Marinade

Just tried this delicious marinade given to me by my cousin Heidi:

1 1/2 c. oil

3/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. worcestershire sauce

1/2 c. red wine vinegar

1/3 c. lemon juice

1 T coarsely ground pepper

2 T. dry mustard

2 1/4 t. salt

1 1/2 t. parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

I used the marinade with pork tenderloin. I ended up cooking it in the oven, but I prefer pork tenderloin cooked on the grill. If you are like me and tend to overcook your tenderloin, you should put aside some of the marinade to drizzle as a sauce over the pork once it's cooked - it will prevent the tenderloin from tasting too dry. My cousin said she also enjoys using this marinade with salmon.

Bathroom Renovations!

I have wonderful news - Andrew and I have decided to tackle our bathroom renovation. I am ecstatic that the renovations I've been plotting and planning ever since we moved in are now going to become a reality!

There is one small inconvenience...the bathroom we will be renovating is the only bathroom we've got. I have no idea how we will shower and manage without a working toilet while the reno is in progress. Perhaps my neighbs Chase and Jessy will allow me to occasionally borrow their bathrooms. haha!

I'm in the process of selecting our finishes (limestone, travertine, or porcelain?), and obtaining quotes from plumbers, tile layers, and general contractors. I'll certainly keep everyone posted of the progress!

Here is a picture of our bathroom as it looks now.Here are some pictures that are currently inspiring me:

Found it - Bought It!

So I ended up finding another console table and liked it so well I bought it - Happy Birthday to me!

I found it on accent-furniture-direct.com. It should be here in 2 weeks and I can't wait. I have just the right mirror to go above the table so it will just be a matter of accessorizing with a lamp, basket, and books. I'll be sure to post pictures of the table once it's in place.

Console Table

I am on the hunt for the perfect console table for our front hallway. I would really love something with storage (drawers, cabinets, etc), because our front hall closet is not large enough to hold our gloves, mittens, and scarves. I have discovered a few options, but I can't decide between them.

Norwich Console Table:

I'm pretty certain this table is a cheaper imitation of the Pottery Barn Rhys Console - do we think that it's worth it to spend the extra and get "Pottery Barn" quality?

Angela Console Table:Plaxon Console Table:

Although this table doesn't have the storage I was looking for - it looks like something straight from Baker or Barbara Barry - which makes me loooove it! And at just over $300 - it's the least expensive of all the tables I like.

Freesen Console Table:

The thing I don't like about this table is that the drawers - although they appear to be 4 drawers - they are actually just 2 meant to look like 4. I think that's a bit tacky, but maybe it won't appear cheap in person. Every reviewer says that it looks more expensive than it is...

Weigh in with your favorites please!

Fantastically Easy Beef Stroganoff

My new favorite blog - Meal Planning Mommies features weekly easy recipe ideas. Now I'm definitely not a Mommy (or going to be one soon), however I am a fan of anything that make dinner easier. I recently tried their recipe for beef strogonoff made in a crock pot. It was fantastic - and Andrew (my husband) liked it despite the fact that he doesn't like mushrooms. The recipe follows:

Here is what you need:
2 tbsp. flour, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 lb. boneless beef round steak (I used pre-chopped beef tips), 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup water, 1 envelope dried onion soup mix, 1/2 cup sour cream, 9 oz jar (can or fresh) mushrooms (I opted not to include these due to Andrew's dislike for them).

Step 1: combine 2 tbsp. flour, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and 1/2 tsp. pepper in slow cooker

Step 2: Cut meat into 1 1/2 x 1 inch strips (or cubed like mine) and toss in flour mixture until well coated.

Step 3: Add mushroom soup, 1/2 cup water, and soup mix. Stir until well blended.

Step 4: Cover, cook on High 3-3/12 hours or Low 6-7 hours

Step 5: Stir in mushrooms, 1/2 cup sour cream.

Let the sour cream cook in the stroganoff about 10-15 minutes or until heated through

Step 6: Cook your noodles. I chose to eat our stroganoff over noodles, but it would be just as good over rice, bread or potatoes.

Try it and tell me what you think!