shown are cookies and two bite brownies with icing.  How about trying these instead of cupcakes for the valentine party.  I have also used their little treats for tea parties for my girls.  Enjoy!(If you live in Franklin, a Super Target opened in Spring Hill).

Stay tuned for pics of my house being painting!  Finally!