Veg All...

A week ago Sunday my husband suggested we try a week without meat in our diet. I have for some time REALLY wanted to try, but just could not wrap my brain around the idea and commit to it. And for some reason when he suggested it this time around it just clicked. I have, as of yesterday went a full 7 days and counting with no meat! It really is a liberating feeling taking charge of my diet this way.

I felt compelled to share this after reading Jessica's story of going vegan. I would like to try to cut out dairy at some point, but I am going to try to master the no meat thing first. Some of the things I ate were veg spud, sweet hot sweet potatoes, nachos with veg chili, and potato soup. One of my favorite things and the kids favorite was this Vegetarian Lasagna recipe. It is really good!

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles*
• 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 (26 ounce) jars pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 (15 ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. *Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Rinse with cold water, and drain.
2. In a large saucepan, cook and stir mushrooms, green peppers, onion, and garlic in oil. Stir in pasta sauce and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
3. Mix together ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and eggs.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread 1 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 1/2 each, lasagna noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering, and top with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

*I used no cook lasagna noodles*

I hope that this might help someone else that is thinking of going more towards a vegetarian lifestyle. I has pondered it for so long. And am excited to be finding some simple recipes.

And before you think I've been too good I did have to have some onion rings after smelling them at a nearby restaurant. YUM! They are a veg though! LOL!

Striped Bliss...

I have been loving stripes for quite some time. And this striped entry has me completely swooning. I am  super inspired to do something similar, slightly less contrast in color, in my hallway. When I have done stripes in the past they have been more of a texture thing, using gloss and matte finishes. For one when you do that imperfections show up lots less. So we'll see how bold I am. Gosh though, could this space have turned out any better.

{3 Men & a Lady}

Later this week, my take on DIY children's silhouettes and another ScrapBox.

Happy Monday Ya'll!

ScrapBox...

Do you remember my post on ScrapBoxing? Today I am sharing my first one. I have adored this little hat that I purchased for Blair when she was about 8 months old. She wore the heck out of it and if it is down within her reach she still tries to cram her head into it.

 The shadow box came with a black backing so I bought some white canvas twill and cut it to size and cover over the backing. I then attached the photo, hat and a small caption. I am thrilled at how it turned out. As soon as I get a few more finished I am going to hang them over the art display line I posted about yesterday.

Also today I am being featured over at Lavender & Lilies, check it out. Jessica has a fantastic blog.

DIY Art Cable...

I received the latest PB Kids catalog and was instantly drawn to the art hanging on the wall and how it was hung.

 So cute, huh? But... I thought for what it cost I figured I could do my own version for much cheaper.

So...

I started out with these wood blocks that I painted them white,

I found this great paper and cut it down to 3x3 squares. Then mod podged

it to to the blocks.

Next step was to attach these small hooks to the center of the blocks...

 the hanging brackets to the back and then attached the wire to the hooks. 

Here is the finished product. I hope to add some of my scrapboxes above soon too.

I was laughing looking at this photo Rhett drew, because he added our ages. (before my bday)

So sweet!

Pinky Dinky Doo...

I am sure Josh would love it if I brought more pink into our home. LOL, really he hasn't complained yet.  Wouldn't this pillow look so cute with my new Chevron pillows!? 

Love this shop too!

{Joom}

I have been adding some pink to my dining room. I'll share some photos soon! 

Cafe Style

Wrapping up the weekend Josh and I got the opportunity to go out for a few hours by ourselves. A local restaurant recently moved it's location closer to us. I have really been wanting to check it out, especially every time I drove by and saw the beautiful lighting. We entered through the back door and this is the gorgeous lighting I was talking about. Does anyone recognize the mirrors on the left side of the wall. {Urban Outfitters} 

 This is such a clever and cheap art piece. Cork tiles in different shades and textures.

So cute.

Last but certainly not least was the dining area. Great lighting, neat photo art. All of the letters are local locations used to make up the Cosmo Cafe and Bar sign. Don't you love my iphone photos?

We just went for desert and had a brownie fudge sundae. YUM! I hope you had a wonderful weekend too.

All of you local girls should go down to Brookside (if you haven't already) and check out Cosmos new location. You will love the atmosphere and the decor!

Southern Hospitality...

I just can't get over how completely charming this kitchen (via Southern living) is! I am swooning over every little thing. The curtains, the open shelves in place of upper cabinetry...

And her dining room, ugh, LOVE! What a great mix of pieces.

 I especially like kitchens that bring in a free standing piece that is different from the cabinet color. Here she has the hutch that brings up the floor color and provides such a nice contrast to the cabinetry.

 The details...