Blizzard in Texas?

We had a foot of snow last Thursday. Seriously the coolest thing that has ever happened in Dallas. For those of you that don't know me I am a want a be country nature girl. I see myself as a Paula Deen meets Bear Grylls. Ok, maybe not so dangerous but you get the point. The most extreme I go is rock climbing with a guide. So, back to this snow. Check out our snow man we made after a night of more snow. This winter has been crazy so much for global warming. Happy Vday everyone!

New Lights

I'm so excited that my new lights have arrived and are installed. I have been wanting new lights forever. We went to the store really only wanting one for the dinning room but we were getting such a great deal we went ahead and did all three. They match our stuff to a T. We kept the old ones just in case we decide to move one day. Now after knowing how long they take to install I'm not sure if we are allowed to move. I'm so excited that this house is starting to take on my personality. There is just so much more to do. Kinda makes me think you should buy a house that you wouldn't change a thing first. Not that this house has anything wrong with it just needs some character. What is left on my list: new appliances for the kitchen, granite in the kitchen, wood floors for the study and dinning room, and the backyard needs trees and shrubs. I have a few small projects in mind too like putting molding around our bathroom mirrors. I saw it on some decor show and loved it. Maybe the way to go is pick a room do it and move to the next. I think our main focus this year will be the kitchen since that is where we spend all our time. Here's to hoping everything sticks to the plan!

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

The The The Grinch @ The Gaylord

This year we got to go to the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord. Man are some people just talented. It was pretty cool. I really liked the theme this year, The Grinch. If you plan on going maybe try earlier in the day. That place was packed the day after Thanksgiving. In the store after they had the coolest Texas Christmas Lights made out of wait for it shotgun shells. They were so cool. A little pricey, but pretty unique. So I just did a search. They totally marked them up. Matt said hobby lobby has them too:)

 

Love the pie!

This weekend was full of love for the pie. We celebrated my sisters birthday on Saturday were my mom made a Lemon Pie. Man do I have a lot of practice before my meringue turns out like hers. Then on Saturday I made an apple pie. By far my favorite pie. This time I tried the pillsbury recipe. Well, one it saves time with the crust and two it is pretty hard not to mess up. I still can't get the pretty flute edges, but honestly it still tasted amazing. I sliced the apples with a thin mandolin. I like my apples nice a thin. So, I think that is key. Has anyone tried apple pie with a slice of cheese on top? It kinda scares me but it kinda sounds good. I usually just have a scoop of ice cream with mine.

Anyways, check out http://www.pillsbury.com/pie for great holiday pie ideas.They even have a tutorial which I totally should have watched first. It shows you just how to flute the edges.

Here's the recipe (http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=11187)

INGREDIENTS
Crust
1    box (15 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
Filling*
6    cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium) - i like McIntosh apples
3/4    cup sugar
2    tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4    teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4    teaspoon salt
1/8    teaspoon ground nutmeg
1    tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS
1.    Heat oven to 425°F. Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom.
2.    In large bowl, gently mix filling ingredients; spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust. Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to seal; flute. Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust.
3.    Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool on cooling rack at least 2 hours before serving.

Happy Halloween