Another DITY Project

As I've discussed in earlier posts, my Husband and I struggle with organization. Lately I've been looking for a wall organizer that would hopefully help us with that. Something with a mail in and out box, space for a calendar and grocery lists, etc. I was really surprised how expensive they were! And of course most of them didnt have all the aforementioned elements. Since I've been Mrs. Do-it-yourself lately I decided to draw what I wanted and see if Kenny and I could make it together. The key word here being together. I'm sure most couples who take on a joint project will have disagreeing views on its execution. Kenny and I are no different.

First, a little background. My husband has a degree in architecture and for four years it was drilled into him that if it isnt perfect, you've failed. Me, well I agree with Monet, if it looks good from far away, great! No one will notice that little flub in the corner. Besides with this project in particular I was going for Shabby Chic so imperfections are what give it character. (And yes, I realize that Monet would most likely take offense to that likening.) Granted, no one wants to hear their architect say "Don't worry, those cracks in the foundation will give the building character". However, we are talking a WALL ORGANIZER here, not a skyscraper, but with Kenny there is no difference. So I knew the first thing I needed to do is draw my design to scale, otherwise he would look at it like his head was going to explode and ask questions that make me want to bang my head against the wall. Here is my drawing.

I felt confident that he could look at this and know exactly what I wanted to do. Nope. The first things he zeroed in on were the the in and out slots. Ok, so three dimensional drawing (any drawing for that matter) is not my forte. After a couple clarifying questions I thought we were on the same page. Off to Home Depot we go, hi-ho. Once we were there, however, it quickly became clear that I had not completely articulated the design nor thought it all the way through. At first we were both laughing at eachother saying "How can you not understand this?!" But of course that can only last so long and soon it looked like his head was going to explode and I definitely needed a wall to bang my head against. The men in the lumber aisles were starting to look a little nervous due to all my gesticulating so it was time to wrap it up. It took a few more rudimentary "3D" drawings, but we finally got the wood and other supplies we needed and back to the house we go, hi....ho....

With that fantastic start I could tell we were in for another Kenny and Ashley 'Adventure', I was not disappointed. About 20 minutes in, Kenny had already "messed up" two pieces of wood and had to start alllll over. Then he started bossing me around and I had to remind him that this was MY project and he was only there to operate the power tools! So much for the togetherness.

                                    Third try.

                          I actually used spray paint on the wood then sanded it in certain places to give it a distressed look

I would like to say that as the day wore on I was able to get Kenny to relax and not care so much about the details but really the credit needs to go to the Louisiana heat. A couple hours of dripping sweat in a garage will have just about anyone cutting corners! Once it was all put together I ordered a chalkboard decal from the Etsy.com and began peicing together my wine cork corkboard. As you can see I need a few more corks, but thats really just an excuse to drink more wine!

All in all we were very happy with the finished product. Will it keep us organized? Guess we will see.

"I enjoy cooking with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food I’m cooking.” – Julia Child

Ok, I'm back! Its been months and who knows what I've been up to.

A few months ago, my in-laws came to visit us in Shreveport. For a lot of people that could warrant a Dum Da dum dum DUM! But Kenny and I are lucky enough to truly enjoy spending time with our respective in-laws. SO for the special occasion I made dinner from Mastering the Art of French Cooking . Yes, this is the book featured in the movie Julie and Julia. My Grandmother was a fabulous cook and had an original version of this book that I now have the honor of owning. Check it out!

I was super excited to see that my version is on display at Julia's Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen which can now be found in the Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

In the movie Julie makes Boeuf Bourguignon, a delicious beef stew. However, I have made this recipe and the following; Boeuf A La Mode (Beef Braised in Red Wine) and have to say in my opinion the latter is my favorite! First of all, anything that marinates for 24 hours is bound to be delicious am I right? Here is said marinade;
3/4c. each of thinly sliced carrot, onions and celery stalks
2 halved cloves of unpeeled garlic
1tb thyme
2 bay leaves
1/4c minced parsley
2 whole cloves
3lb piece of braising beef
1/2tb salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3c young red wine like Chianti or Burgundy
1/4c Brandy
1/3c olive oil

Yum! Marinate for 24 hrs, then drain 30 minutes prior to cooking. Don't worry, its supposed to look purple!

Dry, Dry, Dry with paper towels, Julia says if the meat is not properly dried it cannot browwwwn!

Preheat the oven to 350 and heat oil in Dutch Oven over moderately high heat and brown meat on all sides.

Pour out browning fat, then pour in wine marinade and boil down rapidly until it has reduced by half. Then add bacon rind and enough beef stock to come 2/3rds of the way up the roast. Bring to a simmer on top of the stove, cover tightly, and set in the lower third of the oven. Simmer for 3-4 hours, turning the meat several times during its braising. Beef is done when a sharp-pronged fork pierces it easily.

Skim the fat off the braising juices, and strain them through a sieve into a saucepan, pressing the liquid through the vegetables. Simmer for a minute or two, skimming, then boil rapidly until reduced to about 3.5 cups of liquid. Taste for seasoning, correct if necessary. The sauce should be lightly thickened. If it’s too thin, beat in the starch and wine mixture and simmer for 3 minutes.

Carve the meat and arrange on a platter with vegetables and a few sprigs of parsley, spoon some sauce over the meat.

ENJOY! or Bon Appetit!
I know this recipe may seem difficult but after watching a few of Julia's TV episodes, her fearlessness rubbed off on me. I used to feel like a mistake would ruin the whole meal but really no one will ever notice! Just take a deep breathe, keep the expletives to a minimum and fix it the best you can!