BHG OCTOBER STORAGE PROJECTS: MEDIA ROOM

MEDIA ROOM

Control the Cords. Label both ends of every cord behind your entertainment center with a tag or sticker. Bundle up excess cord length with a rubber band or hook-and-loop ties.
Easy-access Discs. Set an attractive bowl (cereal-size works fine) on top of a DVD player and stereo. Place your CD and DVD favorites in the bowl.
Hide the Gaming System. Drill holes in the bottom of a storage ottoman and house a gaming system and all accessories inside. Run cords through the bottom of the ottoman and leave a few holes empty to allow for ventilation.
Label Chargers. Use permanent marker or stickers to label every charger you own. Store all chargers in one bath caddy with a handle.

FREDERICKSBURG TEXAS

We spent a great weekend in Austin Texas with Pat's family. Saturday we drove to Fredericksburg for shopping, eating and sipping wine. Naturally, on the way home we had to stop and pick up flower seeds at the Wildflower Garden.

  

RECAP OF PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

I did watch the debate and noticed the differences between the candidates' debating skills.  Who do you think was the winner of the debate?

PRESIDENTAL DEBATE # 1 TONIGHT

Want to watch, 

don't want to watch, 

want to watch, 

don't want to watch......

Will see what tonight brings!

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Today the Lowe's Farm HOA is hosting their annual NNO for the neighborhood.  The RSVPs are in and we should have a good turn out.  Let's hope!  There is a lot of planning that goes into this event.  I am thankful for all the help Robert W. and David L. have provided.  We are having bounce houses/slides, cotton candy and snow cones for the kids with a meal provided by Dickie's BBQ.  We have lots of fantastic door prizes.  Today also marks the end of our community pool season, so we are having our last Dive-In Movie showing "Facing the Giants".  

ALOT ON MY PLATE

I'm feeling a bit frazzled right now with planning a National Night Out event for this weekend and getting everything done.  Everything will be fine, but I worry too much about the details. You would think at my age I would have learned by now, but I just have that type of personality!  

WELCOME TO THE FALL SEASON

I love the spring and fall seasons because of the nicer temperatures, seasonal colors, and it's time to plant new things in the flower gardens!

BATTERY STORAGE BOX

Pack Up Your BatteriesBatteries die at the most inconvenient times. Keep a stock of all sizes on hand and store them in an easy-to-organize plastic bin. Lidded boxes made specifically for this use are available but you can also adapt divided plastic boxes made for tool, craft, and sewing supplies. Use stick-on letters from the scrapbooking aisle of the craft store to label the battery size on each compartment of the box.

APPLE RAISIN MUFFINS BY PAULA DEAN

As fall approaches, I always think of using apples in my baking.  Here's a muffin recipe that uses apples.

Apple Raisin Muffins

Ingredients
1 cup water

2 cups sugar
2 cups grated apples
2 cups raisins
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons baking soda
31/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the water, sugar, apples, raisins, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and cool completely.

In a large bowl, stir the nuts and baking soda into the flour. Add the cooled mixture to the bowl, and stir until blended. Fill greased miniature muffin tins with batter to the top. Bake for 15 minutes.

KID'S BEDROOM STORAGE AND DISPLAY

Bookcase and Storage Display for Bedroom

This large built-in bookcase functions as a headboard and is perfect for displaying pictures and books. The shelves are roomy enough to store large bins that hold everything from extra blankets to magazines. A sconce with an adjustable arm attached to the bookcase provides light for reading in bed.

I wish I did this option for my children's bedroom to display all their books, toys, and special "finds".

KITCHEN STORAGE AND DISPLAY CASE

Kitchen Bookcase

For an unexpected twist, add a bookcase in the kitchen. Store cookbooks on lower shelves for easy access and display colored serving pieces and dishes on the other shelves. Drawers along the bottom store utensils and linens.

BROWN DAMASK WITH BROWN MINKY BLANKET SET

Baby Blanket

Security Blanket

Today I mailed this baby blanket set to Kelly in Calgary, Alberta. It is one of my favorite sets because I love its beautiful brown damask cotton and the plush softness of the minky fabric.  I hope her baby will have sweet dreams while cuddling with them.  Thanks Kelly for purchasing from my Etsy shop, Snazzy Snugglies.

WASP ATTACK

Yesterday while I was trimming back an oleander bush, I disturbed a wasp nest and 3 of the little buggers stung me.  I've never been stung before, so I was surprised how awful it felt.  The worst sting was on my index finger which quickly swelled up.  I'm okay now but next time I do any trimming I'll check first for those little buggers with a can of wasp killer in my hand.

BOBBY DEEN'S PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1   3-ounce package cream cheese
2 to 3 tablespoon pimentos, smashed or diced
1 teaspoon grated onion
Cracked black pepper

Directions

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat until well blended.

Servings: 3 cups

PIMIENTO CHEESE RECIPE

PIMENTO CHEESE
MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

1 1/2 cups (packed) finely grated extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups (packed) finely grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced drained pimiento peppers from jar, roasted red peppers, or piquillo peppers (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Celery sticks
Ritz crackers
Sliced white bread (optional)

Mix first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Mash with fork to blend well. Season with salt and pepper. Cover; chill until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days. Serve pimiento cheese with celery sticks and Ritz crackers, or, if desired, spread between 2 slices of white bread and cut diagonally to make 4 sandwich triangles.