Home Improvement "Finally"

Ok, I know I've broken the first rule in blogging, "Post Often", but it has been really busy in my house and this post will show you some of what I've been up to.


Our house was built back in the 70's and to me that really doesn't seem that long ago, but in the decorating world it's several lifetimes. We have lived in this house for about 18 years and done very little in the way of remodeling or redecorating. I finally had to set my foot down and say, it's time! I decided the bathrooms were in the greatest need. So, Danny and I started ripping old wallpaper and scrapping up floor tiles. Like any project, one thing leads to the next. I think we ended on plan D. Plans A, B and C were discard along the way and, like it or not, I decided plan D was great. We are still waiting on the installers to lay the ceramic tiles, but here are a few photos to show the progress.







These are before pictures. You can see the layers of old wallpaper . My cats, Maggie and the new baby Ozzie have been so..... much help. :)








This was my first attempt at mudding walls. It was actually so much fun! Except when it came time to clean up the mess. I had way too much fun slapping mud everywhere. I'll be a little more careful with the next room. The new sink and counter are cultured marble.







This is the "almost" finished product. I put one of my new rugs down because the floors is still just concrete. The walls are a tan color, with dark brown and light turquoise for accents. I'm most proud of the little medicine cabinet. It is just a replica, but I have some really old medicine bottles inside and it looks pretty good. I wanted to use some antiques, a combination of modern world meets old world, without being country.



It's now time to tackle the master bath. Danny and I both love the ocean, so my goal is to create a beach side resort feel. We'll see.... remember that's plan A. :)

Monster Cookies

I have a new favorite cookie called Monster cookies. They are amazing!! The recipe came my friend Nancy in Midland, TX. I've made them several times now and everyone I share them with love them. My husband took them on a hunting trip recently for all the guys. The cookies were discovered by the men in his truck, who promptly hid them and wouldn't let anyone else have any. There's a standing order for me to make them every year now.

This weekend I made them for my granddaughter, 14 months, and instead of putting peanut butter in them I used SoyNut Butter and instead of the chocolate I put in raisins. I don't know how she liked them yet. The jury is still out. I tasted them and they were ok, but I like the peanut butter better. I also made a few for her mamma with extra chocolate. :)

They also don't have any flour, so it would be a great recipe for people who are allergic to it. There are many variation that you could do with this recipe. Enjoy!! and thank you Nancy.



Monster Cookies

1 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. corn syrup
1 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
2 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. oatmeal
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 oz. M&M plain candy
Cream together the first 6 ingredients. Stir in peanut butter. Add remaining ingredients as listed mixing well.

Drop by spoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 350 degrees - 13-15 minutes.

Yield 4 - 6 dozen