Problem solved!

Chevron Stripes!

 

I don't know about you guys but this girl is in love with the Chevron Stripe! I have been looking for a great way to incorporate it into the house without it being to bossy! Well, let me tell you I created a great project today that was not as time consuming as you think!

We have this really great photo of our kiddos that is in a wooden frame that has been in storage FOREVER! Well, hubs and I both love that pic! I saw a great idea on pinterest to put a frame on a larger piece of wood that was painted. How was it painted you might ask? Well, Chevron stripes of course! :) Well, I did it! I love my version so much more! The best thing was... I did it for FREE! I had all of the supplies laying around from other projects! Cool huh! Read on to learn how

 I did it! Good luck with yours if you decide to try it!
 

 

 

One picture frame

One piece of wood larger than your picture frame

2 different colors of spray paint ( I used 3)

wood stain

scotch blue painters tape

sharp knife for trimming

sandpaper

paper towel 

hammer & screwdriver

 

1. Spray paint the picture frame. (I used turquoise blue)

2. Spray paint the board. ( I used white)

3. When board is dry use tape and make a diamond pattern with the tape.

4. use knife and remove part of the tape to create the chevron design

5. Spray paint the board again this time with a different color. ( I used black)

6. When board is dry remove tape.

7. Using the hammer, screwdriver and any thing else you want beat the board to make it look old and worn. This can be as little or as much as you want.

8. Using the sandpaper sand the board down  on the corners and edges. Run the sandpaper over the entire painted surface to create places for the stain to settle.

9. Use a damp paper towel and dust off the board.

10. Use a soft cloth and rub a small amount of stain over the surface of the board to make it look old.

11. Let dry.

12. Attach a small screw to the board to hang your picture frame.

There you have it folks! Easy Peasy! I'll be the first to say, No my stripes are not even but who cares! The point was to enjoy that great picture! It was too little to hang all by it's self! Let me know if you have any questions!

Loving this fall weather!

Loving This Fall Weather!

Fall! I am beyond thrilled it is finally here! I have been searching magazines and the Internet for ideas to decorate this big ol' house.  So far I have decided on using lanterns and fake crows/black birds for the front porch. Luckily, I scored the crows at our local Dollar Tree! There was no way I would have paid $7 a piece another store wanted! The amount of trick-or-treaters we usually receive you can count on one hand. That is why I typically do not go all out for Halloween/Thanksgiving instead I like to decorate for "fall" or Autumn.

 

This past weekend my son's Varsity football team won their first game. It was so much fun cheering them on in the cool air with some good friends! Monday night this week the Junior Varsity team will play again. I can not wait to see my boy in action! I hope everyone is having a great start to fall!

 

With all this wonderful cool weather. My family is thinking Chili! I wanted to share a great chili recipe that I found!

 

Turkey Chili

 

3cups onions diced

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 and 1/2 lbs. ground turkey

3 cups fresh tomatoes diced

15 oz can each pinto and black beans rinsed and drained

1 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon cumin - I use 2 teaspoons

1 teaspoon ground mustard

sliced black olives and green onions for garnish

 

Cook onions in oil in large pot over medium heat until translucent. Add turkey and cook until no longer pink. Drain if necessary. Add remaining ingredients except garnish, bring to a boil reduce heat and let simmer about 20 minutes. Garnish with olives and onions!

Sorry I don't have a picture of this recipe!

 



 

 

It is all about the details!

W hat a difference planning makes! When we decided to build our dream home we were told that the details would take the most time. They were not kidding! Let's face it everything that makes a house a home needs to be well thought out. From the placement of the outlets to the finish on the light fixtures everything needs to be discussed and decided on before the contractor says, "I need a light fixture". Talk about STRESS!

 

We faced this challenge (After we hid under the covers!) head on! How did we do it you ask? Well...

(We) I watched  HGTV! A LOT! It has wonderful decorating ideas!

We spent several hours talking with our local home improvement store employees! Their knowledge was the breath of fresh air we needed when we were stuck on a decision!

PINTEREST! People if you have not heard of Pinterest you are missing out! It is terrific!

Blogs! I adore reading about other Blogs and the ideas that people have are so COOL!

My favorite to check out is:
 

 www.thehouseofsmiths.com

 

Shelley is simply amazing! Shelley if you read this... I adore ya!

I originally wanted this to be a while we were building blog. But because of time, stress and
S L O W Internet. I was not able to post pictures as things progressed! SO here we are the middle of September we are in our house and LOVE it! We still have lots of projects and I will be posting about them! Thanks for reading!

 

 







Taking a break from the build!

I love food. I have this obsession with trying to find wonderful recipes that I can pull out of my trusty recipe box and be perfect every time! Well, Ladies and Gents... if you love coconut you should try making a 3 day Coconut Cake! Don't let the name scare you away from this one! It is simple!  I do not remember where I received this recipe but I am glad I did! Everyone loves it! Enjoy! 

 

3 Day Coconut Cake

 

1 package white cake mix

16 oz. sour cream

12-14 oz. coconut

1 & 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping

1 cup granulated sugar

1. The night before you want to assemble the cake blend together the sour cream, coconut, and sugar. Remove one cup of the mixture and place in a different container. Refrigerate both portions.
2. Prepare the cake per the directions on the box for 8 or 9 inch round cake pans. Let cool.
3. Using a long serrated knife split both layers to make four layers.
4. On a cake platter, begin assembling the cake. Spread reserved mixture between layers.
5. Mix whipped topping with the 1 cup reserved mixture and frost the top and sides of the cake.
6. Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator. Next is the easy part!
7. DO NOT REMOVE OR EAT OR EVEN PEEK FOR 3 DAYS! The cake needs time to soak up the wonderful flavors and become...delicious!
8. ENJOY! It is the perfect dessert on a hot summer day!
 

 

 

 

Ground breaking!

We thought this day would NEVER get here! January 25, 2012 was the day that we were to officially break ground to start building our dream house! Yay! I will upload photos soon! You will not believe the ride it has been! I am so excited and nervous at the same time.
Until next time! Happy building!

Marvella

K & M Living the Dream Introduction

Hi! I am so excited and nervous about starting this blog.  My hope is that it becomes a on line diary of sorts to track the ups and downs (yes, there will be downs) of building a home.  Thank you for taking time to check in on our progress. There will be a lot of pictures to be posted.  Just not today!
First things first, my name is Marvella. I am a wife, mother and am a registered nurse. I enjoy crafting, decorating, cooking and spending time with my family.