Wall Gallery - Coming to life

My wall gallery is a major project, I thought it would be fun to create something to accent my blank wall going up the staircase. 

 I was always hopeful I would have enough blank walls in my home to have some of the numerous family pictures and other prints I love displayed. I was not sure how to approach my gallery if I could get the pictures on the wall to look not only inviting but like home without looking cluttered thrown together.

I started playing around with sheets of paper as a guide for where things may look appropriate. I put the sheet at the top as a gauge for the highest I would go in terms of comfortable reach on the wall. I worked below that sheet and as far to the right as possible, my goal was to make the gallery go down the staircase.

I unpacked one of my favorite photo's of each of my girls when they were small. I have so many pictures of them I could never have enough blank wall space to display them without my home turning into a huge gallery. 

I even unpacked this blast from the past photo, I have to get a frame for this one for sure, here are my two siblings, my oldest daughter and I in December 1998. While my siblings both wish I would get rid of this picture, I am glad I have it. Having a wall to put photos on is actually turning into a wonderful memory lane for me as well.

Here is the gallery as of today:

I included this print that was a free download from Toya over at thescottscrib.com

I was able to print the download at my local Office Max and because I waited in line patiently without complaining, the clerk didn't charge me for the print! I guess being nice does pay off!

I have tons more to add to the gallery, including my favorite photo of my oldest girl when she was 6 months old, it was all ready to go on the wall until my husband let my son play with the frame and he broke the glass. My son is fine, which is the most important thing. 


This is the view of the gallery coming right out of my son's room, I love it - and the baby always points at the picture of himself and his sister.


I will update you all as I go along, have a great day!

Fried Eggplant

I saw a recipe on Brandi from Don't Disturb This Groove's blog for fried eggplant and thought,

I simply must try these... I was not disappointed, and neither was my 10 month old he ate two slices!

 I will be making these again tonight for meatless Thursday

If you enjoy eggplant and want a simple snack, give these a try!

Ingredients
1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Canola oil for frying

Marinara sauce, optional

Directions
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in a separate bowl combine flour, salt and pepper.  Dredge each piece of eggplant in the flour, coating thoroughly and then shaking to remove any excess flour.  Fry eggplant for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain.  Serve with marinara sauce, if desired.

In Memory of Nana

July has been zooming by, the heat is in full swing and the children are having a blast.

Celebrating the 4th of July was a bittersweet day for me, my beloved Nana and I shared our last 4th together last year and I felt just like a little girl again. We talked all day and laughed - something I will always cherish. In my heart, I knew her time on earth was coming to a close. I prayed and asked God to let her see the baby, he was coming in just a few short weeks, she was so excited about him. At the same time, I knew she was suffering and I prayed for her relief from her health problems. 

God truly does answer prayers, my Nana  and I shared one last conversation before I went home to sleep late in the evening on the 4th of July, I thanked her for everything she had ever done for me. I am so glad those were the last things I said to her because I never got the chance to look in her eyes again, she passed away early the next morning.

(I stumbled across this old picture of my Nana, she was not one for pictures so I am so pleased to have this! she looks exactly as I remember her when I was a little girl. I am going to have someone sketch this for a wall hanging)

When my Nana was here, she loved for me to bake little treats and snacks for her. Two of her favorite things were lemons and puddings, I became quite skilled in cheesecakes she liked as well so this post is for you Nana! 

 Twix Trifle via

Lemon Cheesecake Mini's topped with Raspberries, Nana loved a little fresh fruit.

adapted via

I know my Nana would have loved these treats! My son even gave her a treat of his own-We went to visit her at the cemetery on July 5th, my little guy had been walking and falling down for a couple weeks, but for whatever reason the 5th was his day... he walked around all by himself right near her final resting place and NEVER fell down. I could not believe it! 

Have a great week everyone!