Spray Paint Fun

by Gloria on 19 May, 2013

in Upcycle Recycle

From Dreary to Fun

From Dreary to Fun

I hope all of you are having a fun Sunday! It is a beautiful, warm, sunny day here in Illinois. I am enjoying my deck and gazebo after working too hard in the yard yesterday. I inherited a black wrought iron patio set from the previous owners of my home. It is a very sturdy set but was not too attractive. My husband had touched up the black paint the last two years so I was going to do it this year. But when I went to Walmart to buy paint I was in heaven looking at all the cool colors! Spray paint has really come a long way. Why shouldn’t I have a tropical paradise on my deck in the middle of central Illinois corn? Especially after I saw that umbrella too! The color of Rustoleum I used is called Lagoon. I never was a good spray painter and it always seemed to take too long. But this paint really covered well. I used almost 6 cans on this set plus 2 other chairs.

Rustoleum Ultra Cover..they weren't kidding.

Rustoleum Ultra Cover..they weren’t kidding.

It works best to turn your piece upside down and paint the underside first.

It works best to turn your piece upside down and paint the underside first.

Ugly cushions

Ugly cushions

I tried to buy some new cushions; as you can see how homely these are.  But I couldn’t find any the right size except for some online for $30 a piece. I didn’t want to spend $120 for 4 chairs! But after I bought the new umbrella, the flip side of these cushions matched!

Ugly table

Ugly table

I had this little cream and green table that was horribly faded. Last year I asked Mr handyman to paint it black with the other furniture. A couple of sprays and he was out of paint. I am embarrassed to admit that it sat on my deck last year looking like this!!!!

Pink and Fun

Pink and Fun

But look at it now! Poodle pink! I will say that was Krylon paint and did not cover as well and took a lot of coats. The metal chairs in this pic were not done and only had one coat of the Rustoleum Ultra cover, so you can see it works well.

Pyrex addiction

Pyrex addiction

Today I spent the morning at the Third Sunday Flea Market in Bloomington, Illinois and was able to add to my Pyrex collection and also my vintage books. I needed that like a hole in the head! My husband says he is going to turn one of our rooms into a library with a sliding ladder, so I have one addiction taken care of. Maybe he can also build me a second kitchen! But it was a beautiful day and I got 6000 steps and a lot of decorating ideas too.

 

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Smashed Potatoes

by Gloria on 15 May, 2013

in Side Dish

Twice baked potatoes without all the work!

Twice baked potatoes without all the work!

Cut a slit in the boiled potato and press down with a potato masher.

Cut a slit in the boiled potato and press down with a potato masher.

This is a simple and delicious recipe. I once made twice baked potatoes for a large gathering and it was a nightmare! This would be so much easier. I like those mini red potatoes but they are pretty plain and I never know what to do with them. I hope you will try this now that all the Spring red potatoes are in the market.

Directions: Scrub small red potatoes and boil until slightly tender. Place on a baking sheet and cut a slit in the top going both directions. Smash down with a potato masher or other implement. Sprinkle with any herb or spice desired. I used paprika, chives and garlic powder. Then add some grated cheese, I used sharp cheddar. Place in a 400 degree oven until slightly browned and cheese is melted.

These were good as is, but toppings such as sour cream, bacon bits etc would be yummy, especially at a buffet!

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Fiesta Thyme Rice

by Gloria on 13 May, 2013

in Side Dish

Fiesta Thyme Rice

Fiesta Thyme Rice

Fiesta Thyme Rice Veggies

 

 

Fiesta Thyme Rice

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 carrot, grated

6-8 mushrooms, chopped

1 tsp butter, 1 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup Basmati Rice

1 cup water

1 pkg Herb Ox Chicken Bouillon or other GF chicken seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

dash pepper

1 tsp dry thyme, or 1 Tblsp fresh thyme

Saute’ chopped vegetables in oil and butter until starting to wilt. Add rice, seasonings and water. Bring to a boil, turn down heat to low and cover. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, until water is absorbed.

 

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Mexican Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

by Gloria May 11, 2013 Main Dish Chicken

   Gluten Free Mexican Chicken Tater Tot Casserole serves 6-8   3-4 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast meat (or may substitute 1 1/2 cooked ground beef or turkey) 1 med onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1 tsp oil 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder 2 tsp chili powder 1/2 [...]

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Log Cabin Yoyo Quilt

by Gloria May 6, 2013 Yoyos

This is a cute little pastel yoyo quilt that I made in the Log Cabin style by sewing a grouping into the center and then alternating on the left and right of that. The center yoyos determine the shape of the quilt; if you make the center square, the quilt will be square. For this [...]

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Gluten-Free Waffles

by Gloria May 2, 2013 Breakfast/Pancakes

  Gluten-Free  Buttermilk  Waffles 1  1/3 cup rice flour 1/3 cup sorghum flour 1/3 cup tapioca starch 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt ½ tsp xanthan gum  1 cup milk 1 cup buttermilk ¼ cup Canola oil 2 eggs Directions: Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine wet ingredients in a small bowl and [...]

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Vintage Wall Art Gone Modern

by Gloria May 2, 2013 Upcycle Recycle

  I have been having a great deal of fun with some messy crafting and spray painting. Why is that so fun? Well, first of all, we have been remodeling our house since we moved in several years ago. There is an attached two car garage which I had dreams of turning into an organized, [...]

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Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas

by Gloria April 30, 2013 Bread

  GF Flour Tortillas 1 1/4 cup rice flour ½ cup sorghum flour ¼ cup tapioca starch  2 tsp xanthan gum 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 3 Tblsp organic coconut oil or other solid shortening 1 cup warm water 1-2 Tblsp warm water, optional rice flour for rolling Directions: Using a mixer cut the [...]

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