Small Town Life: February 2013

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Craft/Office Organization Inspiration & a Thirty-One Party

As you can see here, our home is pretty small, and there is only 2 tiny bedrooms. We turned the extra room into a guest bedroom with a day bed, dresser, and D's closet is also in there. It has also became our "catch all" room, when we have a lot going on. Meaning that's where I air dry a lot of my laundry, all of my crafting stuff is stacked in a corner, when we got married that's where all of our supplies & gifts went, etc. It's kind of a mess, and I want that to change.

We do have guests that come visit, but mostly are couples and will sleep on the air-up mattress, so the daybed hardly gets used. We don't have a whole lot of overnight guests, so it's not useful at this point. I would say laundry collects on it more than guests sleep on it! So I've been thinking it's time to get rid of the daybed, and put in a small desk of some sort so I can have room to do my crafts and also somewhat of an organized office. But what happens when it's time for baby to come (no, not pregnant, just saying for the future)? The room will have to become a multi-purpose room, and of course rearrange & purge as necessary. So that is why whatever we come up with will have to be something small, but also something that will get the most out of our space. We can't forget about functionality either.

This is the area I have to work with currently known as the guest room (furniture arrangement/decor isn't exactly like this anymore, but pretty close)...

Will be getting rid of the daybed, some of the decor,
and possibly the dresser (it currently holds more craft supplies) & nightstand.

***UPDATE*** I sold the daybed, and purchased a desk!!! It's happening, and I can't wait! :)
Learn more about this:
I Found a Desk!

I've been browsing online (searching the web & Pinterest) at some great craft room ideas, even if it isn't a small space, these are my inspirations!

source: BHG

source: Thistle Wood Farms

source: Thirty-One

source: Clean & Scentsible

source: Farm8.Static Flickr

Gotta have a shelf for the Cricut to set on!

source: Schlitzhren

Tonight I am also hosting a Thirty-One party, in hopes I can start to gather some lovely organizational pieces (I just love that thirty-one office I posted above!). On the for sure list for me to get is a Large Utility Tote for my Cricut. Why? #1 Because I'm not a fan of the ugly bulky Cricut bags they have for the Expression, and #2 the Thirty-One option doesn't take up a bunch of room if I want to put it away (plus way cuter!). They have a lid you can attach on the top, which is also on my list!

source: Thirty-One

I seen a pin on Pinterest that came from the Cricut forum, someone used the Large Utility Tote for their Cricut Expression 2...sold!

source: Cricut

I already have the Room for Two Utility Tote, ordered for my gift wrap storage and I love it! Got the idea from Thirty-One, and also seen it on Pinterest as well!

source: Thirty-One

source: A Dash From Donna Lynn

I have several other things on my "wish list" that I would like to order tonight, and if not tonight then I will order when my friends have parties! I am ready to get organized! ~~If you would like to order, my party (click the link to order) will probably be open for about a week online (3/6/13).~~ Thank you!! :) I have also attached the March special, too good to pass up!

***UPDATE*** PARTY HAS BEEN CLOSED!!

Linking up too...

Today's Creative Blog
The Shabby Chic Cottage

Somewhat Simple
Lovely Crafty Home
Polka Dots on Parade
Ginger Snap Crafts
Sugar Bee Crafts
BruCrew Life
Semi Homemade Mom
Craftionary

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Pumpkin {Ice Cream} Pie

Are you a fan of Pumpkin Pie at Thanksgiving or Christmas? What about ice cream? What if I told you I had an amazing recipe for Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie?! Well keep reading my friends, because whether you're a Pumpkin Pie fan or not, you're going to want this recipe!

For Thanksgiving, D and I ventured up to Iowa to see his Grandma and Aunt that live there. We didn't have the traditional Thanksgiving Turkey, but we did have some amazing food. Then it was followed up by some scrumptious Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie his Grandma made. I was in LOOOOOVE, and I don't even like regular Pumpkin Pie! So much in fact after it was all gone, there was some of the melted good stuff in the bottom of the pan, that I HAD to spoon it out! It was THAT tasty! We all raved about it, and D doesn't like anything pumpkin, but he really liked this. So I had his Grandma mail me the recipe, it arrived about a week before Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!!

I love this pumpkin pie plate my grandma gave me, you've alse see it used with my Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes!

D and I had our very own Christmas this year the night before Christmas Eve. It was great, and especially because this would be our 1st Christmas as Mr. & Mrs.! We hung out together all day, lounging, prepping supper, and then cooking. We made steaks, baked potato, and fresh green beans for supper, and for dessert we had Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie!! Talk about an amazing meal all together!

Ingredients:
9in Graham Cracker Pie Crust (pre-made)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If you want pecans added, this is when you'll add them in. Mix well.
2. Add slightly softened ice cream, mix well.
3. Spoon into graham cracker crust, and cover.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours, or until ready to eat.
5. Remove from freezer 15 min before serving (it will make it easier to cut & eat).
6. Top with whipped cream if desired (this Cinnamon Whipped Cream would be perfect)

Well what do you think? I do know this will be a recipe that will be put in my "to make again" recipe file. And let me reassure you, that you're going to LOVE this recipe as well as your family!