COASTALPINES

March 20, 2014

Finally Spring!

Spring has sprung! That means some freshening up and cleaning out (unlike the house in these photos!)

I finally replaced the curtains in our family/TV room.

These are the cheap, shoddy ones we had that I bought when I moved in. They served a purpose, and even photographed well at times...

{Room was clean in this pic!}

Really cheap, flawed and now faded. They did little to darken the room when the boys wanted it dark for movies or naps.

I replaced them with the PB Classic Stripe Drape Set w/Blackout Lining in Taupe.

They lend to the beachy feel of the room and coordinate nicely with our other PB items...the Bridget rug and chocolate polka-dot bean bags.

This room is not fashionable or a stunner. It is serviceable, often strewn with coats and toys and resilient.

That's not to say I won't be replacing the rods and lamps in the future.

Happy Spring!

Thanks for visiting!

March 19, 2014

Cheesy~Olive Potatoes {recipe swap}

This is an old family recipe that I am sharing again.

It is the perfect side dish for your Easter ham.

I'm not showing all of the steps here, but once you make your cheese sauce, it's fairly easy; and can be made ahead of time.

Cheesy~Olive Potatoes

Ingredients:

3T Margarine

3T Flour

½ t Salt

Dash of Pepper

¾ Cup of Evaporated Milk

¾ Water

1-2 Cups of Cubed Velveeta

4 Cups of Potatoes ~ Cooked, Drained & Diced

½ Cup of Sliced Green Olives ~ With or Without Pimientos

½ Cup Breadcrumbs

2T Melted Butter

Cook potatoes, cube Velveeta and slice olives prior to making cheese sauce.

Make the Roux….Blend flour, S&P. Melt margarine in saucepan, gradually mix in flour mix and slowly add evap milk and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened….add Velveeta and continue stirring until it melts and blends in. Combine Potatoes and Olives in a baking dish and pour cheese sauce on top. Mix breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Thanks for visiting!

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March 18, 2014

Party's over...

Back to reality! I've taken a birthday break over the past 10 days. I've got amazing family and friends who spoil me.

Mother nature doesn't care for me much though...

more snow.

fun times with friends.

ducks and time spent by the river.

St. Patricks day fun.

Now it's time for clean-eating, meal planning + cooking, spring outfits, garden prep, Easter fun, painting and more room projects. I hope to keep myself accountable here.

Next week, I will feature a week of salads.

Thanks for visiting!