What's For Dinner?

...Quiche.  Okay, so this is not a picture of my quiche. I'm lucky to be cooking dinner these days, much less, photographing it. However, I did want to share my go to meal when I want something fast, nutritious and without a mess.

I try to keep a pie crust in my freezer at all times. I also try to always have fresh spinach since I hide it in a wide array of our meals.  Eggs and cheese, I always have eggs and cheese too. So, if you have all those things on hand, you're set for a yummy quiche dinner (I know the men aren't always excited about the idea of quiche, but I think if you make it "hearty" enough, it will fill 'em up pretty good). 

Here's what I do. Mix 4-5 eggs with about 3/4 c. of milk (I'm totally guessing). Chop (or tear) up your spinach and toss it in - do as much as you like. Throw in a good handful of cheese. Add some salt and pepper. Now look in your fridge and see what else you have.  Cherry tomatoes? Left over rotisserie chicken? Sausage? Broccoli? Ham? Fresh Basil? Goat Cheese?

Tonight I happen to have some left over rotisserie chicken, goat cheese, spinach and cherry tomatoes, so that is what is going in the quiche. I've done this combo before and it really is quite good. Plus, it's got lots of protein and a good amount of spinach. I plan on serving it with fruit salad. If I had some potatoes, I'd roast them and serve them too. Sorry honey, no potatoes tonight. 

So, if you're needing a quick, easy, and nutritious meal (and it's not a even a mess to make), here you go!  Enjoy!

Gallery Wall

We had some family photos made on Saturday, as well as some newborn pictures of the little guy. Here is a sneak peak that our photographer sent us.  I die. I can't wait to see the rest. I guess the real test will be if she was able to get a family shot where we all look normal. I don't know if it's even possible.

Seeing as we'll have some updated photos and I have just the wall to  hang them on, I've been brainstorming ideas on what I want the "gallery wall" to look like. Framing is expensive, so I'm going to have to find a budget friendly idea.  Here is one that I'm considering:

(image via Traditional Home)

Obviously my frames would hold pictures, but I love the simplicity of the single color with a variety of sizes. Plus, it's easy to find frames that are cheap (and not that cute), but that can be spruced up with a can of pretty spray paint.  I'm sure I'll come across other ideas to consider. Thankfully I'm in no real hurry. 

Gift Idea

I love these nail polishes by Megan Miller at Anthro.  How fun would it be to give the "latte" color with a $3.73 gift card to Starbucks (that happens to be the price of a grande latte). An oh-so-cute engagement gift would be the "champagne" color with a couple of pretty flutes and a yummy bottle of bubbly. I could go on with theme ideas for each color, but I'll spare you. I may just pick up a couple of these for the upcoming on slot of Spring and Summer birthdays. 

Party Idea: Pretty In Pink

My youngest daughter tends to want colors for her birthday themes. This year (her 4th) birthday was pink, purple and turquoise. Looking back, I shouldn't be surprised. For her second birthday she wanted a pink, so I threw a "Pretty in Pink" party.

Notice all that we had was cupcakes and punch. You've gotta love the ease of that! 

This picture cracks me up because she's scared of the flame and big sister is looking on with glee. You'll notice I'm decked out in pink too. Even daddy wore a pink shirt (this is huge for a man that only wears black, grey, moss green and maybe brown).

Her birthday is in February, so it was easy to find pink crafts for the party.  I had the girls decorate pink foam hearts with foam stickers while all the guests arrived. It was a beautiful day, so they just played outside. I'm sure we had the bubble machine and bounce house going (I tend to repeat what works).  Then we ate cupcakes and passed out favors (sorry no picture). They were pink chinese take out boxes filled with a bag of pink jelly beans, pink hot chocolate and a pink necklace. Easy party, but so sweet and fun!

Spring Spuce-ups

When Spring rolls around not only am I ready to do some hard-core Spring cleaning, but I also get the itch to spruce things up a bit. Here are a few easy ways to add a new look without spending a lot.

1. Paint or wallpaper the interior of cabinets or bookshelves:

Image via Lonny

image via Cottage Living

2. Change up your throw pillows:

(I'm loving these two from World Market - both under $20)

3. Add some umph to your window treatments.  

Check out this great DIY valance at Effortless Style.

4. Change your hardwares:

Anthropologie has a great selection of beautiful, bright and unique hardwares. If you only need a few, they don't break the bank. 

5. Bring the outdoors in:

(image unknown)

I love this table setting. I can see little vases of greenery on coffee or end tables, on the bathroom counter or even a little vignette on the kitchen island.

Do you have any other "Spring spruce-up" ideas. If so, please do share!!!

Putting the Chalkboard Paint to Good Use

I'm sure I sound like a broken record talking about chalkboard paint...again. But since I have some left after making my chalkboard, and can't stand to waste things, I'm always on the lookout for more uses. Here are a couple I ran across today...

Why not sketch something on a small chalkboard (that you've made with your paint, of course) and use it as art. I might just have to copy this picture; it's darling. 

I believe this is an old tea container. What a cute way to organize an office or craft area....love it!

If you have any other ideas on how I can keep using this chalkboard paint, please pass them along.