Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Momma's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup {What I Worked on Wednesday}

My momma makes the best homemade soups.  They're all good but this one has got to be my fav!  Creamy Tomato Basil, aka, pure-happiness-in-a-bowl. I love chunks so that's probably part of the reason why I love this one so much. Set your eyes on this!  Are you drooling yet?

Its soup season in MN and I just so happen to have some organic tomatoes that I grew in my garden this year that are calling out to me from the freezer.  They want to be cooked up into something yummy.  So on with the recipe, right?!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Saute in butter:
1 onion, chopped
2 medium peppers, diced {green, red, yellow, orange}
2 julienned carrots
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup sliced mushrooms

Save out any of the above that you prefer less cooked and add later.

Add: 
8-10 cups tomato juice or chunks
1 12 oz can tomato paste
2 cups cooked rice {brown basmati is good}
2 T or more of sweetener {real maple syrup is yummy}
2 T dried basil
Salt to taste-probably close to a tablespoon, more or less depending on the salt content of the other ingredients

After all this is heated through, add 1/4 c or more butter and 1 c cream {half and half works, if you must}. I try not to boil it after I add the cream. If soup is too thick, add water.

So what are you working on this fine Wednesday?

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Modernizing A Family Heirloom {What I Worked on Wednesday}

This dresser has been in the family for years.  When I was little, it was my brother's dresser.  It arrived at our house several years ago and has been a nightstand for our boys in their bedroom.

I distinctly remember the paper that lines the inside of these drawers.  I remember refolding and straightening piles of clothes in these drawers, picking up toys and putting them in here and always thinking the paper lining them was so cute.  How vintage is this?!


I've had the itch to do a refinishing project and this was just the right timing as we bunked the boys' beds again so they can each have their own desk for Lego creations and there wasn't room for another piece of furniture in there anymore.  {Insert a YIPPEE here! Some furniture that needs a new home and function, that's right up my alley. }  

Here's what I did.

Start by applying a deglosser with a non-linty cloth.  I used Klean-Strip, pictured above. Apply in circular motions and keep surface wet by applying additional deglosser as needed for approximately 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes you should be able to see the glossy surface getting curly or bumpy.  At this point you can scrub the excess off with steel wool.

After all the deglosser has been removed, you can start painting.  YAY!  

I chose a soft white and applied it by spraying it on.  Here is what it looked like after the first coat. Are you starting to see the potential of this gorgeous piece? This view also shows off the sweet curves on the front.


After several more coats of paint, it was ready for some light "roughing up" to create a patina.  Insert some sand paper here + some seriously amazing hand glazed drawer pulls. 



Now for the reveal....what do you think?  I'm in love with the unique curves on the front of this piece, the updated drawer pulls and the memories behind it.  Yes the Coca-Cola bucket on the floor is hiding cords and power strips.  Fashion before function, right?!   But I always love it when I can have both!  ;)

What are you working on this fine Wednesday?