An Accomplished Woman

Monday, May 20, 2013

Goals and Menu Week Ending May 26th

After a week of internet problems.... I'm back.

This week is the "nursery" week. Painting, wallpapering and trim molding installed. With my daughter in the Middle East, the bones of the nursery will be done when she gets home. New curtains, rods, light fixtures and closet doors will be installed. The last piece of the room will be carpet. She has picked it out but wants to double check her choice. When she gets home, the fun can begin; furniture, fabric and a chair to reupholster. All the accessory choices for the nursery will be the most fun.

I am currently packing up my kitchen and figuring out a place to make a small make-shift kitchen. We have a wetbar in the basement so that looks like the spot for a kitchen. The final decisions will be made and things are progressing rather quickly to demolition.

Meanwhile, back at my home, I am pressure washing my way through the winter dirt. I absolutely love pressure washing. So satisfying to see the results of my efforts. The garden will be mulched and I will start planting annuals.

Lastly, I have been baking and freezing in anticipation of the kitchen remodel. During the dog days of summer and no kitchen, I will miss backing. I am filling up the freezer with Fourth of July cupcakes, cookies, pies and several cakes.

This week's menu is all about things I love to cook.

Monday

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White Truffle Pasta

Cesar Salad

Homemade Foccacia

Tuesday

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Lemon Souffle

Garden Salad

Wednesday

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Strawberry Pork Tenderloin

Roasted Potatoes

Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce

Thursday

Out with family

Friday

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Hamburger Bar:

Several types of cheeses

Caramelized Onions

Bacon

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Avocado

Pickles

Cucumber

Saturday

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Crab Boil

Sugar Cookies

Assorted Crisps in canning jars

Sunday

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Grilled Steaks with Mushrooms

Twice Baked Potatoes

Iceberg Wedge Salad

Thursday, May 09, 2013

What’s it going to BEEEE? Party

A very popular trend now is to have a gender reveal party to let friends and family know what the sex of the coming baby will be. We had a Bee party to find out the sex of the baby. It was dusk when we had the party so the pictures are not what I would want but I wanted to share the party.

Start with a fun tablescape… Bees are right up my alley.

Add yellow candy

Yellow bumble bee hive cupcakes

Yellow bee cake pops

Lemonade with cute straws.

We had a blackboard set up.. Gavin Duke or Emma Elizabeth

Each guest chose either a tiara or mustache based on what they thought the baby was going to be.

My son-in-law wants a boy, obviously.

I made some caprese subs: Fresh Mozzarella, Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil topped with olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, salt and pepper.

Wrapped in cute black and white paper and ribbon.

Sausage balls.

A fresh fruit tart

Lots of desserts… lemon brownies.

All the guests had plenty of food…

But then they had to choose sides….. The girl group.

The boy group…. If you notice, my hubby is in both of them.

And the answer is…. A Boy!!!! The Newfoundland brought up the balloons to the party.

We are so happy for a baby.. whatever the sex.

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, Cuisine Kathleen and the Style Sisters.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Goals and Week Ending May 12th

Whew, what a week. IT’S A BOY!!!! My daughter and son-in-law are expecting a boy. Gavin Duke… a big name for a little boy. I will be sewing boy clothes all summer! How exciting. I will add some fun party pictures this weekend.

We love boys... the sparkle in their eyes.. My grandson will have a little partner in crime!!

My classes have ended and the students still have their finals but thank goodness, my lectures are over. Next semester, I am teaching three to four classes. I typically take off the month of May and June, buckle down after the fourth of July and prep classes for the year. This year, I am going to buckle down in May and June, take off July and August. I am teaching a summer class in July but that will be a piece of cake.

The kitchen remodel has a start date of June 1^st and I am still working on counter tops, backsplash and sink. But with a new grandson coming, May is devoted to finishing the nursery. My daughter leaves for the middle east, for Navy Reserve duty this week, so wallpaper will be ordered. I hope to finish painting and wallpapering in the next three weeks while she is gone. Her hubby will put up crown molding and chair rail. She has all her furniture but it needs some painting.

So this week’s menu is a weird menu. Monday through Wednesday is light and easy. Thursday, my daughter graduates with her masters. Friday and Saturday are all boy meals, while we open the pool. And to top off the week, Sunday is Mother’s Day. Very frenetic!!

Monday