My New favorite Grocery Store

Henry's Farmers Market

One of the things I was worried about, moving to the great land of cows, eggs, and bread, was that produce would be just absolutely terrible.

Of course I wasn't willing to trade the best locally grown produce for cheap eggs and Mrs. Baird's bread.

However, I was pleasantly surprised at NewFlower Farmers Market -- all their sale merchandise is locally grown/ made in Texas. (Or.. it seems like overstock/ stuff that's not selling well -- Ex: Kombucha on sale 2/$4-- I can imagine that's not the best seller at Ross/Henderson). The produce is consistently cheaper than anywhere else, WalMart included. The only downside (just like Henry's) is that it's not a one-stop-shop. None of America's favorites. No Lays Potato chips, No Stoffers Mac and Cheese and definitely No Tide Laundry detergent. But they do have Blue Bell :)

Newflower Farmers Market

The one closest to me is at Ross and Henderson. But there's another one in Plano.

Check it out if you haven't already.

Moola

"Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver."

~ Ayn Rand

Gazpacho Soup and Peanut Cheese Roll Ups

Note: An addition to my perpetual To-Do List: Electronically filing all of my mom's brilliant recipes AND convincing her that creating a fan-base via blogosphere should be step one in writing a book.

One of the reasons I'm already missing my mom. (Actually TWO reasons)

Of Course these two recipes are compliments of Meg Gorham, best throw-it-together chef I know. Great summer lunch, snack or appy.

Gazpacho Soup

From the Kitchen of Meg Gorham

1 family size can Campbell’s brand tomato soup

1 family size can water

6T. extra virgin olive oil

4T. red wine vinegar

1t. crushed garlic

1/8 t. +/- cayenne pepper

1/2 t. seasoned salt

1 12 oz. can +/- V-8 juice

1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thin

2 medium size tomatoes, cut up

1 small can, sliced ripe olives

1 avocado, sliced or cut up

1 red or green pepper, or both, cut up

2 stalks celery, cut in bite-size pieces

3-4 green onions, snipped

Combine all ingredients and chill at least 4 hours or overnight. To keep really cold or to take for picnic make recipe with half of required water and make up remainder with crushed ice cubes. This is a very forgiving recipe and I probably don’t make it EXACTLY the same way twice, depending on what veggies I have on hand and what’s in season. I also use varying amounts of the V-8 to extend the broth if needed. This makes a great pot luck dish for the beach or cookout and travels better than salad! This recipe serves 6-8 and keeps in the fridge a good 4-5 days. (For bigger crowd, use 50oz can soup, same size water, ¾ C. oil and ½ C. vinegar…everything else is adjustable to your veggie preferences!)

Spicy Peanut Cheese Roll-Ups

from the Kitchen of Meg Gorham.

1 lb. cheddar cheese, grated

2 T. cayenne pepper

2 sticks margarine, softened

2 1/2 C. flour

1 C. ground peanuts, salted

2 t. salt

sliced stuffed green olives for garnish

Mix grated cheese with ground peanuts and add to softened margarine. Sift flour, salt and pepper; mix well into cheese mixture. Shape into four long rolls (like refrigerator cookie dough) and roll in wax paper. Refrigerate until firm. Slice 1/4” inch and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Top with sliced olive and bake in preheated 350 degree oven until lightly browned (about 14 minutes, but watch ‘em! Serve hot or room temperature. The uncut roll (still in wax paper) may be frozen, stored in a freezer bag for several months. This recipe makes approximately 6 dozen slices. (A perfect accompaniment for Gazpacho soup. Enjoy!)

White

Via Design to Inspire

Loving these white painted wood floors (even in the bathroom). I'm becoming a huge fan of the scraped/ whitewashed wood flooring too though. Especially with this updated shabby chic look.

Via Design to Inspire

Via Design to Inspire

Lockers would be a great idea for a big family (especially teenagers) sharing a bathroom.

Via Design to Inspire

I like this bedroom-y pink tinted white too. The unframed mirrors and unfinished painted white furniture seem very Restoration Hardware -- but somehow so much more interesting.

I don't know if I could ever have the self control to not have just ONE room full of color. But I love how simple and clean all this white is. Yesterday, I babysat for a new family, 3 kids, all under 6, and was finally convinced that neutral (and even WHITE white) was even doable much less cleanable.

Robin's Egg Blue

Via Delight By Design

This color just makes me absolutely blissfully happy.

Been watching "Design on a Dime"

Spoiler: This entry is a somewhat hodge-podgey collection of thoughts and ideas

Why is it that I always feel so inspired when my budget for redecorating / designing my own living space is virtually nothing? Even those creative DIY projects require some kind of funding... (not to mention an outdoor location to spray paint on).

I love these light fixtures.

        

via Design to Inspire

Instead... my "To-Do" list for today has nothing fun or creative on it.

(Note: This practice is what's keeping me sane -- Writing a To-Do list everyday. I just LOVE crossing things off as I go.)

To Do

--Get rid of Bethany's stuff in the back of my "new" car/ Clean-Out center console

--Get Car Insurance

--Get a Safety Inspection

--Go to the DMV

--Call My Grandaddy

--Go to the Bank

--Go to Ikea for a desk and more storage baskets.. maybe a side table and barstools? 

--Figure out how to be unemployed (financially and emotionally)

--Keep a Positive Attitude about the "Job Search"

Favorite Quote: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last human freedom – to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance” ~Viktor Frankl 

Wish List

Again & Again Consignment Store

Accent Chairs would really complete the "living-room" in our apartment.

But definitely not priority.

These things are higher on my list.

A small (VERY small) dinette or cafe table.

And a desk with LOTS of storage. (Unfortunately, not at all like this REALLY cute one from Palacek)

Maybe I can still get away with just buy LOTS of these little desktop storage boxes from Ikea.

I already need to go up to Ikea for more of these little guys.

Random PIle of Inspiration

I'm kinda feelin' like the blue thing is sticking.

via Luphia Loves

Love this wallpaper via Luphia Loves

Love keeping the bedroom neutral/ shades of gray via Design to Inspire

Love these colors. via Design*Sponge

sofa problem

I've tried to dress up our sofas by draping pieces of cloth, rugs, etc. over them.. I'm just not sure to achieve this more put-together look (via Design*Sponge) I think we need more toss pillows.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

If Daniel had a dream kitchen... this would be it.

I wish I had the discipline to keep things this simple

Just another thing I'm going to miss

H & M

(I bought this skirt in black last night.. as well as 1/2 a dozen other things.)

Moving to Dallas in 2 days.

Lately I've been doing lots of reflecting on the many reasons I will miss living in Orange County. However, June Gloom is making the So. Cal weather a little bit easier to leave.

I couldn't be more excited for this monumental change.