Sparkie Awana Program

Today was the Awana program at church. Amanda Lily's Sparkie troop practiced for months to present the church with a nice program. Oh, and I'm in the apron with bad hair because a few of the moms got together and made baked spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread to serve. The idea for the dinner show was that everyone who attended would donate a few bucks that our club will be sending to our sister club in Mexico. I'm not sure how much we raised, but I saw a couple $20's in the basket, and that made me happy. However, what made me the happiest (and very proud) was that my 6 year old had the courage to get up in front of everyone and play "Jesus Loves Me" on the piano as the closing "act" of the show. There were probably 150 people in the room, and she didn't think twice about it. She had practiced the song to death, so I guess that's why she had so much confidence. She sat down at the piano and started playing so quickly that I didn't get my camera turned on in time, but what I did get is sweet. Here's the short video clip for you family members in Greece......Enjoy!!!!

PS...Don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of my blog and pause the music, otherwise, you won't be able to hear her playing. Also, the button on the right makes it full screen, the one on the left is PLAY.

Makin Dough and Turkey Wraps

We decided not to take a Spring Break vacation this year, because we had LOTS going on in our family. George and I have been thinking about a boat ever since our family went out on the lake with our friends Dan and Jessica. Needless to say....here she is. We are all THRILLED and have big plans for fun times and memories to be made. We took her out on her maiden voyage yesterday afternoon, and plan to take her out again this weekend. We've been trying to come up with a fun name and so far, my favorite is "Makin Dough". Pretty appropriate for an Italian Restaurant owner, huh? LOL I also like "Knot Workin" and Steven likes "The Big Kahuna" Any Ideas?

Here's a new recipe I plan on making this weekend to take on board for the family picnic. Our Fresh Lemonade and Greek Salad will definitely be included (if you want these recipes, click the link in the recipe sidebar)

TURKEY WRAPS W CRANBERRY

Spread cranberry sauce onto a whole wheat pita, then add cooked turkey and shredded lettuce. Wrap it up and place a toothpick through the center to hold them together.

Fresh Lemonade

Things are warming up around our neck of the woods, and the children were just saying how they want to set up a Fresh Lemonade stand at the restaurant one day. I'll try and remember to come back here and add pictures and a story line to my blog afterwards. Anyhoo, I thought maybe some of you would like to give this one a try.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup boiling water

1 1/2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (6 to 8 large lemons)

5 cups cold water

Dissolve sugar in boiling water to make a simple syrup. Remove from heat. Add cold water and lemon juice. Refrigerate. Serve over ice. Garnish with fresh mint or lemon wedge.

PS..Do not use lemon juice from concentrate. You really must squeeze the lemons for a fresh lemonade!

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

I just realized that I don't have a few of my go to recipes listed on the sidebar of my blog. I need to get them posted, because I like using my blog instead of trying to remember which cookbook the recipe I need is in. (I have a vast collection of cookbooks that I LOVE)

One of our families very favorite is Rosemary Chicken. I remember making it while we were in Greece last summer, and George walking in the front door saying "smells like I'm home" It really is so very fragrant while cooking, and it's pretty much the only way I cook chicken, so this recipe is made often in the Kountanis home. Who can resist baked chicken?

Ingredients

Chicken legs and thighs (enough for your family)

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced

1 lemon

2 TBSP olive oil

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 Fresh rosemary springs, or a few pinches dried rosemary

Directions

Preheat oven to 425. Put chicken into dish in one layer, do not overcrowd. Cut lemon in half and squeeze out the juice over the chicken, then pour the oil over the top so the skin is evenly coated in liquid. Lightly pull up skin of chicken and stuff a couple slices of garlic under skin. Be careful not to tear skin, and place back over chicken. Sprinkle with 4 pinches of Sea Salt, and grind pepper mill to your taste. (I use about 5 turns of the mill in all) Finally, set a sprig of rosemary on the top of each piece of chicken, or sprinkle dried rosemary. Roast in oven for about 30 mins. As the chicken cooks, it becomes a crispy golden brown, surrounded by a light brown cooking juice gravy.

Art Fair 2011

Tonight, our son's school held their annual Art Fair. The kids all work hard on artwork, then it's all set up in the Gym as an Art Fair. Steven was very proud of his art. He only had one piece on display, because the kids have been working on the projects all year. Being that he started late, he missed out on the chance to make more than one piece. Of course, I loved it. Another part I loved was the singing. The kids from pre k on up thru 4th grade sang. Each grade took turns, and my heart was so happy to hear their young voices.

Amanda Lily had tons of fun catching up with old friends from Pre K, and got to meet her Teacher for next year. Ms Bierlin said that she felt like she already knew Amanda Lily from all the little girls talking about her. It made me feel good to know she will be going into a class where she will be welcomed with open arms by the Teacher and kids.

Anyhow...here's the artwork, along with the proud artist!

Sunshine Day

Against our better judgement, Steven, Amanda Lily, and Tre' decided to take a chilly dip in the pool.It wasn't long before Tre' and Amanda Lily decided they didn't like the cold water and dried out in the hammock, while Steven lingered in the pool a while. Mom and I were close by, and spent most of the afternoon sipping iced tea and catching up. It's so nice having her back in town. I wish this Florida weather would make up it's mind and just get warm already!!!!

Spring Garden 2011 and Greek Salad Recipe

So, here it is. Our spring garden! The kids are so proud of it. Hubs and I did all the prepping and tiling of the soil, then the children did all the planting. The two of them were so funny this morning. First thing, they wanted to go outside to see if the garden had grown any overnight. They are at great ages to experience the fun of growing your own food, so we did plants that are very much a part of our cooking. We can make a true Greek salad from our own backyard! We planted cucumbers, two types of tomatoes, sweet onions, and strawberries. A lemon tree and an orange tree too. We also planted herbs.....rosemary (for chicken), mint (for fasolakia and mojitos), chives (for potato soup), basil (for our tomatoes), and oregano (for just about everything).

Thanks for the advice from those of you who called. Apparently, even though we don't talk on the phone as often as we could, Jennifer and I are still running on the same wave length. (: Hopefully, she will be motivated to do a blog post of some photos of her garden that she is planning with her boys this Spring. Hint Hint.

Here's our families Greek salad recipe. Funny, it has no lettuce, but it's called a "salad" This is a staple in our home, and is served at least twice a week.

GREEK SALAD

4 large tomatoes, cubed

1 hot house cucumber (the funny shaped ones), chopped

1/2 of a medium sized red onion, sliced

2 tsp dried oregano

generous pinch of salt

5 turns of a pepper mill

1/2 cup good olive oil

4 ounces good feta cheese, we like the brand Vigo

Combine all ingredients, and mix well with your hands. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow flavors to combine. Serve with french bread toasted on the grill for dipping into juices at the bottom of the bowl. YUM!

Lemon Berry Tart

My friend and worship team leader at church gave me a compilation of her favorite recipes as a Christmas gift last year. Instead of using a tart pan, I used my mini tart pans, and they came out so cute. This recipe is DELISH, and very appropriate for Spring. If you are looking for something that is easy, with great presentation, this is it! Also, it's been my experience that all men love it, so keep it in mind for Fathers Day. Thanks for the recipe Melinda!

COOKIE CRUST

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2/3 cups butter, softened

1 egg

FILLING

1/2 cup lemon curd (found in the jelly aisle)

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

3 cups fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all cookie crust ingredients until dough forms. Press firmly and evenly against the bottom and sides of 11 inch tart pan. (You can use a cookie sheet, just make a circle with raised edges.) Bake 10-12 minutes or until done. Cool completely before filling. Meanwhile, beat lemon curd and sort cream cheese until smooth. Spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with cleaned berries just before serving.

Anyone have any Vegetable Garden Tips?

We have a great spot in our backyard to plant a garden. We didn't plant anything last year, because I knew we would be heading to Greece for a month and no one would be here to care for it. Now that the kids are older, we would like to take on more than just Tomatoes. Anyone have any tips or suggestions of veggies that are easy and plentiful? Amanda Lily wants to plant broccoli. I was thinking about cucumbers and tomatoes for salad.

Here's a photo of the land we have. George dug it up and built a small wall around it for us a few years back, and as you can see, there is MUCH work to be done. I've already pulled up the weeds, and Hubs tilled it for me. I know I need to work lots of manure and fertilizer into the soil before planting. I would like to have it all planted by this weekend. Any advice is very welcomed!

Valentines Day

This year for Valentines Day, I helped out with the party in Amanda Lily's class. She wore a T shirt that I had an Etsy friend make back when Steven was in Ms Keyes' class. It says "I heart Ms Keyes" Shut the front door....it is c-u-t-e! I found this photo of Steven wearing it on Valentines Day back in 2009. Ms Keyes was thrilled once again, 2 years later. We had a fun time in class, then I took a pizza party over to Steven's school. I didn't get to spend as much time in his new classroom as I would have liked, but I'm certain in the future I will. He bought a special Valentine for a girl in his class named Sarah Ruth. This is the first year he has ever admitted to having a real "Valentine". He told me to make sure the box of candy didn't say "I love you" on it. He says he doesn't want to ever say that until he gets married. Only time will tell.

George brought a dozen roses to Amanda Lily at school. She was so surprised and happy. I was too, because they called her to the office while I was in class with her, and I was kind of nervous about why. She returned to class with a grin from ear to ear, and her flowers. It made my heart happy that he did that for her. It was all his idea. What a sweet Daddy he is. He didn't forget me, either. There was a gorgeous bouquet of pink tulips delivered to me at the restaurant. Tulips are my absolute favorite. It was a wonderful Valentines Day for the Kountanis'.

Finally like Florida again....kind of

Last weekend was the start of weather we Floridians are accustomed to. (I have no idea what happened this winter, but all I can say is brrrrrrrrrrr) I'm such a solar powered person! I LOVE the sun. So, I've been so happy to be out in it.

We were invited by Uncle Dan and Aunt Jess to take a day trip out on their boat. The children thought it was the coolest thing ever. They each took a turn at driving the boat, and were both impressed by all you can see from the prospective of a lake. Amanda Lily was a "crazy driver" spinning us in circles, while Steven screamed at her to slow down. At his turn driving, he was very safe and wanted to know exactly how everything worked. He drove us in a straight line, not too fast, not to slow. Typical of my two. They are like night and day. It was such a beautiful day, just a little cold when going fast, so we had them bundled up.

Just think, soon we will be out in our backyards, pulling out all those winter weeds! I'm so excited to think of the gardening in our future. Sun Sun Sun.

Girls Trip to Disney

Thursday was a FUN girls trip to Disney. Trish and I planned the day weeks ago, but I never mentioned it to Amanda Lily. So, as the day approached, I decided it should be a surprise for her. That Thursday morning was as typical as any. I packed both kids lunches, and we headed off to drop Steven at his school first. Amanda Lily was so surprised when we reached her school, and I said "OK Cookie, I need you to wave good bye to your school" She was like What Mom??? Why are you driving past my school??? I told her to take off her backpack and throw it in the back of the car because we were off to Disney. She couldn't believe it! She told me I was the best Mom ever, and I quote "I've always wanted a Mother like you, and if I didn't have you, I would want you, even when you are mad." LOL LOL LOL

We picked up Trish and Grace, and before we knew it, the girls were skipping arm in arm into the park. We did all the girlie stuff, and had a wonderful time. They had their faces painted and talked with the Princesses, rode Tea cups and the Carousel. We did every ride on our list and the lines were SHORT.We lasted all the way til the Spectro Magic Parade and Fireworks! Amanda Lily's favorite part of the day was when she rode Space Mountain for the first time. I wasn't sure how she would take it, because Steven hates it. She has lots of her Mommy in her though, because she LOVED it. She immediately turned around to me as the ride stopped and squealed "AGAIN MOMMY!!!!!" She is much more into taking risks...Steven likes to play it safe. I took tons of pictures, as always, but I was sad that I didn't get any with Grace in her Snow White costume. Both girls changed into their Princess costumes, but Grace tooks hers off after a while. They had so much fun together.

It was a beautiful day, and we can't wait til the next "girls only" trip.

Renovating a Thrift Store Dresser

I found this old dresser at my favorite local thrift shop. It is made of all wood...no particle board, and I could see it's future spot in my home the moment I laid eyes on it. It took a weekend worth of TLC, but the end result was well worth the DIY effort. It makes me glad I didn't spend the $799 on the PB hutch I've had my eye on.

STEP 1 is some major sanding to get off the white spray paint and ugly gold leaf.
STEP 2  is kettle black valspar paint, high gloss for glamour! I used a small sponge roller and paint brush to apply 3 coats.
STEP3 is Brasso brass cleaner to polish up the fixtures. I toyed with the idea of replacing the fixtures, and maybe will in the future.

She was pretty run down in her former life (check the before pictures), but now she's GORGEOUS! Here she is all decked out in my Valentines Decor. I LOVE her! I also have a fondness of the subway art that's cropping up all over blogs. I printed this Valentine one offline for free, and framed it. Cute huh?

Guest Room Re Do

Well, our 2011 resolutions begin in our guest room. We need to replace the carpet, paint the
walls, and I have a couple little decorative tricks up my sleeve for the closet doors. Just have a peek at this awful "builders grade" carpeting! Wowzers...
Now, it would have been very easy to just lay the hardwood floors, but keeping my resolution in mind, I figure I might as well go ahead and fully complete the room. It's a lot like my cleaning around the house routine....I clean one room FULLY at a time. No moving on to the next room, until the current room is complete. I'm crazy like that, but it works for me.


Anyhow, Hubs has really been helpful. I didn't even touch a paint brush. I just came home from church and the walls were D-O-N-E! Hallelujah! And, I love the color! My design inspiration is tranquil chic. I want the end result to be a place our guest can find restfulness and calm.


The hardwood floors are being installed next week. I am thrilled about that not only because they will be gorgeous, but also because it gets the boxes of hardwood out of my craft room corner. Those very boxes of wood have been in my craft room corner for over 2 years!


These are the pics of progress so far. Hopefully they can help keep the resolutions alive. I know I'm not alone, as the organization isle at Target was slammed with women yesterday. I smiled to myself knowing that I'm not the only nester out there.

Resolution for 2011

CLEAN OUT....ORGANIZE...and do all those little things around the house that I've always wanted to do. Aka.....FLUFFING THE NEST!
My plan is a simple one. 12 months, 12 rooms. Each month I resolve to improve an area/room in our home, and do so on a BUDGET. We have lived in our home for 4 years now, and it's finally time to customize it to our taste. I got the ok from my Hubs, and the promise to NEVER move, unless it's because of unforseen circumstances. So, I have liberty to throw my ideas and decorative heart into the place. I have TONS of ideas and creative energy. I'll post along the way, so I can look back on the befores and afters and revell in my job (hopefully) well done. Also, maybe I'll inspire some of you to CLEAN OUT....ORGANIZE....AND FLUFF YOUR NESTS!!!
My first transformation was in the laundry room. My laundry room, unfortunately, is connected to my kitchen. That means that as you sit at the kitchen table, your view is of the laundry room. Most of the time, I try and keep the door closed, especially if we have guests, but I myself got tired of looking and seeing all those cleaning products staring back at me. The remedy? Clearance baskets from JoAnn's. I spent a whole $9 on two oversized baskets, and put all of the products inside. I also recycled 5 cleaning product bottles that were either empty or had replacements. So, although I still intend to close the door when I have company, I now have a neat laundry room. Another bonus, the bottles no longer topple over and cause a domino effect of toppling cleaning products when I reach for one in the back. (: Only thing is, after looking at the pictures, I feel like I need a third basket up there. What do you think?

Happy Birthday BFF

Today is Jennifer's birthday! I hope any of you who follow my blog, and know her will send her a birthday message. She is such a.......gosh, I don't even think there is a word to describe who she is to me. Her friendship means so much to me. It is a constant in my life. Something I don't even have to think about, but I know it's always there. That is SPECIAL and I LOVE her so very much.

In honor of her day, I thought I'd share a throwback photo. We're talkin' old school here people. It's not a great quality, because I took a picture of the framed picture, but it sure makes me smile.

Happy Birthday Jen!