A Diamond in the Ruffs

1.23.2011

Basin of Beauty

I've needed a new kitchen sink and faucet since...well, when we had the house built! I remember my In-Loves came and peeked through the kitchen window when the house was being finished. When we talked next, the first thing they said was..."they put the tiniest kitchen sink in...how are you going to be able to cook and clean for 5 people with that?!" Of course, it's just one of those things that winds up last on the list of house "change-orders" when you're having a house built. I'd rather have AC, wouldn't you?!
So 6 years later we were done with that old beast. Right before we changed it out, my dad was in my kitchen and snickered about how "well used" the sink was. So now I have this beauty! Composite granite: won't chip, fade, stain or rust! And a new faucet that turns on and off when you touch it! And it has a sprayer and a dish soap dispencer and this thingy which tells time! (Just kidding on the last...a little leftover Christmas humor from The Christmas Story) And of course, in true Stephenie form, I got the faucet on clearance!
Dave says: "You can put a whole cookie sheet inside and wash it!"

1.19.2011

Our CHRISTmas

12.29.2010

Christmas Party

Dave and I at Coffman Engineers Christmas Party! What a blast!

12.16.2010

Still Sweet @ 16!

Master Chief & the Arbiter...Adam got a kick out of his Halo Birthday Cake!

12.14.2010

Organized Chaos: Tip of the Week #6

I have a laminated grocery list that is posted on our Fridge for everyone to use. I keep a dry erase marker near by and everyone uses it to let me know what we need. Then I transfer everything to a list I take with me on shopping day!

The Spices of Life

One of my cleaning projects in early Fall is to go through all my spices. If you've ever had (eaten) old mustard powder or old poultry seasoning, you probably do the same thing! Several years ago I stopped buying bottled spices and switched to these cute little jars that I fill from bulk spice bins. You can actually put a whole tablespoon measuring spoon in the opening which is a huge plus. There is no way you could do that with standard bottled spices. They hold 8 oz. which suits our families needs very well.

Dump out all the spices....just do it! (unless you bought it!...like last week!)

I wash each on throughly and air dry completely.

All cleaned and filled with fresh spices. One way to tell if your spices are old is to compare the color of your current stock of spices to the color of your new spices. I spent under $15 buying new spices from bulk bins!

My cleaned and newly stocked Spice Cupboard! I use air-tight jars that are larger for spices such as cinnamon and cocoa powder (top right ). I also use lazy-susans to expand the space I do have & tiered shelving for my spices (bottom)