A Splatter of Paint (DIY Project)

A couple of months ago I worked on some craft projects for a family, basically involving repainting some nursery items. I completely forgot to write a post about it until now! 

This is an easy project that only costs whatever the price of paint at the crafts store is. Michael's always has weekly coupons, so if you look those up before heading to the store, you can get a really good deal. 

So. I repainted a dollhouse that had seen better days...

And a toy chest with some rather strange rabbits on it:

I also painted a dresser drawer, which I will post tomorrow for you guys to see! 

Hope everyone's having a great Monday! I don't know about you all, but I'm beyond excited for Thanksgiving. I'm so ready for a break.

Barley Risotto

The other day I had some free time on my hands (for once in my life) and I decided to get fancy and cook some real food. I found this fantastic recipe for barley risotto and tried it out. 

Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped fine
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt
• 1 1/2 cups pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
• 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Ground black pepper

Procedures

1. Bring the broth and water to a simmer in a medium saucepan; reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting and cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, combine the onion, carrot, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the barley, and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and aromatic, about 4 minutes. Stir in the wine and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the wine has been completely absorbed by the barley, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the thyme and 3 cups of the warm broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the bottom of the pan is dry, 20 to 22 minutes. Stir in 2 more cups of the warm broth and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the bottom of the pan is dry, 15 to 20 minutes longer.
4. Continue to cook the risotto, stirring frequently and adding 1/2 cup of the remaining broth at a time as needed to keep the pan bottom from becoming dry (about every 5 to 6 minutes), until the grains of barley are cooked through but still somewhat firm in the center, about 25 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan and butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately in warmed shallow bowls, with wedges of lemon and/or fresh parsley.
   Recipe from Serious Eats.
   
   A few substitutions: I subbed in basil for thyme and broth for white wine. Worked out just fine. :) 

It's Not Easy Being Green

Top: Anthropologie, thirfted ($3.50)

Jeans: TJ Maxx ($8)

Boots: Rack Room ($17)

Jacket:  Maurice's, thrifted ($5)

Belt: thrifted ($1)

Decided to wear my rather Kermit-colored Anthropologie top today. I got it last month at Goodwill, and I have to say, I'm rather pleased with it! 

I love the crochet pattern at the top. :)

Also, today is boots day at Everybody Everywear, so go on over and take a look at all the fabulous outfits!

Tights and Knee Highs

These days, I'm usually so busy in the mornings that I just get up and throw on a pair of pants without a second thought, for the sake of not freezing to death. Yesterday I actually had the time and determination to dig out my tights and put together an outfit with a skirt. 

Shirt: thrifted ($3.50)

Skirt: thrifted ($3.50)

Tights: free

Legwarmers: free

Boots: Rack Room ($17)

Riding Boots

Okay, I gave in. 

I've been looking to invest in a good pair of boots for a while now...and Gilt is having a flash sale today on riding style boots. So I may or may not have purchased a pair for $147. 

They better be worth it.

If you're looking for a good pair of leather boots for the fall too, you might want to take a look! I got free shipping as a new member, and the pair I ordered were originally $300...

I talked myself into it essentially by convincing myself that they were Frye quality boots for half the price. I'll let know what I think when I receive them!

These are the ones I ordered...thoughts?

 Also, happy election day! If you haven't gone to vote yet, PLEASE GO VOTE. I cannot stress enough how important I think it is for people to go out there and exercise their rights. Don't let your voice go to waste, not today. Go go go. :)