Table Make-Over

I have had this table for a long time and never liked the color of the top of it. It seemed too light for the dark base. Also in the room I had it in, it didn't seem to look quite right. I checked into getting a piece of granite for it and it would range from $350 - $400. I didn't want to put that much money into it and since the table is still in style I decided to paint it.

Step 1 - Tape paper to protect wood underneath the table top
Step 2 - sand the finish off
Step 3 - 2 coats of paint (used the type with primer) I went with the same color as my kitchen since this is a transition piece
Step 4 - 3 coats of Poly (I used the type that has acrylic in it so it has a stronger finish and shouldn't chip or get dings as easily.

It looks perfect and like the right piece of furniture for the space! And with a little time and some leftover paint - I now love the table. Do try this at  home!

A Gift that re-Purposes!

I love to find new uses for old things. My mom's birthday was approaching and I knew she wanted a bench for her front garden area. I had seen some very cool outdoor furniture in North Carolina that were bright colors but very expensive so I decided to re-purpose an old bench.

I loved the wrought iron and that it had a floral pattern. But the wood had broken and almost rotted. So I purchased all new wood. I cut them to fit the spaces, sanded them to round the edges a bit, sealed them, and painted them with 3 coats of outdoor paint. I then sprayed the wrought iron since it had some rusty spots, and then Chris helped me take it apart and we drilled new holes and put the new wood on and here is how it turned out!

I love it, my mom loved it and it looks amazing in front of her garden area. A fun project that took some elbow grease but was well worth it!

Before the Snow Flies

There are a few things I like to do each fall before the snow flies. One is make and freeze Pesto. Here is my favorite basic recipe and some photos. A couple things - you can modify things like what kind of cheese you use and what kind of nuts you use - it changes the flavor and the consistency a little. The BEST way I've found to freeze it is to put it in old fashioned ice cube trays to freeze then store it in ziploc bags or a freezer container. You can then take out how ever many cubes you need for your recipe or to use for bread dip etc. I love to add a cube of pesto to bottled spaghetti sauce to intensify the flavor. And since I love intense flavor - I use romano and parmesan cheese in mine - you can do only parmesan if you like it a bit milder.

Pesto
2 cups fresh basil leaves washed well (I fill my 12 cup cuisinart bowl)
3-6 cloves of garlic (I usually go with 4-5, I like it strong)
1/2 cup grated Romano Cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 - 2/3 cup olive oil

 Fill cuisinart bowl with basil and garlic, chop well.

Add the pine nuts and again chop well.

Add the cheeses and chop well. 

Give it a good dash of sea salt and some cracked pepper. Slowly add the olive oil while it is on until you have a creamy but not runny consistency

You want it to stay in the ice cube tray so want it to have substance.
Cover well and freeze immediately. Store in a freezer container or ziploc bag. This makes it so easy to take out what you need all winter long for your favorite recipe or a taste of summer!
Enjoy~