Expressing My Love Through Chocolate

This one goes way back...right back to the 80's actually.

I remember going to Tupperware parties with my mom.  It seemed there was a Tupperware party at least once a month back when I was young.  Maybe that's how people socialized back then.  ;)

When I was somewhere around Jr. High School, maybe 7th grade, we got these Tupperware funnels at one of those parties.  The "Tupperware Lady" taught us a trick that night.  My big sister, Loma, and I, made these for our closest Jr. High School friends as Valentines gifts back then.

This one has some tin foil poked into the end of the funnel...you'll see why!

After Christmas this last year, I was left with a ginormous surplus of mini marshmallows.  I must have got a bunch on sale with the intentions of making more Moose Munch.  That stuff is just unbelievably yummy...if you haven't tried it you should!  Okay, back to the mini marshmallows...

So many marshmallows...what would I do with them???  There's always Rice Krispies Treats.  That will use up some, but I wanted to do something different.  That's when my mind wandered waaaay back to about 1983...

We used to take these funnels and use them as molds for fudge: 

I sprayed the inside with non-stick cooking spray first.   Once the fudge was in I propped it in a small glass to sit in the fridge and cool.

( This picture makes me realize how badly I want to change my countertops. 
!Aye aye aye! )


Sorry, back to the subject at hand.  I drifted... 

Once the fudge was cooled completely, I carefully dumped it out of the funnel "mold" and placed it flat side down on a square of tin foil. 



Mine came out nice and easy, but if you have any trouble you could dip the funnel in warm water for a second, or wrap a warm towel around the outside to loosen it up a bit. 

See how nice it turned out!  Don't you just want a bite?

Now it was time to add a personal touch.  In Microsoft Word, I typed "Sherry's Kisses" over and over again in a similar shade as the blue that HERSHEY'S KISSES is typed in.   I kept this one really simple for sharing purposes, but you could type out an entire love message on your strip of paper ~ if you wanted.  Or a "Thank You For Your Friendship" message.  Whatever works.  Maybe a teacher Valentine.  I know I would love a big kiss like this!

  All that's left to do is wrap it up and give your kiss to somebody special.

 I gave mine to the most adorable, hard-working, chocolate-loving, kiss-aholic I know!   I've got more treats in store for him on Valentines Day...but I'm not sharing those with you!

We are so glad you've stopped by and we hope you've enjoyed your time here.  We would really, really, really LOVE IT if you wanted to follow along with us.  You can follow by clicking Google Friend Connect on the sidebar or typing in your email address.  You can even friend Pondered Primed Perfected on Facebook and Pinterest. 

We love making new friends!!!

XOXO,
Sherry

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Imagine the Impossibilities Challenge ~ Take 2

This project may turn me into an over-caffeinated, chocolate crazed, DIY disaster. 

via http://chicagogirlgonemild.blogspot.com/2011/01/stress-and-chocolate.html via http://www.etsy.com/listing/63973889/11x14-poster-stress-out-and-eat?ref=sr_list_8&ga_search_query=stress%2Bprint&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2

Don't worry about me though...Scott is here keeping me sane.  Right now he is working at making the laundry room an eclectic mix of frugality, functionality and organization.  He is straining his brain trying to make this work without spending any money.  And just to be fair, he is very encouraging each time I throw another item into our "purge" pile.   Positive reinforcement.  That's right, Baby!

*SIGH* 

Here's what We've done:

Removed all pantry items from the laundry room and put them on the dining table.  WOW.  This is just one small portion!

Scott moved all the other items that were hanging out in the laundry room to various surfaces in our home.

Discussed space planning, purging, and organization plans.  (That didn't go so well.)

I took a chocolate, wine and hot tub break, while Scott did his homework and watched sci-fi.

Started putting pantry items into the new pantry area under the stairs... 
Realized we were already running out of space.  Yikes...that's no good.

Created a WELL STOCKED PANTRY LIST, in order to make sure that we are allowing enough space for all of the items we would like to keep on hand regularly.  Click here if you want to check it out...maybe create your own.

Determined that the shelving that Scott originally built under the stairs would not be sufficient for all of our pantry storage needs.  You can see his original built in shelves here.  Scott jumped in and added a couple more shelves to the closet.

Gathered up all of our canisters, bins, baskets and other storage items that we might utelize in our spaces.

Overwhelmed with the magnitude of this project, I went on "strike" for a day. 

Unable to sit for long, I went back to other projects:  We did some finishing details on a chalkboard.  I painted my little blue shelf a pale green color.  I made a HUGE chocolate kiss.  I baked a triple-chocolate loaf cake.  More about these later!  Scott did more homework and watched more sci-fi.

Finally, back to the project at hand, I mixed up some chalkboard paint with my hand mixer and applied it to the walls behind the pantry shelving. 

(We've discovered that mixing our own chalkboard paint is pretty easy, but it tends to be lumpy - no matter how much you stir.  Using the hand mixer works great!  I may need a new mixer though.  Maybe one of those big KitchenAid stand mixers?  That would be very nice...I think I will plan a spot for it.)

Here's the closet with the chalkboard paint:

While I worked on painting and organizing the pantry space, Scott was busy planning and building the laundry room storage:

Just a peak!  More on this later...

That purple-blue color has got to go.  We will get to that.  Hopefully before the challenge deadline, but it's low on the list.  It isn't really going to break us if we don't get the painting done.  It's the purging and organizing that are the priority! 

Things are coming along.  We still have tons of work to do.  Don't ask about the garage.  I'm kind of wishing I'd left it off the list.  I'm confident that I can get it purged.  Not so confident that it will look real pretty.  We'll just have to see how it goes...

 xoxo,
Sherry

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Pretty Little Pie Shelf

BEFORE

I bought this "bad boy" at a community-wide yard sale last summer.  I call it a pie shelf.  I really don't know if it is considered a pie shelf?  I think it was made to look like one.  It's not a vintage piece, though. 

It was ten dollars.  I talked them down.  ;) 

The fact that it takes up mostly vertical space is a big plus in my book.  'Cause it gets a little crowded around here at times. 



Some pale green paint...it went on right over the blue. 

AFTER

Distressing with an electric palm sander gave it this effect: 

I yanked off the vinyl "tiles" that screamed "COUNTRY".

See what I mean?

Some real ceramic tiles went in to replace them.  The tiles were a roadside freebie.  Nice Score.

Then some OXO stickers, for a little bit of hugging and kissing.  These will come off after Valentines Day and be replaced with something more permanent.  I think.  I know you probably didn't hear a word I wrote...you are too busy looking at that quadruple chocolate loaf cake (recipe by Nigella Lawson).  It is to-die-for delicious!  You can find the recipe here.  I think I may be a chocolate addict.

The knobs went back on...only until I can find the perfect replacements.  We're on a spending freeze.

A few of my favorite accessories have been added:

Pale green mixing bowl ~ LOVE!  Thrifted
Ceramic Cake Stand.  From Santa 2010
Chocolate Cake Plate (What can I say?)

Our new "honey" pot in white ceramics.  Thrifted
White Heart Cutout Bowl.  Thrifted

Check out that fancy bottle.  That's a lucky find.  I made a couple of them into lamps.  You can see them here.

I'm very happy with how it turned out.  I don't know what I'll end up replacing the OXO with.  And new knobs will look nice, too.  I just needed to do something a little more fun than purging and organizing for awhile.  Although getting that done will be nice too!

Hugs to you!

Sherry

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The Well Stocked Pantry ~ P{3} Style

If you are tired of hearing about closets and pantries you might just want to skip this one...

I don't have any other fun, finished projects to share.  Tons of unfinished projects, but I'll bet you are getting pretty tired of seeing those.  I know I am.  Yes, I am talking to you as if I have a regular following here for my (not so) daily dose of DIY goodness.  HA!  I pretty much feel like a blog failure.  I'm kinda joking, but not totally.  It's all for fun.  But, if you don't mind, I am going to continue on with my illusions...
Since we are working on this big, seemingly never-ending purging, organizing, building, and decorating project, I have a serious shortage of spare time.  Not that I had much to begin with.  And I've been kind of cranky.  Yeah, that's right.  My desire for chocolate, wine, and escaping to a quiet room with a good book has increased lately.  If only it happened regularly!!!  (All, of course, after the kids have gone home for the day). 

Previous posts about the under stair closet space here and here and here.

I have compiled a list of pantry items to help me with this organizing ordeal we've taken on.  Haha.  There are a few cooking and homemaking websites with more specialized "well stocked pantry" lists.  They all have nice lists.  Each had items that, in my book were keepers, and some not so necessary items.  So, I compiled my own ~ based on what we use as a family, and the types of meals and snacks we like to have on hand.  This list would probably be different for your family.  I encourage you to create your own list.  Or copy this and delete what you don't need and add what you do.  Use this as an organizing tool when you set up your pantry space (look at me assuming everyone else has a disorganized pantry, like myself).  It really comes in handy to know what items you need dedicated space for, when you are doing your space planning. 


A "pantry" is simply a storage space for Non-perishable food items.   It is what you make of it:

It doesn't matter if it is a built in closet:

via iheartorganizing.blogspot.com via pinterest

A cabinet inside of your kitchen:

via Pinterest for iphone

A free-standing cabinet:

via inspirationfordecoration.blogspot.com via pinterest

You can create your own with a kitchen cart:

via bhg.com via Pinterest

Or a shelf (I like this crate shelf personally):

via cgi.ebay.com.au via Pinterest

Cover it with a curtain if you don't like the open shelf look. 

It doesn't take a lot of money, or a grand built-in, walk-in pantry, to have an attractive and functional pantry space.    What is most important is that it is conveniently located close to your kitchen, and it contains the items you need on a regular basis. 

Here is the Pantry list I've compiled for our family: 

Non-perishable Pantry Items

Seasonings, Sauces and Condiments

Balsamic vinegar
BBQ Sauce
Beef Bouillon Granules
Chicken Bouillon Granules
Cooking sherry
Hot sauce
Ketchup
Mustard
Onion Soup Mix
Ranch Dressing Mix
Sesame Oil
Soy Sauce
Taco Seasoning Mix
Teriyaki Sauce
Tomato Bouillon (granules or cubes for HM Spanish Rice, Taco Meat Seasoning & much more)
Vinegar (Cider, Rice & Red Wine)
White cooking wine
Worcestershire Sauce
(You might want to add whatever spices, extracts and seasonings your family uses regularly...I keep my cooking spices in the kitchen, next to the stove, so I did not list them all here.)

Baking Needs

Almond Extract
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Bread Crumbs (regular and Panko)
Confectioner's Sugar
Corn Meal
Corn Syrup
Cornstarch
Evaporated Milk
Flour (all purpose and self-rising)
Honey
Jell-O packages (miscellaneous sizes and flavors for fruit salads)
Non-stick cooking spray
Olive Oil
Rolled oats
Stuffing Mix
Sugar (granulated, confectioners, brown)
Vanilla Extract
Vegetable Oil

Beans

Pinto beans
Black Beans
Kidney Beans
Lentils
Red Beans
Re fried Beans
White Navy Beans

Fruit

Applesauce
Cranberries, dried
Fruit Cups (if you have children or don't like to shop often)
Pineapple, Crushed
Raisins

Miscellaneous

Coffee
Guest Crackers (crackers for Hors d'Oeuvres)
Graham Crackers
Nutella
Peanut Butter
Pretzels
Snack Crackers (Goldfish, Ritz, Wheat Thins)
Tea bags

Pasta and Rice

Egg Noodles
Elbow Macaroni
Fettuccine
Penne Pasta
Rice (brown, calrose, instant, wild)
Rice Noodles 
Spaghetti Noodles

Produce

Onions
Potatoes

Vegetables (Canned)

Creamed Corn
Green Beans
Jalapeno peppers
Mushroom Pieces
Pimientos
Roasted Red Peppers
Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
Tomatoes (crushed, diced, sauce, and paste)
Water chestnuts, sliced

Other Canned Goods

Broth or Stock (beef, chicken, vegetable, tomato)
Chili
Coconut Milk (for Thai dishes)
Cream Soups
Enchilada Sauce, red and green (my family prefers green)
Green Chilies, diced
Salsa
Pasta Sauces (Spaghetti Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Pesto)
Tuna

Paper & Plastic

Coffee Filters
Heavy Duty Foil
Plastic Wrap
Wax Paper
Parchment Paper
Plastic Baggies (Freezer and Storage, several different sizes)
Paper Plates
Napkins
Paper Towels


If you are working on a purge and organization project of your own, I would love to hear about it!  Leave a comment or even a link to your photos or post!

Thanks for stopping by,

Sherry

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My To Do List - I am so glad you are here

I am so glad you are here

My To Do List:

I'll never find the time
To do all the things I want to do.

Like learn how to write
In a proper sort of way.

Or take pictures
That move people without words.

I really want to!
Especially since I'm still working on those words...

And what about the chaos
Still waiting to be calmed?

The objects staring at me
from every surface in my home?

It will all have to wait
Until the part of me that gives it value,

Recognizes it for what it is...
Just a bunch of stuff;  Not so worthwhile.

Once we clear some precious space
Our project stories can be told.

Creativity will have free reign
In the space that we unfold.

Friends and Family should always feel welcome ~
Both in our hearts and in our home.

Without them our lives
Would feel so cold.

And don't let me forget
That my family needs the biggest part of me.

I guess that means I can't forget
My health and fitness as a priority.

For the energy I'll need
Just to keep up with all of this.

But when it feels too much ~
That it has me feeling crushed...

PLEASE help me remember to Thank God
And present him with my Heart.

For only He can truly love
Each and Every Unfinished Part.


When I was in the fourth grade, we had a poem writing assignment.  I got so scared and insecure about standing in front of class and reading a poem out loud, that I was frozen with fear.  I couldn't write a single word.  Athough my parents raised me with very good values...my need to turn in my assignment outweighed my sense of wrong and right that day.  I copied a cute little poem from a huge book on our shelf.  I believe later I realized it was called "The Book of Well Known American Poetry".  Lauging OUT LOUD!  It didn't seem such a big deal.  It only had a few lines, and it said
~ Author Unknown.

How could I, a child, have known how recognizable that poem was!  That my teacher would instantly recognize it as not my own.  He was very diplomatic in how he pulled me aside.  He let me know I had to write my own verses that night.  Shamefaced, I went and did just that.  Even though he had been kind enough not to blab to anyone in the class.  He did not tell my parents.  At least they didn't say.  I was so very naive.  Boy, the lesson I learned that day.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that sometimes I still just feel like that little girl...just trying to find my own words.  I hope you forgive me if they seem scattered at times.  Maybe just a little scared.  I really only hope to share something of interest with those of you who find it worth the time to read what I write here.

I am so glad you are here!

This was thrown together (literally) with some scrapbook papers and embellishments that were secured with glue dots into an old frame. I had the frame hanging around because the glass had long ago broken, and I just couldn't throw it away.  This space in our entryway is patiently waiting for it's perfect mate, The Mirror.  But it needed something to fill it until then.  And I was avoiding what I really need to be doing...Purging.  Seriously.

I hope you like it. 

We love visitors!



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Roadkill Rescue

Roadkill Rescue has gone and done it again.








That's right...and we are more than thankful for their generous features of our projects here at P{3}!  Just click on the picture of the sweet little mini horse tote below to go see the feature for yourself and don't forget to leave Beckie some comment love!

Thanks Mom for sharing these adorable bags with us AND thanks Beckie @ Roadkill Rescue for sharing them with all her viewers also! 

A limited number of bags are available for purchase at my mom's brand new Etsy shop if you are interested:

GladiolaSmiles

Thanks!
Sherry

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Our wine bottle lamps are being featured by Beckie at Roadkill Rescue today!

Head on over there and take a look:

Thanks again Beckie!



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