w3schools.com

Found a good website for writing HTML code. It helped me write the code to open a blog button in a new tab or window. Hooray!

Click here to check out w3schools.com!

Installing CommentLuv (via Intense Debate)

Hooray! I successfully installed CommentLuv via Intense Debate. I am still not sure if I want to use it on my "real" blogs, but at least I understand the process now. Honestly, it wasn't that difficult, but I wish I had more control over the appearance of the Intense Debate features on my blog. You can't have everything, right?

Here are the links I used:

CommentLuv/Intense Debate Installation tutorial

Honestly, I just used it to get me started. Intense Debate's installation process more or less acts as its own tutorial, and it is rather user-friendly.

Intense Debate Home Page

If you are fairly computer-savvy, skip the above tutorial and head to the home page. Click on the big green "sign-up" button and follow the on-screen directions. 

Color Converter

I like to have my color schemes "just so," but that can be difficult if you work in multiple design platforms (e.g. Blogger and Microsoft Publisher). Today, I discovered a color converter which translates RGB color codes to HEX color codes, and visa versa. So helpful!

Here is the Publisher color scheme it just helped me convert:

Red = #FF0000

Green = #92D400

Gold = #FFCC00

Blue = #A1EDFF

Gray = #848484

 

PicMonkey

Note to self: Use PicMonkey to edit pictures for your blog in the future. Thanks, Desi!

Check out Desiree's blog, Your Crafty Friend, here.

Good night

It is so far past my bedtime (on a school night, too), but I had great fun participating in my first link-up party. I can't wait to start reading everyone else's posts!

Working With: A Small Master Closet

This post comes to you 100% courtesy of my desire to participate in my first link-up party. Thanks to Emily at Emily A. Clark for offering the opportunity!

After many years of wishing and hoping, my husband and I finally bought our first house this summer. Although there are many, many things I simply love about it, one thing I am just "working with" is our tiny master suite, including our envelope-sized master closet.

Read on to find out how I made the best of our 60" wide and 34" deep storage space.

The Problems:

1 very small master bedroom (10' 6" x 10' 6")

1 tiny master closet (60" wide & 34" deep)

featuring:
1 58" long hanging rod
1 60" wide & 12" deep shelf
the only attic access in the house

2 full-grown adults with lots of clothes
& (almost) nowhere to put them

The Solution: A Total Closet Re-Design

What We Did:

1. Strategize The first step to re-designing a closet is analyzing your needs. My father (who did all the shopping & carpentry work) kept pushing a built-in drawer system, but I knew what we really needed was more hanging space. On top of that, I knew we needed more short hanging space (shirts & blouses) than long hanging space (dresses, skirts, & pants) and tons of shoe storage.
2. Maximize hanging space To do this, we divided the right 2/3 of the closet horizontally and installed two hanging rods--one at 40" and one at 80" (D). As a result, the less-essential long hanging space is condensed into the left 1/3 of the closet.
3. Include shoe storage My dad installed a short shelf above the long hanging rod, and then he added a custom-built shoe shelf (B, H, L). The design of the shelf is basic--2 shelves spaced about four or five inches apart--but I love it because it is very flexible. On the right side of the closet,  we hung my shirts on the 80" rod (they're shorter than my husband's), which left plenty of room for additional shoe storage on the shelf beneath (J).
4. Use every cubic inch wisely In the leftover space beside my husband's shirts, we added a three drawer-nightstand for additional storage, and I placed a cloth-lined basket on top to act as a hamper for my hand-washables (G). The floor space beneath my dresses is perfect for my husband's shoes, and on the right-hand side of the closet, we installed an IKEA tie-rack and a peg board in the small space between the hanging clothes and the sliding doors (C, D, F, K). Finally, using tiered skirt & pant hangers helps maximize the long hanging space on the left side of the closet (E).
5. Build it to last All of the brackets we used are metal, and they are supported by wood backer-boards. Backer-boards and shelving were cut from pre-primed engineered wood. Whenever possible, screws were anchored in the studs. (A, I, J)
6. Provide access to the attic To maintain clear access to the attic, we had to keep the top two-three feet of the closet free of any permanent obstructions. Rather than have wasted space, we got creative.
• The 80" high hanging rod spans the width of the closet. My father used a u-shaped bracket to make it removable (A), and since it is metal, it did not require a center bracket.
• The custom-built shoe shelf is a modular unit that can be picked up and moved out of the way when needed (B, H, L).

Make sure to check out all of the other great posts on Emily's link-up party:

A few more storage tips for small bedrooms:

• Drawer dividers help keep tight spaces organized & reduce the tension of sharing your jewelry drawer with hubby's dress socks
• Tall, tests of drawers (a.k.a lingerie chests) have a relatively small footprint but offer great storage
• Rolling sweaters and cardigans makes them more compact and much easier to sift through when you want just the right one
• Make decor (and collections) do double duty (e.g. storing jewelry in my box collection)
• Never overlook the space under the bed or the potential of any box
• Small metal brackets and a flat piece of wood cut to size make it easy to add an after-factory drawer divider
• Use different colored hangers to separate clothing by style or season

As featured in...

Working With What You Have: Adding Moulding to Plain Cabinets

Emily A. Clark: My Favorite "Working What You Have" Projects

Update (3/30/13): Hooray! This post was just featured on Emily's latest post, My Favorite "Working With What You Have" Projects, at Emily A. Clark. Check out the links to see her other fabulous favorites!

P.S.

Swing by my new blogging "home" if you get a chance, My Superbia.

Shortly after participating in Emily's link-up, inspiration struck, and I created a new personal blog. Not only is My Superbia much prettier to look at, but it also better reflects who I am and what I love.

Or follow my organization board, Because I'm a Tad Obsessive Compulsive, on Pinterest to get more great organizing and cleaning tips.

So close!

I have one more page of content, and then my celiac disease blog, GF2: The Everyday Celiac, is ready for unveiling. If you want to get a sneak peek, click here.

Sometimes getting your panties in a bunch is a good thing

As I work on my celiac disease blog, GF2, I am forced to take action on some tasks I have been putting off for quite some time. For example, I just finished writing McDonald's a strongly-worded letter (okay, webpage comment) on the inadequacies of their menu and nutrition information:

Because of a family tradition, I eat at McDonald's once a year on Christmas Eve--and I hate it. While you have many delicious menu options, I can eat none of them with confidence because I have celiac disease and lactose intolerance. Even your fries, which are made from naturally gluten-free potatoes, contain wheat! On top of that, your nutrition and ingredients list is almost impossible to read, and certainly tedious to use. Typically, I eat a hamburger patty (often pulled off of a wheat bun), the fruit from the fruit and walnut salad, and a drink. Do you know how depressing that meal is? 

Because of this experience, I have placed you on the "Places to avoid" list for my celiac disease blog. If you want me (and gluten-free diners everywhere) to consider you with an open mind, give us a nutritional chart we can actually understand and something to eat other than meat, select condiments, and fruit. 

Here is a sample to get you started: http://www.wendys.com/food/pdf/us/gluten_free_list.pdf

Before you call me crazy, compare the online information provided by McDonald's to that of Wendy's.

source

source

The choice is obvious--am I right?

My, oh my!

Wow. I probably shouldn't have, but I just spent some time working on my gluten-free blog, GF2. I cannot wait to start blogging on it.

I am still not ready to share a link, but here is a preview of the custom title I designed and uploaded a few minutes ago:

Kind of snazzy, right?

Blogging breeds ideas

I decided to start tonight's blogging adventure with checking out some enticing links from my reading list. Okay, some enticing links from one of my favorite blogs, Domestic Adventure. Oh, the ideas that flowed in.

one

First, Erin shared this adorable chair.

Which gave me an idea for my son's heirloom wooden rocking chair, which used to be mine. Right now, it looks like this:

 It's got potential, right?

two

Next, I followed one of Erin's links to Pinterest and this lovely project.

"Hmm, wouldn't this be an excellent solution for the ever-multiplying projects Brannon brings home?" I thought to myself. I already know which frame I would use to create it!

three

Now, for the piece de resistance. A few clicks later, I wound up on Erin's adorable Things I Should Make board. (NOTE: If you click that link, you will be inspired.) Despite wanting to repin everything I saw, I was particularly drawn to this image:

Like manna from heaven, I finally saw the perfect quilt for my son's toddler bed: modern, straightforward, innovative, and best of all, stripey. My husband even approved! 

I have been collecting inspiration fabrics for Brannon's room since appoximately June, but I couldn't decide how to use them. Now, I have a decision, an inspiration picture, and even a pattern! All thanks to Erin's posts, links, and this great blog: Bijou Lovely. I love this quilt!

If you have got a minute, swing by Domestic Adventure and Bijou Lovely to check out more great ideas. If you're a quilter, Bijou Lovely sells the above pattern in PDF format for just 8 bucks!

Time? Work? Sleep? I do not know these things...

Well, GF2 is looking better all the time, but I am sure I am looking more and more haggard. I desperately need to establish a system for spending only a reasonable amount of time working on my blog--especially on "school nights," as we teachers refer to the work week.

Whoops! My husband--the night owl--just got out of bed to make sure I was okay. Time to log out!

Progress!

Tonight, I spent a ridiculous amount of time starting a new blog--GF2: Guilt Free Gluten Free. Unlike this blog, it is designed to help others, rather than simply entertain myself. It is born out of my experiences with and former ignorance of celiac disease and a desire to help others that all-too-common feeling of isolation that often accompanies being the only person who can't eat . I think this blog could really make a difference, and I am proud of it. It is nowhere near ready for publication, but there's progress.  

Eureka!

Tonight I discovered why I have always hated yellow lights. As most three-year-olds can tell you, red means "stop" and green means "go." Yellow, however, means, "Quick! Make a decision!" I hate decisions.

A smattering of gluten-free recipes for the non-chef

If you are intimidated by gluten free recipes that have enormous lists of ingredients including things like guar gum and tapioca starch, have no fear. I, too, think a microwave and a freezer are a hungry girl's best friend, and these recipes cause me minimal anxiety. These are my tried-and-true favorites, each of which features a short list of easy-to-find familiar ingredients and fairly straight-forward directions.

If you are worried about being the only celiac in your household, don't be. Neither my three-year-old son nor my husband have celiac disease, and they clamor for all of these dishes every time I make it. If your family still makes a fuss, I recommend a "try it once" rule: they have to try any gluten-free item at least one before they write it off.

Brand-names are included only if they are the product mentioned is labeled gluten free. All of these recipes have come to me via my mom, who is most definitely a "chef"--some are original, some are not.

Flourless Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Yields: about 2 dozen cookies

2 cups peanut butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
small bag of chocolate chips (optional)

In a mixing bowl, cream peanut butter and sugar. Add each egg, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter may start out runny. Continue mixing until it turns thick, like typical cookie dough. If you're using chocolate chips, add them now. Roll tablespoons-full into balls. Place about two inches apart on an un-greased cookie sheet and press on each cookie slightly to flatten--use a fork for a more decorative touch.

Bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes or until tops are cracked. Remove to wire cooking racks. Let cool completely.


Gluten-Free Cornbread
Because this cornbread is gluten-free, it tends be drier and crumblier than regular gluten-containing cornbread, but it tastes delicious! My mom uses it as a base to make gluten-free stuffing each year.

Yields: 9 three-inch squares

2 cups cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup corn oil or vegetable oil

Combine cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Beat egg in a large bowl, add milk and oil and beat well. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients. Pour into a greased 9x9x2 inch pan. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Gluten-Free Spicy Vegetable Soup:
Pairs wonderfully with the gluten-free cornbread!

Feeds about 4-6 people

1 to 1 1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced celery
1 diced red bell pepper (substitute other colors if preferred)
2 cloves garlic minced
1 30oz.* jar Prego Chunky Garden Style spaghetti sauce (or similar sauce)
1 10oz.* can diced tomatoes
16 oz. frozen mixed vegetables

*amounts are appoximate--it's okay if the package is a little larger or smaller

Add at end to taste:
1/2 to 1 1/2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (also known as crushed red pepper)
1-2 tablespoons sugar (it cuts the acidity)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook beef in a large stock pot, stirring until browned and broken up. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until limp.

Add spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cove and cook at least 10-15 minutes or until frozen vegetables are done and soup is warm throughout. Add additional red pepper flakes to taste.

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp:
This one has a bit more prep work, so be prepared to be cutting, slicing, and peeling for a while. It is a huge hit every time I make it, though, and totally worth it. Most people don't even realize it is gluten free!

Yields: 8x8 pan

For the topping:
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup rice flour (brown works best, but white will do)
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup butter or non-dairy substitute, softened

Mix all of the dry ingredients first, and then add the softened butter. Mix thoroughly--my mom recommends using your hands.

For the apples:
4 cups of apples (peeled, sliced, and pared)
2 rounded teaspoons cinnamon
3-4 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put the apples in a greased 8x8 pan, sprinkle with orange juice to keep them fresh, and then mix. (If you are out of orange juice, you can leave it out without much of a problem.) In a separate bowl, combine cinnamon and white sugar. Sprinkle on the apples and mix thoroughly. Follow the topping recipe above, and then crumble the topping mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 40-50 minutes. When it's ready, the apples will be soft when poked.

Have a gluten-free recipe you would like to share? Want to learn more about coping with celiac disease? I welcome any and all comments.

What is a sidewalk salary?

"See a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck." -Jan from Grease

In case you are wondering, "sidewalk salary" is a completely imaginary term that I coined (pun fully intended) to describe all of the change I pick up off of the ground on a regular basis. Every time I find a new coin, I feel compelled to share the news with someone, and now I can.

Finding change on the ground may seem like an odd thing to blog about, but I swear I have some sort of forgotten-change beacon drawing these coins to me. In the space of two weeks back in 2009, I swore I found about twenty dimes, all of which I felt compelled to pick up, despite the fact that I was about nine months pregnant and could no longer see my feet. After about the tenth one, I became convinced someone was "punking" me--hiding behind the bushes and having a grand old time watching me trying to maneuver around my tummy for the sake of ten cents. I teach freshman English all day long, so you can understand why my brain thought such sophomoric humor was a likely cause of my new-found wealth (and why I feel the need to put words like "punking" in quotes). Seeing that dimes are my favorite coin (I like that they're small and thin, yet worth ten times more than pennies), it is a story that I have never forgotten, and I love to tell.

If you are like me and cannot resist the chance to make a free buck--okay, a free cent or two--then I hope you enjoy watching me rake in nickels, dimes, and pennies via my silly, little gadget.

I win!

As I like to tell my students, I just got into a fistfight with the computer, and I won.

After a recent burst of inspiration and a commitment to live a more project-oriented life, I have decided to throw myself head-first into the world of blogging. Unfortunately, that comes with a risk of concussion (figurative, not literal), frustration and all-round complaint-making. 

Tonight, I spent a ridiculously long time screwing around with the  font, colors, and design of my newly-rediscovered blog. This comes after a week of getting hardly any sleep, doing too much grading, and hauling home approximately 90 essays that will needed to be graded this weekend. A responsible choice? No. An understandable choice? I think so. Emily A. Clark's blog is so pretty and inspiring, and I tend just a little bit towards the perfectionist (and obsessive) side.

Long story short, I finally liked the design, I took the time to start planning out the content of my essay, and the page link was broken. And I mean really broken. As is always the case, I figuratively bashed my head against the computer until I found a work-around to solve the problem. Essentially, it involved making a new page, testing its link, and then recreating the original page. Fortunately, I was able to copy and paste all of the content rather than rewriting it. Good ol' ctrl+c followed up by ctrl+v.

The maddening part? I still don't know what was wrong with original link!