It's finally here!

Hi everyone, after many microwave meals and plenty of dust, grout and paint, my kitchen redo is complete. I adore it. I am cooking like a fiend. Can't find me? Look for me in the kitchen...I'm probably stroking the countertop or gazing into my new deep sink in wonder. Anyway, if you are considering re-vamping your countertops but are looking for an beautiful but affordable option, consider wood countertops. Ikea sells wood butcher block countertops for a fraction of the cost of any other surface. Our entire countertop cost just $225.00! (Granite would have set us back $1,800, minimum.) It gets wet like any countertop, but so far I've had no issues whatsoever. Here's the finished product:



Frugal February

Believe it or not, February is almost here! Every year I like to challenge myself to spend as little money as possible in February. Why February? It's a great time to work on eating all of that food from the freezer to free it up for this coming summer's produce and it's the shortest month, for starters! I'll have upcoming posts on free or cheap date ideas, frugal Valentine ideas, and plenty of tips to inspire your own frugal February. So try it with me this year. You may even be inspired to keep going!

Clever brownie treat

Craving s'mores and it's to cold or rainy to start a campfire? Bake a brownie mix and spread marshmallow cream over cooled brownies. Broil until golden brown- this should only take a few seconds. Devour. You can also sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top. These are so delicious. The crunchy, gooey marshmallow, the chewy chocolaty brownie...ok I'll stop. The point is, you must try this!

Framed

For a fun twist on a collage, try framing a grouping of framed photos with a large frame (no glass, just the frame). How many times can one say "frame" in once sentence! Have fun with it and throw in a decorative medalion or cutout for added interest.

Winter Salad

Citrus Salad with Toasted Seeds and Pine Nuts

Try this delicious winter salad with your next meal. It's light and refreshing and you will definitely not have left-overs!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon grated shallot
• 2 teaspoons apricot preserves or marmalade or good quality honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon or orange juice
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 heads Bibb lettuce, cleaned and dried and torn
• 1 navel orange, peeled and sections removed with a paring knife
• 1 small ruby red grapefruit, peeled and sections removed with a paring knife

Directions:

• Gently toast the sunflower and sesame seeds with the pine nuts in small pan over medium heat.
• Combine the shallot, preserves or honey, Dijon, juice and vinegar. Whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the lettuce, orange and grapefruit sections, dress with the seeds and dressing just before serving.

*Serves 4

"Global" cleaning

Since we've been renovating the kitchen, I've come across some serious dust and dirt. Dust and dirt that probably pre-dated the renovation! The globes on my light fixture were covered with a tacky-feeling residue (no doubt from stove splatters) and covered with a thin layer of dust. After trying to de-gunk them unsuccessfully, I threw in the towel and threw the globes into the dishwasher. It did the trick! The globes are now sparkling clean and required no effort on my part. Now that's what I call perfect!

"Pep" things up

When you're ordering seeds, try cayenne peppers. These red beauties pack a serious flavor (and heat) punch. Make your own crushed red pepper this year- you will never buy it again! My sister grew these and shared them with me and wow, they were amazing! Here's a quick tutorial:

• Once cayenne peppers are red, pick them (They do very well in pots)
• Using a needle and strong thread, string them together like a garland
• Hang in a cool dry place or in a window to dry
• Once dry, proccess them in a food processor, seeds and all (no stems)

*Homemade crushed red pepper is a perfect gift idea! Tuck a packet into a basket of marinades and grilling tools for the ultimate guy gift.