Updating Stair Baluster Spacing

This is the first of many home improvement posts!  We've closed on the house!!  We are so excited to get moved in before the end of the year.  There are a few things on our to do list before we move in.  The first project tackled was the stairs.  See the lovely popcorn on the ceiling?  That will be next!  And finally we will be painting (yes it really is that orange in person).

Here is a picture of the little man poking his head through part of the stairs.  Big problem! One of the first things we did was update the baluster spacing.  We opted to keep the majority of the existing wood to cut down on costs. 

This saved a ton of money.  They were able to only remove/replace the spindles.  The spindles were approximately $3/each for the straight and $5/each for the baskets.  Total cost was around $1,000.  Not too bad!  I was amazed at how much it updated the entry.  Love it!  And it sure beats the hubby's first suggestion of using netting around the entire entry! :)

One more time, here is the before:

 After:

 Before:

 After:

Popcorn removal starts Monday!!

Barbeque Chicken Pizza

Another recipe to share!  We are closing on our house tomorrow so there will be lots of home improvement posts soon!

One of my favorite places to eat is California Pizza Kitchen.  And without fail every time we go there I get the barbeque chicken pizza.  It's one of my favs.  I was at the grocery store today and thought I would try to make my own.  Very glad I did!  This pizza is really yummy and fast!

First chop onion and cilantro.

Layer barbeque sauce, cheese, onion, cilantro, chicken, and more cheese!

I really think the secret is in the sauce KC Masterpiece Original is my fav!

Bake at 450° for 10-12 minutes! 

Cranberry Salad

This recipe was from my great grandma and one that I look forward to every year!  It's really simple and so yummy!

First grind your cranberries and let them stand with 2 cups sugar for 2 hours (or overnight).  I honestly can't tell you why, but something about letting them sit releases juices and I think it softens them.  I totally came up with this on my own so feel free to jump in if you know the technical reason! Ha!

Add in the rest of your ingredients folding in the whipped cream last.  Here is a picture of the cranberry salad (right next to the cherry salad I will be sharing next!).

Here is the recipe card.  Enjoy!

Corn Casserole

Let me start by saying these pictures do not do this casserole justice.  It is delicious!  You can't really go wrong when there's creamed corn, cheese, sour cream, sugar and butter involved (I mean really!)  

Here's the recipe card! Enjoy!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

I just have to start by saying, the ladies in my family can cook!  I am so blessed to have had great recipes passed down to me.  I am going to be posting some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes over the next few weeks.  This Sour Cream Coffee Cake is one of the best!

Here is the 4x6 recipe card:

Put all ingredients together and beat for 3 minutes at high speed.

Pour half the batter into a greased 13x9x2 pan.

Prepare crumbs

Sprinkle 1/2 crumbs and cut through with a knife.

Cover with remaining batter and sprinkle with remaining crumbs.  Cut through batter with a knife.

Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes.

Here is a pic after baking:

So pretty when cut!

80% off Fall Finds at Hobby Lobby!

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is finding all the great decor on sale!   I had been eying the wreaths at Hobby Lobby for weeks, but knew if I would wait it out I could get one for a great price.  I received my HB e-mail about the 80% fall decor and headed straight to the store!  I was bummed to find that there were no wreaths left... no not one (one of the downsides to waiting).  BUT they had a huge selection of individual stemmed leaves, pumpkins etc. ranging from 2.99-5.99 all 80% off!  SO for about $25 dollars I was able to make this fabulous wreath which I just absolutely love!  Woo hoo!

I also found these great pumpkins for about $1/each! (excuse the lighter on the mantle... keeping it real)

And 2 of these acorns for $1.5/each!

I was a little late getting out the fall decor this year since we are right in the middle of a move and in temporary living arrangements, but all things considered I was just glad to get out these few things!

Christmas Recipe Card Holders

I made one of these Recipe Card Holders about a year ago and thought I would make some more this year!  Our church actually did something pretty neat this year called a reverse offering.  With the money I received I made these Recipe Card Holders and am selling them for $20/each.  100% of the proceeds will be given back to the church and goes towards missions, rehab projects in the community, and other ministries through the church.  They did this last year and it was great to see how God multiplied the money given!!

Send me a message if you are interested in purchasing one and we will work out the details!  Or if you are crafty and would like to make your own check out the tutorial here!