The Farm Chicks

The Homefront Homestretch

It's been mega busy at the job site lately. The last push to get things done. Today, the finish carpenter, tile installer, painters, media system installers, excavator, and electricians were all hard at work.

Mike has completed my pantry. I love it so much.

In our home, we keep all food items in the pantry, so it's a room we use a ton. I'm so thankful that it can look so nice and be functional.

  

I tried to use as much vintage lighting as possible. I found the best resource (and most affordable by far) to be Revival Lighting in downtown Spokane (they do mail order too). When I couldn't find what I was looking for, they helped me piece lights together to get them just right. (Such as: I like that shade, but would prefer to use that base). Not a problem. One of my favorites is this old milk glass fixture from the thirties that hangs in the upper stairway:

 

Me and milk glass? We're old pals.

The tile installation has begun in the kitchen. It will cover the walls, floor to ceiling, and around the "Mega-Shelf", as Todd calls it. Dirk designed it with 2"x4" and 2"x6" subway tiles. The layout design has a sort of woven look, which will play off of the woven grasscloth I have going in the dining room, just to the left. The grasscloth will butt up against the tile.

The ultimate test if it's okay? Colin. He likes it. (Even after having his flight home from his Seattle office delayed by several hours). Hooray!

I've tried to add special touches to each of the boy's rooms. This room is the smallest, so I wanted to make good use of the space and give it a cool factor. After googling elevated beds, I was really inspired by this idea. Mike adapted it to fit this room and used chain in place of rope so there's no possibility of it stretching. The dark wall is finished in chalkboard paint and will be perfect for our son who is a non-stop doodler.

 

This bedroom has a shelf (in progress) that wraps all around, which is perfect for our son who loves to create sculptures and collect books. I've tried to keep the corbels here consistent with others used throughout the house. It's one of those things that probably won't be consciously noticed by visitors, but does give the house a feeling that everything belongs together.

Propane was installed today and the appliances will be going in soon. There's a tiny bit of painting that needs to get finished up. The plumbers will be installing all of the sinks/tubs/faucets in a few days. The thermostats will be going in, as well as remaining light fixtures, security system, wallpaper in a few rooms, mirrors installed, tile grouted, carpet installed, closets finished, stairway woodwork done, and concrete poured for the porches, walkways, and patio areas.

And at World Headquarters, the trim is getting painted. Once that's done, the floor will get the final finish, stairway finished, closet shelving installed, plumbing completed in bathroom, and then.... we'll be done!

And guess what? Everyone is feeling a bit cranky. We're anxious to be done and these last few weeks have been a bear. But the good thing... it will make moving in that much sweeter.

I counted back through the years and this will be the sixteenth time that I've moved in my life. (Not counting my gypsy wagon days). Know what? Sixteen's a charm.    ...Sweet Sixteen...

We're never moving again.

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Adding it to the Collection

Look what I found while out antiquing the other day! A perfect addition to my collection of paintings. I love old originals.

Do you collect paintings?

    -----

What do you collect?

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Pon Pon Tofu

This recipe goes all the way back to my high school home economics class with Miss Goughnour. Miss Goughnour had a really big impact on my love of domesticity, especially cooking. The original recipe from school called for chicken, but I've adapted and tweaked it over the years because I love tofu. However, if tofu scares you, you can always substitute 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced.

Ingredients

• 1 package firm tofu (cut into cubes, (about 1/2" x 1") or crumbled)
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (finely minced)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic (finely minced)

Optional

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

	Place tofu in a medium-sized mixing bowl and set aside.
	Combine all remaining ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk together until smooth. Pour mixture over the tofu and stir to coat all of the tofu. Marinate in fridge for about 10 minutes.
	Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Once hot, add tofu mixture. Cook until one side is nicely browned. Then reduce heat to medium-high, flip the tofu and cook a few minutes more, until the other side is browned and heated through. Serve with steamed rice and veggies of your choice.

Note

I'm a huge fan of Small Planet Organic Tofu, which is made right here in Washington State. It's the best tofu I've ever had. And, it's now available in many states and also online. (I am not affiliated with Small Planet in any way. I just love their product).

Colin and I love using ground fresh chili paste as a condiment, especially with this meal. If you enjoy spice, you might enjoy it too.

Have you ever tried seasoned rice wine vinegar on rice? It's a tasty alternative to soy sauce.

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The Perfect Fit

I stopped by the Vintage Rabbit today. I like to do that whenever I'm passing by. And, I've been looking for things for the new house.

I was also hoping to spot some

And look at that! Signs of spring in the Silver Suitcase booth:

Wait! What is that I see? That big *huge* basket under the table? Let me take it out to get a better look:

An old horse blanket basket? Will it possibly fit in the laundry room, in that space that I've been having the hardest time finding the perfect basket for?

Hooray! Yes! And the good news? You held horse blankets. So, you're used to animals and animal smelling things. Perfect, because now you'll be holding things coming down the laundry chute from my little animals upstairs. And hopefully, there won't be any worms.

Welcome home, basket. You're the perfect fit.

Notes:

The Vintage Rabbit is owned by Jan who is a vendor at The Farm Chicks Show.

I found my basket in the Silver Suitcase booth. The girls from Silver Suitcase are vendors at The Farm Chicks Show as well.

The Vintage Rabbit is located in Spokane at 2317 N. Monroe.

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Flooring: Part 2

So, the flooring is coming along nicely. The guys are trucking along and I love how it's looking.

These are 1/8" grout lines. Once the tiles are all installed, they'll come through and grout everything. I really appreciate their lines. Really straight and top notch. We couldn't really ask for anything more.

Well, to move in would be nice.

Soon.

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.

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Flooring, Dreaming, and Spring

The floors are being prepped for the flooring installation.

A while back, I mentioned that we had to eliminate wood floors as an option due to the complications of wood going in over radiant heat. My second choice has always been tile, as it's so easy to keep clean and feels heavenly all warmed up from the radiant heat. But I really love the look of wood. Luckily, there are tons of options for "wood" tiles now and we were able to find some that we really like, from Daltile.

When the cabinet makers came to install the cabinets, one of the "boards" was laying on the floor. One of the guys picked it up and said, "Whoa! I thought that was a board!" That made me happy.

I like that they come in such nice long lengths. And man are they heavy!

The last of the built-ins went in last week in the dining room. I decided to line the uppers with a mirror because it reflects our neighbor's beautiful orchard next door. And I opted for glass shelves because I think it adds a lovely touch with the mirrors and will look so sparkly and wonderful with all 9,000,000 fancy drinking glasses in my collection. I can't stop dreaming about my first dinner party.

In other news, the rain just keeps on pouring down here in the Pacific Northwest.

And I continue to wear practical shoes. hee hee

The good news about all of this rain? It's going to be a gorgeous and bountiful spring!

Post Edit: The tile we selected is tile that looks like wood. It is manufactured by Daltile. I talked more about it here. I have received many inquiries regarding the exact wood pattern and the exact name of the Daltile line. Unfortunately, Daltile changes their offerings frequently and although I have contacted the company numerous times, trying to pin down exact information to offer to readers, they have never responded to my requests. My recommendation if you like the look: choose the wood tile that you like best, and find a grout that as closely matches your tile color choice as possible.

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The Light of Day

It's been a while since our house has seen the light of day. Even though the sun came out of hibernation yesterday.

Poor thing. All wrapped up while the final coats of paint go on.

I want to run through the house, ripping off the plastic as I go. I want to let that sun come pouring in and hear the boys racing up and down the stairs.

But for now, this is the way it is. And somehow, I've managed to keep them from sticking themselves to the wet paint. Victory!

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Kindness

Sometimes when I start thinking about the things in life that are difficult, I'm reminded of those people in my past that have shown incredible kindness. People that I can only aspire to be like.

I think about the Hughes brothers who were "neighbors" of ours in Northern California, living several miles away in the country.

We lived deep in the woods, with no running water, electricity, or telephone and winters could be really harsh. There were times when we'd be snowed in for days, and sometimes, weeks on end. It was tough. But what I remember so clearly is that just when things were really beginning to deteriorate and I'd begin to think that we were doomed, I'd hear a rumbling in the distance. "It's the Hughes!", I'd scream and sure enough, soon after, Vern or Andy would show up on their Cat, and plow us out.

I loved them. Everything about them and their families. They were kind and generous and always there for us when we needed them.

I always looked forward to superbowl season, because I knew we'd be invited over to Vern's for the big game. We'd eat wonderful snacks and watch the game and for me, it was a view into a home and lifestyle that was so completely different than ours. I'd hang on to every word of every commercial and soak in what was to me a world that I knew absolutely nothing about.

When our home burned down, they gave us new furniture. They loaned us their Cat. And years later, after I'd moved away, I could still call Vern and ask him to check on my parents when a major storm hit.

Kindness.

When I think of kindness, I think of the Hughes, and all of the people who have been there for me when times were tough.

And thank goodness for that, because I think when we show someone kindness, it plants a little seed. And it makes us want to grow into better people who do good things.

Vern, Andy, and families: Today I thought of you and remembered your kindness and was reminded that I'm a better person because of you. And even though these words will never be enough....

Thank you.

 

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Souvenir

I interrupt my regularly scheduled blog to tell you about Souvenir, the free seasonal lifestyle online gazette from my friend, Heather.

It's really quite lovely and such a breath of fresh spring air, which I really need right now. You can read all about it and find the link to sign up for it (and future issues) here.

Image from Souvenir.

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Homestyle Lowfat Carrot Cake

I created this cake for Colin's birthday this year, not knowing (after all these years!) that he doesn't really care for carrot cake. Luckily, he loved it and when I told him it was lowfat, he was happily surprised. The fat in this recipe comes from the eggs in the cake and the oil used for greasing the pan. And of course, the icing. I enjoy the fact that it's lowfat, but like the ease of the preparation even more. The cake is heavenly scented with homey spices and topped with a creamy icing that just melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded carrots
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup non-fat milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

	Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9'x9" square baking pan. Set aside. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat at low speed for about 30 seconds to combine all ingredients. Turn mixer to high and continue to beat for about one minute until mixture is combined really well. Pour batter into baking pan and cook for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. (the cake will be really dark brown). Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool. While it cools, prepare the icing.
	Icing: 2 ounces lowfat cream cheese, at room temperature 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon nonfat milk Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and blended. Add sugar, vanilla, and milk and beat well until completely smooth and all ingredients are incorporated. (I call this an icing because it isn't firm like frosting, rather, it's quite creamy and icing-like). Spoon icing onto the cake in the pan (iced in the pan is what makes it homestyle) and spread with the back of the spoon.
	Then just slice and serve.

Note

Tips: Rather than oiling and flouring the baking pan, I use a baking spray that is oil and flour combined, so all I have to do is spray it on and I'm done. Baking sprays can be found on the shelves of the baking aisle in grocery stores, most often with the oil.

*Post Edit* Baking the cake in a 9"x9" pan will result in a cake that is a little more on the dense side. If you prefer it to be less dense, bake in a 9"x13" pan for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Notes:

I love homestyle cakes because there's no pressure on making them perfect and there's a sort of comfort in that. Let's just relax and eat cake.

Frosting a cake "homestyle" decreases the amount of frosting used, as there's none going on the sides.

The scent of this cake makes a happy home. I'm not kidding, just bake it up and the scent will make everyone smile.

 

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Just Plain Fun

Come along with me to The Farm Chicks Show. It's true, it's all about the goods that can be found.... but it's also about a whole lot more. And most of all, it's just plain fun.

 

Thank you for such a great show in 2010. 2011 promises to be even better than before! I hope to see you there, June 4th & 5th, in Spokane.

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Countertops

The countertops are being installed late into the night tonight/wee hours of the morning. Colin and I stopped by partway through to check out the progress.

This machine (below) works to help level the countertop and make seams really tight through vibrations, powered from the box seen in the image above, to the right. (It looks like a toolbox). gggggg zzzzzz ggggg zzzzzz ggggg zzzzzz it goes.

These are the initial cuts for the cooktop:

Once all of the cuts have been made, the device shown below and another just like it which are equipped with incredibly strong suction cups, will help to lift the cut-out up and out of the space where the cooktop will be placed:

The kitchen and dining room counters are quartz, which was a little more costly than marble, but so much more family friendly, in my opinion:

The master bathroom is marble:

I took this picture (below) to prove to Colin that it was worth it to tile behind the vanity. I wonder if he'll agree?

Once the countertops have set, they'll mount the undermount sinks:

And later, the plumber will come through and install the fixtures in the holes that have been drilled by the countertop installers:

And now that the countertops are in, Todd can continue on with the tile installation, as I didn't want the tile going on the wall where the countertop sits because it would have made a slight gap between the countertop and the tile, in each of the grout lines.

.................

Tomorrow I'll tell you about my big mistake in World Headquarters.

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.

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