A "make-do" makeover... (gotta read to the end)

When the economy "tanked" and we took a huge financial hit...

we had to (were fortunate to be able to) move from our home to

 a townhouse (long story!) 

Anyway it wasn't very big and the kitchen didn't have any kind of pantry. 

Let me start by saying - I am an "organizer" - It is in my blood!

I love to change things around - make a space feel new - and especially organize. (Just ask my family haha)

That being said - if you are finding yourself low on space -

 by choice or otherwise - think outside the box -

 like I did back then and still do of course!

This cupboard - previously used in one of our daughter's bedrooms

 for clothes etc., became my...

Baking Pantry!

We ust added a few shelves and it transformed into my baking pantry!

Hidden from everyone unless you happend to open the door (haha)

It was perfect for all my flour, sugar, grains, cereal, etc. 

Even a drawer for my cake decorating supplies. 

(How do you like all that wonderful Tupperware?)

As for the regular pantry - well that was non-existant too...

So, true to form, I took over the coat closet for that.

Voila!

Oh..."where did the coats go?", you ask...they went in the garage....

Hey...

♥You make-do when you have too ♥

Oh...and by the way - 4 years later when we sold the townhouse and were able to move into our current home...the buyer wanted to know if we would include one thing in the sale - yes - you got it - that cupboard! 

She even paid me $300 for it!

Stay Cozy gals,

♥Carrie

Bonjour mouli-julienne!

 I couldn't resist this item at a thrift store recently. 

It's was made in France and this version came out in the '70's.

 Do you think this is a redundant tool if you already have a 

modern day food processor?

 I have a mandoline too - but I could not pass up this adorable

 orange French kitchen tool! 

 It is sooo retro! 

 It looks like a metal three legged creature to me. 

To use it, the round rotary cutting blade of choice is inserted, 

the crank is dropped in to hold it in place,

 the item to be ground up is dropped into the hopper-- be it carrots,

 cabbage or cheddar cheese—the lid goes down and

 the crank is turned. 

Voila, out the bottom comes perfectly shredded or

 sliced bits and bites. 

I will probaly end up selling it - they go for $25-$35  - 

but I have to try it out first.

Does anyone else have one of these beauties?

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

World Market Treasures...

I found these wonderful Easter decorations at my local thrift store.

They are all originally from World Market.

Aren't these "faux" nutcrackers adorable?

I need to get decorating...

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

72 candles...

This is what the cake looks like when your friend turns 72 and 

his wife decides she will adorn it with all 72 candles!

And he blew out every one of them!

 ~Good Job and Happy Birthday Fernando!~

It took three of us to light the candles and the
icing nearly melted off the cake - but what fun!

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

Having a bit of a rough day...

Life would be a million times better if there were pinatas strategically placed throughout the day!

Trying to Stay Cozy,

Carrie

"Pi" Pie fun...

Happy "Pi" Pie day to you...

Let's have fun with pie...

Will you be serving pie today?

Lots of stores have them on sale - both fruity and pizza pie!

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

Have you ever made Colcannon?

Colcannon

 A St. Patrick’s day favorite, it’s a mixture of creamy mashed potatoes and usually

 kale or cabbage. A great side dish for your St. Patty's day celebration or serve 
as a main course!

Ingredients

• 3lb. russet potatoes
• ½tsp. salt, plus more for seasoning
• ½cup (one stick) butter, divided, plus more for serving
• 2shallots, minced
• 4cups chopped, fresh kale
• ½cup chopped green onions
• ½cup half-and-half
• ¼tsp. white pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

• Peel then cut potatoes into eighths. Place in large pot and cover with water to an inch above potatoes. Add ½ teaspoon salt. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and continue to simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork tender. Drain, then cover.
  Melt ¼ cup butter in large skillet. Add shallots and sauté 2 minutes. Add kale and cook 3–4 minutes until wilted. Add green onions and cook 2 more minutes.
  Mash the potatoes. Add remaining ¼ cup butter, half-and-half and wilted greens. Mix with a masher. Season with salt and white pepper. If you are so daring - add a pat of butter on top just before serving!

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

Mom with a purse...

When you're in Dollar Tree and you ask your mom if 

she remembered her glasses?

So cute...
(btw...she is 89 and beautiful as ever)

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

What's Your Valentine Fortune?

DIY Paper Fortune Cookies are easy to make and fun to receive!

I have made them for Valentine's Day and other occasions as well...

All it takes is some fun colored paper  - solids or prints - some glue, 

scissors and some homemade fortunes...

Here is a great link with directions and free printables for the fortunes:

Paper Fortune Cookie Tutorial

Have fun!

Carrie

Goodbye Starbucks - Hello Instant Pot...

Have you tried these egg bites at Starbucks - 

they cost over $4 for only 2! 

 Easy Instant Pot Egg Bites - Make them yourself.

HERE'S HOW...

I used only 4 ingredients - chopped broccoli ( blanched), eggs,

 chopped onion and a little milk ( I used almond milk).

The best part about these Instant Pot Sous Vide Egg Bites is that they’re

totally customizable - add what you like...you can even use just the whites. 

I used my 6 qt Instant Pot to make these Sous Vide Egg Bites.

I found some baby food silicone trays at my thrift store for 99 cents that 

fit perfectly inside the Instant Pot, one on top of the other...

the first one placed on the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot. 

I set the Instant Pot to STEAM for 8 minutes. The egg bites were perfectly cooked. It will take about 3-4 minutes for the pressure to build, and then the countdown timer will begin. After the time is up, let the pressure release naturally  before removing the egg bites from the Instant Pot. 

 That's about 1/2 hour from start to finish!

 Heat them in the microwave for 30 secs. for a quick breakfast

 or wrap them up and take them with you for lunch.

You can freeze them too.  

Enjoy

Stay Cozy,

Carrie