my studio closet …

December 3, 2011

I have been trying to get organized in my little studio/office.

When we finished the room, we built lots of shelves in the closet to store all my junk.  and, trust me, I have a lot of junk (there is a reason i’m only showing half of the closet, ha!)

I like the idea of putting things in clear labeled bins, so that i could see what I needed faster.

I love to use the inside of doors for organization whenever i can.  so, i was thrilled to find this wrapping paper holder idea from bri of the collected blog.

I bought the wooden dowels, and had them cut them to the size i needed in the store.
The metal hooks are from Lowes.  it took me forever to find them, like 4 trips to lowes.
there are in the hardware isle and are 3 1/2″ metal hooks made by stanley national.

I just had the dowels cut to the width of the door, and then i screwed in the metal hooks about two inches in, so the dowels wouldn’t slip off.

i love being able to hand my go to wrapping paper from it, i also hung my freezer paper, and i used hooks from ikea on the lower one to hang my rulers.
i added a magnetic strip from ikea to hold all my scissors and cutters.  (high from my children’s reach)
the wooden thread holder is from joanns.  it has been nice to have all my thread in one place so that i don’t always keep buying the same color because i can’t find it.

the other closet door, i hung a hook set from ikea to keep my broom and my favorite go to brown kraft paper bags.

it feels good to get a few things organized around the studio.  now, i just need to keep it clean… ya wish me luck with that.

{photos by me, caroline armelle drake}

Recipe // chili

December 2, 2011

There has been some crazy weather around my neck of the woods, with record breaking winds.  It was definitely a night to hunker down at home and have some comfort food.
I have been on the search for a great chili recipe for some time.  I have tried a few with no luck, and finally I think I have a winning combination!
The thing I like about chili, is that it can can be made in so many ways.  With beans, without beans.  Meat, or no meat.  Spicy, or sweet.  The options are endless.  I like my chili with beans, and meat.  I also like it to have a little bit of sweetness to it, and a little spice.  So, I think this one is a keeper!
How do you like your chili?
Read More for the recipe!
{Chili}
Serves 6
1 large jalapeño pepper, diced small (ribs and seeds remove if you desire less heat)
1 small green pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 small red pepper, diced  (about 1/2 cup
1/2 c onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1b ground beef or turkey, browned, oil drained
1 15oz can tomato sauce
2 14.5oz cans petite diced tomatoes, drained
1  15 oz can kidney beans rinsed/drained and crushed
1  15 oz can pinto beans rinsed/drained and crushed
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 tablespoons chili powder
1 14oz can beef broth
1/2 tsp dry ground mustard
Brown ground meat in a large skillet, and drain fat.
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.  Add onions and peppers.  Stir until tender, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic, and stir for one minute. Then add the cooked ground meat, and the rest of the ingredients to the pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover with the lid and simmer for about  30-45 minutes, stir occansionally.
For the crockpot:  Brown meat in a large skillet, and drain the fat.
Place all the ingredients in a crockpot on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
Top with:  Sour Cream, green onions, shredded cheese, extra jalapeños, tortilla chips, whatever you prefer!
Enjoy!