Tag Archives: Melanie Bolke

New Windows for This Old House

13 Aug

The anticipation is killing me. And the large picture window for the front of the house that will be flanked by two double-hungs is delayed a week due to tempering the glass…sigh.

If you’ve visited Around My Home lately, you know that I’m in the middle of attempting a lightning-fast remodel of this recently-purchased 1950’s house.

Window installation began this weekend and I’m both anxious and excited. I’m trusting people I’ve never met to open up massive holes in my house with the promise to put something better in it’s place and seal it up tight before sundown.

A real nail-biter for sure.

The scary part – one big hole. What if the window installers decide to go to lunch and never come back? And why is there a toilet on the back porch?

That’s one happy window guy!

A bit of a preview: deciding to put a picture window in the breakfast area was definitely the right call. The backyard now looks HUGE! I can imagine drinking my morning coffee seated at the window and not wanting to leave that spot.

Here’s a shot of it from outside – far from finished yet, but on the way to beautiful…and energy efficient! When completed, wood trim will frame both the interior and exterior of each window.

One Window In!

Painters return today to paint the first coat of new exterior paint over the primer they applied last week.

What else is happening today? New countertops in the morning and kitchen sink in the afternoon!

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The Big Reveal: This Old House

8 Aug

Little J’s Wedding Gift Someday…

A few weeks ago, I shared with you that I was working on a super-secret project. Now it’s official – I’m the proud owner of the sweet little house pictured here. It’s a vintage charmer, built in 1955 in an adorable Austin neighborhood, and walking distance to just about everything!

We purchased the home from the estate of the original owners, who did a lovely job maintaining it. It’s obvious that there was plenty of love and lots of great memories here, and we look forward to filling it with many more.

Once I started “kicking tires”, things happened much, much faster than expected. So, the current plan is to do a mini-remodel and then lease it out until Little J’s wedding day (he’s 15 months old as of this post).

During the last week, the house has been swarming with contractors – electrical and plumbing being the primary focus areas. The city inspector is scheduled to come out today to review, and hopefully pass, the work that’s been completed. Unfortunately, they don’t give you a time window, so someone has to be available at the house from  7 am until 4pm – ugh. Not so much fun with a 1 year old in a construction zone!

There are some gorgeous wood floors throughout most of the house, and some not-so-gorgeous vinyl tile in the kitchen. Some updates are needed, so I’m planning to change a few things, while still maintaining the character of the home and neighborhood. I’ll be posting regular pics and updates of the remodel here.

Now, let’s see if I can get it done and leased before school starts on August 27th…things will be moving fast and I’d love to have you along for the ride on this one!

Oh, and don’t get attached to the exterior paint color, because it’s about to change radically next week.

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Peanut Butter Power Smoothie

3 Jul

Peanut Butter Power Smoothie is quick, easy, loaded with protein and energy-boosting!

Sometimes the best and most nutritious meal option for me to beat the summer heat is a smoothie.

I’m constantly experimenting with new smoothie recipes and this Peanut Butter Power Smoothie is a regular item on my lunch menu.

It’s quick and easy, very filling, and best of all, gives me the energy I need to chase my active toddler during the dog days of summer.

Add some frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or all three for a PB&J version!

Peanut Butter Power Smoothie Recipe

Combine the following ingredients in a blender on high for about a minute:

–1/2 cup vanilla coconut milk

–2 large dollops plain greek yogurt

–1 heaping spoonful peanut butter (smooth or crunchy – doesn’t matter)

–2 frozen bananas

Makes one 16 oz. smoothie

Note: the consistency of this smoothie will vary based on the thickness of your yogurt, whether or not you use frozen bananas, etc. If you want it thicker, add a few ice cubes or try the PB&J version (above) until you achieve your desired consistency.

Enjoy!

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Summer Sweet Potatoes? Why Not!

26 Jun

Sweet potatoes are a terrific compliment to almost anything you prepare on your outdoor grill!

Sweet potatoes are an acquired taste for some people. I happen to love them – pretty much any way they are prepared.

Though traditionally served during Thanksgiving (U.S.) and Christmas, I enjoy this super-food year-round.

Sweet potatoes are a terrific compliment to almost anything cooked on the outdoor grill. They are loaded with Vitamins B, C, and D, potassium, magnesium, and have a low glycemic index (minimal impact on blood sugar).

Trouble is, I’ve not had luck preparing them “just right”. Until recently, when I surrendered my strong stance against owning a microwave oven.

So, if you like sweet potatoes, and you’re not opposed to the use of a microwave oven, read on for the quickest, and in my opinion, tastiest way to prepare them.  Continue reading →

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Make Your Own Fresh Pasta Sauce in 15 Minutes

19 Jun

Summer is a great time to cook outside. But when it’s too hot or too rainy, you can still enjoy the outdoor taste of summer indoors by making your own fresh pasta sauce.

It’s easy to do, and completely changes the flavor of your favorite pasta dish.

Just follow the simple recipe below: Continue reading →

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My Very Own Grown-Up Glassware

16 Jun

Last month I turned 40 and have since changed a few things Around My Home.

Not because I felt that I had to or because anyone told me to.

I just decided to. Glassware was one of them.

Love.

For years, I had owned a mis-matched collection of glassware:

–coffee mugs from around the world,

–the only two juice glasses left from an original set of eight,

–lots of plastic cups with various logos,

–and more Mason jars than I’d ever admit to having in public (for some mysterious reason that escapes me, Hubby loves to drink out of these).

When shopping for new glassware, I quickly discovered how expensive it is to replace – really expensive.

So, I researched options on-line and in-store. I held glasses in my hands. I read reviews – lots and lots of reviews.

Listed here are the options I settled on and why…just in case it might be time for a glassware update around your home. Continue reading →

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The Only Salad You’ll Ever Need To Make

12 Jun

The simple toss of a few ingredients in a light olive oil dressing will cause your guests to rave!

The title of this post is a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much.

This salad is my go-to side for dinner parties, whether I’m playing the role of host or guest. The main entree could have been slow-roasted for 24 hours in special seasoning salt that was trailered in, yet the guests can be heard going on and on about the salad!

I’ve been making this recipe for so long that I don’t even remember where I learned it or who from. It’s really simple and ridiculously good.

If you don’t like one of the ingredients, simply leave it out and your salad will still be super-tasty.

Ingredients:

–Baby Romaine Lettuce

–Shaved or shredded parmesan cheese – 2 palmfuls

–Red onion – 1 palmful

–Walnut pieces (optional) – tip: give people the option to add their own by placing small bowls of walnut pieces around the table

—Newman’s Own Olive Oil Vinaigrette or make your own vinaigrette. All you need is enough to lightly coat the salad, but not saturate it.

–Toss all ingredients and serve immediately.

That’s all there is too it. Bon appétit!

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