Monday, March 25, 2013

Double Chocolate Layer Cake



Do you have a taste for chocolate today? If your answer is yes please keep reading.

I am going to share with you an amazing chocolate cake recipe and I mean AMAZING with every bite I closed my eyes (it's just that good). I promise you.


Double-Chocolate Layer Cake
Ina  Garten ~ Double Chocolate Layer Cake
The recipe is pretty easy I must admit I hate sifting and a lot of sifting is going on with this recipe but it's worth it.
Now let's take a look at how my cake came together.




The frosting is unbelievable if  you are counting calories you better workout before taking a bite of this cake. I  cycled for 12 miles on my stationary bike and then did an hour of weight training (just gotta do it)


two sticks of butter in this very delectable frosting

I shared this cake with my hubs and two great friends and it was enjoyed by everyone........not to throw my hubby under the bus but I'm going to do it anyway HE ATE THE LAST PIECE! Isn't that just awful....according to him he was just helping me out, he did however wash the cake plate :)

If you are a baker go ahead and give this recipe a try! Click here for the recipe.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

An Evening With Ina Garten ~ Barefoot Contessa


Hello Readers,

Today I want to tell you all about my evening with Ina Garten in a word "Fabulous."
Ina's story is an amazing one here are just a few fascinating tidbits. 




  • She quit her government job to find her passion because she wasn't happy with her career.
  • She didn't attend culinary school - which totally blew me away.
  • She is madly in love with her husband Jeffrey - Ina made it very clear that sometimes all you need is the support of your spouse so that you are able to follow your dreams.
The most striking thing she said was "sometimes we need to step into our fear because it can be your biggest driving force." If you every have an opportunity to see Ina please do.

Here are just a few of my favorite recipes from Ina Garten:

  1. Perfect Roast Chicken
  2. Chicken Chicken Salad
  3. Real Meatballs and Spaghetti
  4. Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
  5. Lentil Sausage Soup
  6. Outrageous Brownies

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you here again at Decor & Harmony!




Monday, March 4, 2013

Buffalo Wonton Cupcakes


Hello Readers,

Not too long ago a friend shared a terrific recipe with me............Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread this has been on my list to make but in my quest to eat healthier I have refrained from making this because I know that I will chow down and devour the entire loaf...........so I have decided to put a twist on it.

Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread


Buffalo Cupcakes


saute onions and celery until tender

combine 1 cup of shredded chicken, celery, onion, 1/2 packet of Ranch Dressing Seasoning, cayenne, salt and pepper to taste

add 1/4 cup of Frank's Hot Sauce and 2-3 tablespoons of Ranch dressing
(notice Sadie patiently waiting on the floor)

spray baking pan with non stick cooking spray and place 1 wonton wrapper in each cup


layer wrapper with chicken mixture
sprinkle with cheese and repeat with another layer bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes


allow to cool and enjoy
these scrumptious little cups are a nice alternative if you're counting calories

If you want other delicious wonton cupcake recipes click here!!

Thanks so much for stopping by I'll see you here again at Decor & Harmony!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Yummy Coffee Cake - Pinterest

Howdy Peeps! Boy do I have a treat for you today I found this very delicious sour cream coffee cake recipe on Pinterest.

This cake is moist and so full of flavor it truly is worth every calorie.




Click here for this very easy recipe! Thanks for stopping by I'll see you back here soon!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Hip Hip Hooray The Kitchen Is Done

Hello Readers,
Thanks for coming by well it's finally reveal day! It was about five weeks ago when this "process" started and guess what? We are still married and speaking see folks it's possible for a husband and wife to work together so go ahead and give it a try.

Now let's get to it! Here is the before one last time!

drum-roll please...................





the counter-tops are holding up very well if you missed the post click here to read more
Abby our project manager did a fantastic job of keeping us on task, if you need an adorable and reliable project manager she is for hire :)
another great thing about this project is the cost!

  1. Benjamin Moore Advance paint $48.00
  2. Rustoleum Hammered Spray paint $5.97 at Walmart (painted the old hardware)
  3. Foam rollers and paint tray $9.00
  4. Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint for counter-tops  $34.95
  5. Minwax Wipe-On Poly used to seal countertops $7.99
  6. Elbow grease and patience (free)
Not bad for $105.91!
We had all the other supplies
Up next is my beadboard wallpaper project I'm excited and a little nervous but it's really going to make a huge difference. 
Have a great weekend I hope it's warm where you are, thanks for visiting Decor & Harmony.


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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Decorating Bookcases

Hello Readers,

As usual when one project is almost finished I've already moved onto the next one. I'm sure you can relate right? What I want to do next is switch up the accessories in our built in bookcases which are in the family room. This should be pretty easy to do I just need to find some inspiration. This room has really evolved for the better....let's take a look back shall we.

Holy smokes this is horrible and to think 
I thought I had it going on!!!


the picture is a little blurry but this how I have the bookcases decorated, I have found some great ideas on Houzz


If  you are looking for inspiration check out the website. This website had 4,614 photos of bookcases just so you have an idea of how massive the website is.
Thanks for coming by. 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Kitchen Cabinets and To Do List

Hello Readers,

When will it end!!! The kitchen is coming along but and I do mean BUT it's a lot of tedious work it's going to look fabulous when it's completely finished. My to do list just keeps getting longer within the next week or so I will have to paint the molding around the base of the cabinets, my knees are starting to ache just thinking about the kneeling and getting up and down but it's part of the process.

Now here is why my list is growing look at what I discovered on Pinterest! Beadboard wallpaper who knew!! Oh how this excites me. Look at what you can do with this ......
Beadboard Wallpaper

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I know it's wallpaper doesn't it look fabulous!
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I know, I know but this must be done this will look so great on the base cabinets don't you agree?

So anyway this is how far we have come........only 8 doors, 8 handles and 16 hinges need to be put up but whose counting!!




Wouldn't this look so much better with beadboard wallpaper?
 Ah yeah!!!
Thanks for coming by!