Lasagna

I think this is my first post without an image. I wanted to share my recipe for Lasagna with you, and frankly it looks like any other lasagna and not really photo worthy. But I knew you could use your imagination... and it is delicious!

Lasagna

1 lb lean ground beef ( I use 7 %)

1/2 red onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes

4 ( 8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ( I use no-salt)

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

16 oz. reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/4 cup or more Parmesan cheese ( has to be the kind in the green bottle, not fresh grated)

Italian seasoning to taste (we use a lot...probably about 2 Tbsp, just eyeball it)

1 lb. lasagna noodles

Spray large skillet or saute pan with cooking spray ( I use olive oil spray) brown beef, when almost completely browned add onion and saute for a few minutes. Add minced garlic and saute a few more minutes. Add canned whole tomatoes and break them up as much as possible. Add tomato sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes then add tomato paste and simmer. While your sauce is simmering Boil the water in a large pot for the pasta and grate cheese. Cook pasta according to package directions and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse and drain pasta. Lay it out in a single layer on paper towels or clean kitchen towels blot dry. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Layer a row of noodles on the bottom, spread 1/3 of the sauce over the noodles, then the mozzarella cheese, repeat with another layer of noodles, then the sauce, and so on. On the last layer after ending with the mozzarella cheese sprinkle the Parmesan cheese to cover the top. Use more if needed. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and slightly browned on top. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing. This lasagna is even better the next day...if that's possible.

The Guest Bedroom

image: Coastal Living
I have always wanted to have a guest bedroom with twin beds. I think it must be the symmetrical look that I like. A nightstand or dresser in-between completes the look. The simplicity in this room appeals to me. The window is incredible. And I don't think these headboards would be too difficult to replicate.


image: Southern Accents
Very pretty and feminine.


image: Coastal Living
Another simple room that appeals to me. Love the hospital beds, very retro. Notice the glass door knob? This room would be perfect in the right house... like mine, ha!


image: Sunset
What a cute guest bedroom this would make for grandchildren.....someday. Much later ! ;)
I really like the french doors, windows, wainscoting, and the shade of green on the walls. Well okay, I like everything about this room.



image: Coastal living
A very nice, neutral guest bedroom.
So...which one is your favorite, or do you have something completely different in mind for a guest bedroom?

Luggage Rack Dilema

Update: Thank you so much for all of your opinions! I thought I would go ahead and hang it to see how I liked it. Whats a little spackling and paint if I don't right??? Not sure if I love it... it's ok. I think it helps having the stainless phone on the side table to tie it in. Just thought I'd share with you.


I would like your opinions on this luggage rack. I've had it for about 5 years, and 2 houses. A friend gave it to me. I have always loved it, just never had a bathroom it would work in. I have seen it in catalogs used in mudrooms as coat racks, it is called a luggage rack, I know in the picture with towels on it it's hard to get past. But... How do you think it would look next to my front door in the living room as a coat rack? Any other suggestions. I love this piece, and would really like to use it. Thanks!

More Favorite White Kitchens

image: Living etc.
I'm a big fan of industrial kitchens, and this one does not disappoint. Love the stainless steel, the subway tile, and the utensil system over the professional stove. I have always wanted a clock like this in my kitchen, but for some reason the three kitchens that I have had, have never had wall space to hang anything on. Note to self: Next kitchen make sure there is plenty of wall space.

image: Home and Gardens
I love the pop of green the French bistro chairs add.


image: Country Home

I really like open shelving, and these galvanized containers add a nice element. Notice the touch of green the apples lend. (I'm noticing a pattern here)

image: Beautiful Kitchens
And now to totally throw you, I thought I would share an image of a red kitchen for my friend that reads my blog and loves red. As much as I love white kitchens... this red one makes me smile!

Welcome to PDC the Boutique

I wanted to give you a tour of a fun little boutique in my town that I have recently discovered.
It's located in Lodi's historic downtown in the old Woolworth's building.
Lisa just celebrated her first anniversary on the 2nd of February. I have really enjoyed getting to know her...we have similar taste, she is very sweet and helpful as is the rest of her staff.
The store is filled with unique and handmade treasures. A touch of french-modern, vintage with a funky twist. Anyway, come on in, let's start the tour.






This is Stephanie, Lisa's assistant. When Lisa is away, her boutique and customers are in good hands.

I love these black chandeliers. And the words on the wall.

There really is something for everyone here. If you want to pamper yourself, or need a gift. She even has things for your dog. I purchased the cutest leopard print leash for Rosie here, which I believe was handmade.

Love the black and white lanterns.

All Ready for Valentines day.

Vintage movie star posters. Love Veronica Lake!

We are changing Melissa's room to this style. I have picked up some wonderful artwork, black feather pillows (would love that black chandelier) from the boutique. Lisa has been very generous with her ideas. Hopefully in the not so distant future I'll be posting on Melissa's room make-over.

All images courtesy Tom Saragoza (thanks Tommy)

Pretty in Pink

Now that it's February, I thought I would post a few pictures of pink inspiration.

image: country living magazine

image: country home magazine

image: martha stewart

image: country living magazine

image: country living magazine

Home Staging

My friend's husband flips houses. So this is my new endeavor... He asked my friend and I to stage them, which I am really excited about.
This house was just finished, and put on the market.


He completely gutted the kitchen.


The kitchen is on the small side, but there is a laundry room to the left with plenty of storage.


The rest of the rooms are pretty good sized.

I love these ceilings. And that old chandelier is going to be wonderful once it's painted black.

This house has a nice floor plan, three bedrooms, two baths, great room... I think we can do some nice things with it.

I just hope it doesn't sell before we get a chance;)

More photos to follow once we have staged it.