One Room Challenge ~ Tween Room {Week Five}

Down to the wire...week 5!  We got so much accomplished this week, I'm feeling pretty good.

Carpet was installed last Thursday.  I was kind of disappointed that the carpet wasn't what I envisioned, but honestly, I love it now. 

It's still sandy-esque!

I thought the bed would polish up a bit more, but I don't mind the patina.  The bed is OLD and looks amazing in the room.  That being said, we have to keep jumping on it to a minimum!

This room is simply the most charming in our home and gets amazing light.

Windows and blinds were washed and final trim/window seat paint completed. 

Originally, I was going to use a bamboo folding chair at the desk, but I'm loving this captains chair from my husbands college coaching days.

Linens have been washed and pressed.  I need some throw pillows, but basically I'm keeping it simple from now on...White everything i.e. sheets, towels.  Simplify.

The chevron throw was on clearance at Pottery Barn.  A pop of color...

...and speaking of color, a little more.  Accessories for his desk area.

I am struggling with lighting, as the budget is waning and I haven't seen anything I like.  We'll try again this weekend to find something.  The window seat/window treatments have not been addressed either.  Accessory issues are propelling me into panic mode.  I love the room so much as-is, but it needs more.

And below is where we started, so it's come a long way...

Inspiration Board

You must stop by Calling it Home to see the other amazing rooms almost near completion!  The featured designers and linking participants are knocking it out of the park this go-around.  I can't wait to feature some of my faves after next week!

Thanks for Visiting!

Secret Ingredient Cheesy Pork Cutlet Florentine {recipe swap}

This recipe was a happy accident created by a friend of mine and it was so good, I had to share!

Cheesy Pork Florentine

6-8 thin sliced, boneless pork chops, or a pork loin sliced into medallions

1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 eggs

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons of canola oil

6-8 Laughing Cow creamy Swiss cheese wedges

6-8 slices of deli mozzarella or provolone cheese

Bag of baby spinach, steamed and squeezed dry

Salt & pepper, to taste

In a shallow bowl mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper (I was pretty liberal with S+P, 10 turns of each grinder).  In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.  Dip the pork cutlets in the eggs, letting excess drip off,  and then in the breadcrumb mixture.  Place on waxed paper until ready to fry.  

TIP:  I use a fork when working with things that need to be breaded and fried.  You will lose less breading with a fork than you would if using tongs.

In a large skillet heat your oils over medium-high heat until hot.  Cook cutlets on each side until golden brown, about 5 minutes or until the juices run clear.  When cutlets are cooked, drain on paper towels and transfer to a jelly roll or baking pan.  You are ready to assemble.

Put a bunch of spinach on each cutlet, followed by a Laughing Cow wedge (spread, smushed or smeared) and then a slice of deli cheese.  When all cutlets are assembled, put in oven and broil for about 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

Served with rice or pasta and an additional veggie, this is an easy weeknight meal.  The creaminess of the Swiss cheese accompanies the crunch of the cutlets so nicely, that the kids will ask for seconds.  Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting!

One Room Challenge ~ Tween Room {Week Four}

Super productive week...finally getting things done.

With the help of our awesome neighbors Leo and Tom, we got the boys furniture switched up.  My husband had shoulder surgery last month and, while healing nicely, is not up for manual labor, so their help was vital.

Brennan was on the fence about getting the bunk beds, but now that they are installed, he loves it.  Bonus!  

Brennan's room (he will get a makeover as well, when his brothers room is complete)

I assembled the Parsons desk from Kmart.  Easy assembly and better quality than I expected.  At around $60, I won't feel guilty about painting it in the future!

While not new, we purchased the blinds last year from Select Blinds.  They are the 2-inch designer basswoods in the Lumber finish.  You cannot beat their buy 2 or 3 and get one free + free shipping promotions.

We ripped up the old carpet and went to Lowe's to purchase the new.  We chose an in-stock (i.e. quicker installation, cheaper, etc...) Stainmaster textured carpet.  It's not exactly the sandy-colored Berber I was going for, but Collin loves it and that's what matters. 

I was really hoping to find some hardwoods under there, but alas...1978.

I wasn't kidding when I said this kid hit the closet jackpot in our house.  It's OK, he shares!

Some fun wall accessories for over his desk, that will get a paint job over the weekend.  

Also, to do....

Patiently wait for carpet installers

Polish Brass Bed and get ready for assembly

Sand and paint window seat and touch-up trim work

Wash and press new linens

Get accessories in order, plan placement and purchase last minute items

I have so much fun doing these challenges, and often share my progress on Instagram.  Some friends {I'll use that term loosely} and acquaintances find it silly, or so I've heard.  I feel bad for those without hobbies or passions.  I am certainly no Mario Buatta or Celerie Kemble or half as talented as most of the ORC participants, but I enjoy working on my home and this is a fun way to get it accomplished.

And speaking of the ORC talent, please check out the designer and participants at Calling it Home.  Many thanks to Linda for hosting.  

Have a productive week, WHATEVER your passion!

Thanks for visiting!

One Room Challenge ~ Tween Room {Week Three}

Talking window seats and lighting during this week 3 of the One Room Challenge.  It's an aspect of the room that I haven't concentrated enough on, though I should, as it's the feature that makes the room unique and charming.

Here's our window seat in all it's "before" glory...

Here are some pretty window seat inspiration pics from Pinterest...

I may have some tricks up my sleeve, stay tuned for how I style our window seating area!

I'm also searching for a modern, masculine (cheap) ceiling fixture for the room.  I have yet to hit the stores, but here's some eye candy in the meantime.

{All images via Pinterest}

11th  hour update!! 

Awesome friends and neighbors helped us disassemble/move/reassemble and the furniture switcheroo took place!  So I got a little more accomplished than just Pinterest daydreaming... 

For all the other goodness going on during this round of the One Room Challenge, please hop over to Calling it Home!

Thanks for visiting!