Another sitting area

My projects always seem to grow hair!  After I finished the patio from previous post, I looked around for ways to improve the area where our chiminea is.  I've always wanted to do 'something' in that little area, but never knew what.  I saw something similar to this in a magazine and decided to just copy the idea.

 I went to my favorite hardware store and purchased some loose flagstones and some crushed granite to do this project.

Spider webs intrigue me.  I snapped a photo of this one right before I ran in to it. The sun was shining right on it so I got a pretty good shot of it.  Nature is so incredible.  Have you ever just sat and watched a spider build a web?  They do it so quickly and the pattern is so geometrically perfect.

The first thing I did was loosen the soil in that area around the chiminea to lay the flagstone.  I didn't plan the layout, because I wanted it to be random looking. 

Look,,,here's my little lizard friend again.  This time she watched me from my little weather vane and she switched to green.  Such a nosey little critter.  She watches everything I do.

The final step of the project was to fill in the space between the flagstone with the crushed granite.  I just poured it on top and then swept it with a broom to fill in between.

I love the chiminea, even in the summer time.  If you burn pinion wood, it repels the mosquitoes and it smells wonderful. 

There's nothing better than sitting outside after a long day, with a glass of wine, Frank Sinatra playing through the outdoor speakers, and the smell of the pinion wood.  Ahhh,,,so relaxing.

I think I might install a misting system on the back patio as my next project.  In August, it will be difficult to sit outside for very long without a cooling system.  I already have a ceiling fan installed, but water just makes it about 5-10 degrees cooler.  I need to do some reading to find out the best approach.  You KNOW I will come up with something!

Until next time....

Patio Project

Yesterday I looked out at my patio and decided it needed a MAJOR makeover.  The concrete had been painted on a couple of times and was chipping and peeling.  It looked horrible.  I started using acetone to try to peel it off but decided that was going to take forever.  I made a trip to the 'orange' store to see if I could find an easy fixer-upper.  Lo and behold, at the entrance of the store this rubber tile was on display with beautiful patio furniture by Martha Stewart. 

The sales guy convinced me that this was very easy to install, and since I didn't have exact measurements, I told him I thought the patio was about 12x12.  I guessed pretty accurately!  I only ended up with 3 extra tiles that I was able to return today.

These tiles are 18x18 and are made from recycled tires in landfills.  What a GREAT idea!!

I replaced the bamboo shade on the side of the patio.  The old one was faded and worn looking.  Looks like I have a new friend.  He stayed with me most of the day watching me work.  So cute.

Looks like he 'posed' for this shot.

This tile was so easy to install.  I just layed them down side by side, and used the clips provided on the parameter to secure them.  I had to cut one of them to go around the support post.  That was the most difficult part of the project.  This stuff is super tuff.

I love the way this turned out.  Such an easy project.  It only took about an hour to install.  What a difference!



I indulged myself and purchased the beautiful Martha Stewart patio set.  I love outdoor living rooms.  The weather has been so perfect lately.  I want to take full advantage of being outdoors before the hot summer comes.

I think I'll go buy some hanging baskets tomorrow to finish out the 'room'.  Spring has Sprung and I'm in my outdoor mood. 

Have a nice week!

Cooking Inspiration 'Chicken Enchiladas'

I have a million cookbooks, but one of my favorites is the Southern Living 'Our Readers Top-Rated Recipes'.    All the recipes in this cookbook that I have tried have been awesome!  I made these Chicken Enchiladas a few weeks ago and they were so easy and absolutely delicious.  The ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store.  I believe the fresh cilantro was the magic ingredient for the great flavor.

Instead of cooking my own chicken, I chose to select a flavorful roasted ready-to-serve chicken from Kroger's.  I like to take short-cuts in cooking whenever possible.

Here is a shot of the filling for the chicken enchiladas.  (Recipe will follow)

I stuffed each flour tortilla with the chicken mixture and rolled fairly tightly to get them all in the dish.

After the enchiladas were baked, I put the remaining ingredients on top. 

I had some Fiesta Plates that I bought a few years back in Canton.  I thought they would be perfect for serving the enchiladas.  I prepared some Mexican Rice (from a box of course) and opened a can of Ranch Style Black Beans.  They are much healthier than re-fried beans.

This was absolutely delicious!  It only took about 15 minutes to throw it all together, and then took 40 minutes to bake.  I think these are better than most Mexican Food restaurants we frequent.  Give them a try!

Chicken Enchiladas

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

2 cups (8oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers

1/2 cup sour cream

1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I think this is important!)

8 (8")Flour Tortillas

1 (8oz) container sour cream

1 (8oz)jar tomatilla salsa

Toppings:

 diced tomatoes, chopped avocado, chopped green onions, sliced ripe olives, chopped cilantro

Stir together first 5 ingredients. Spoon chicken mixture evenly down center of each tortilla, and roll up.  Arrange, seam side down, in lightly greased 13 x 9" baking dish.  Coat tortillas with cooking spray.

Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. 

Stir together 8 oz container sour cream and salsa.  Spoon over hot enchiladas; sprinkle evenly with desired toppings. 

Yield: 4 servings.