Painting a Focal Wall

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day :
Roll in W pattern to avoid Roller Marks


Art-room Silkscreen Zone

 Painting A Focal Wall

We have a room in our house that is dedicated strictly to creating. We call it the Art-room. Our Art-room is broken down into zones such as Painting, Sewing, Jewelry etc.. The room is all white with Birch wood desk. I was thinking of having a blank slate when we first painted the room. We just got a Silk Screening machine so I wanted  to create a Focal wall where we will do our Silk Screening. 

 

Martha Stewart Paint

  I found this Martha Stewart Paint at the Home Depot. It is a latte/ cappuccino color latex, interior, eggshell paint. This paint is great. It is thicker than most paints which makes it 1 coat. No primer was necessary. The idea is to give a wall with a darker color but still a neutral. I want to be able to see the designs and Silk Screening projects up against the wall. This will allow me to see it as if it were framed. Better than another white wall.

Cutting in Outlets

First I made sure wall was clean of dust and that I patched any holes. Once that was done I taped off the section of the room I was painting and laid down newspaper to avoid a mess. I recommend turning up the music and letting it flow. You will be finished before you know it.

cutting in ceiling

The first thing to paint are the edges of the room, around any windows or electrical outlets. Make sure to remove the covers from your electrical outlets so they don't get paint on them. This will give a professional look.

Roll in W pattern

Make sure that your roller is completely saturated with paint before painting. Start rolling on the paint in a W pattern so that you will not get any roller marks.
 TIME - 3-4 hours
COST - $40 including supplies
Level of Difficulty - 2 on a scale of 1-5




  This was a Fun project and got us set in the right direction to create even more. Just because you have an Art-Room doesn't mean it has to be messy and disorganized. Create Zones and have Fun yourself.
Til Later,
YourGayHusband

Braised Pork with Texas Caviar

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day:
Try a Recipe from your local News Paper

Pork Tenderloin w/
TX Caviar and Mash Potatoes
The other night we went over to our friends house for dinner. This is the same friends who gets recipes from the News Paper and tries them out on us. They are always really good. He is also responsible for the Southern Blueberry Crunch recipe. Having homemade dinner with friends is one of my favorite things to do.

Here is how to make it ...







2 slices bacon cut 1/2"pieces
2 pork tenderloins
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 onions sliced thin
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup canned chicken broth
1tsp wine vinegar
3 cloves
2 bay leaves
1 sprig fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp dry


In a large, deep frying pan or dutch oven, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon. Season the pork loin with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to moderately high [THIS IS CRITICAL TO GET SUFFICIENT BROWNING]. Put the pork in the pan and brown all sides, turning, about 8 minutes in all. Remove. Reduce the heat to moderate and add the oil to the pan. Add the onions , apple and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the broth, vinegar, cloves, bay leaves, rosemary and the pork with any accumulated juices. Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer, turning the meat once, until the pork is done, about 10 minutes.

Remove the meat from the , transfer to a carving board, and leave to rest in a warm spot for 5 minutes. Simmer sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove the bay leave, rosemary sprig and cloves. Cut the meat into thin slices and serve topped with sauce.

Make 6 servings.

Texas Caviar
2 - 15oz cans black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
1 - 15oz can black beans drained and rinsed
1 - 11oz can of corn
1 large red onion chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 red bell pepper chopper
1 Jalapeno pepper finely chopped [optional]
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime
Cumin Vinaigrette [recipe follows]


Mix all ingredients and let marinade in the fridge for several hours. Overnight is OK.

Cumin Vinaigrette: Combine 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1Tbsp Dijon mustard,1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt. Whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil.


This entire meal was great. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Thanks Greg !
Til Later,
YourGayHusband

Happy Hour with YourGayHusband

YourGayHusband Drink of the Day:
Champagne Cocktails of Course

His and Hers Oscar Cocktails
Here are a couple of CHAMPAGNE Cocktails for the Oscars. I will let you decide which drink is His and which drinks is Hers, we don't judge here.
It is time to celebrate and Gossip. Print your own BALLOT here. How Fun !

Black Velvet

4 part Champagne

4 parts Guinness

Pour Guinness into a large glass and carefully fill with Champagne.

Head-Over-Heels
4-5 cubes of ice
juice of 1 lime
3 parts vodka
sugar cube
3 drops Angostura bitters
Champagne, to top up

Put the ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour the lime juice and vodka over the ice and shake until a frost forms. Drop a sugar cube into a glass and shake the bitters over it. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass and top up with Champagne.











Don't forget to print your BALLOT. You can make a drinking game out of it.
Bottoms Up !
YourGayHusband

Happy Hour with YourGayHusband

YourGayHusband Drink of the Day:
Kioki Coffee

Kioki Coffee recipe

1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur

1/2 oz brandy

coffee - use your favorite blend

You can use flavored or decaf coffee as well.

I like mine with a shot of espresso.

Stir, and add whipped cream to the top.

This should keep you nice and warm.

Bottoms Up !

Til Later,

YourGayHusband

Fashion Friday - Celebrity Fashions

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day:
Dress up and have a Party
Oscars 2011
Buckle up girls its going to be a bumpy ride….The Oscars are right around the corner ….What will the stars be wearing?
This is the time when designers are hoping that the dress they sent the celebrity will be the “one of choice” to be worn on the red carpet. I think of the anxiety and anticipation pumping through their veins. The stylist have been frantically working hours upon hours, the moment is now….this Sunday







The Oscars will again unveil a fashion show to remember .With such beauties as Natalie Portman, Annette Bening, Nicloe Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Williams, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Helena Bonham Carter, and Hailee Steinfeld .This truly is a roll call for a lineup at the biggest fashion extravaganza of the year.

















What will be shall be ,take no prisoners, take foot on the red carpet and set fire to all fashion expectations…This year I’m looking for the “wow Factor”. Back in the golden days of Hollywood ,starlets created the word glamour, from their striking pose to the flawless face, the gowns and jewelry would make any admirer wanting to see more.




This Sunday will be another opportunity for the starlets to shine. Be who they are or are not depending on the stylist and their personal decision to wear what they wear.
All I have to say is If your going to wear it …own it!.






Last weeks POLL results...
Was Lady Gaga's Egg entrance at the Grammys a hit or mis.
Hit with 76%
Mis 23%
Til next Friday,
YourGayHusbands Husband

Happy Hour with YourGayHusband

YourGayHusband Drink of the Day:
Ruby Rita
ready to get "Rita"
This is a great drink at the end of a long day. I Hope it does the trick.
1 part pink grapefruit juice
fine sea salt
ice cubes
1 1/2 parts gold Tequila
3/4 part Cointreau
pink grapefruit wedge, to decorate









Frost the rim of an old fashioned glass by moistening it with some of the pink grapefruit juice and pressing it into the salt. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour the tequila. Cointreau, and the remaining pink grapefruit juice into a cocktail shaker, fill it with more ice and shake vigorously. Strain into the prepared glass and decorate with a pink grapefruit wedge.
Enjoy your Happy Hour or in some case hours...
Til Later,
YourGayHusband

Southern Blueberry Crunch Dessert

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day:
Save room for DESSERT


Blueberry Crunch
We have some great friends that live one block up from us. Greg loves to cook. He cracks me up...he finds his recipes from the newspaper and try's them out on us. The picture does not do the Blueberry Crunch justice. It is sweet and yummy.







COST - $4
TIME -10 mins not including cook time
Level of Difficulty-1 on a scale of 1-5
An easy blueberry crunch with pineapple, blueberries, and cake mix.
Ingredients:
1 can crushed pineapple, 20 ounces, do not drain
3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
3/4 cup sugar
1 package yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup pecans, chopped
Preparation:
Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Put pineapple, blueberries in pan; sprinkle with 3/4 cup sugar. Pour dry cake mix over blueberry mixture then drizzle melted butter over the dry mix. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar and chopped pecans. Do not stir. Bake at 350° about 45 minutes. It is best with Vanilla ice cream and served when it is still warm.
Dig in and enjoy, I know we did.
Til Later,
YourGayHusband

Weekly Grocery Bargains

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day:
Use your savings for Vacation fund


Make a List and Check it twice.
There really is a lot of money to save if you just take a few minutes per week to make your shopping list by store. BUY ONLY IF IT IS ON SALE ! without exception and you will save. I have provided additional links for those of you who do not have these stores in your area.

Tom Thumb is promoting Simple Nutrition. Look for their green tags. They will say Gluten Free, Organic or Sodium Smart. Eating Right, uniting flavor and nutrition.

boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.99lb
Atlantic salmon fillets - $6.99lb
boneless beef TX style ribs - $2.49lb [freeze]
broccoli crowns - .99lb
strawberries - buy 1 get 1 free $3.99lb for 2


February is Sunflowers Healthy MONTH. If you have a store in your area you really need to go. Serious Food - Silly Prices





boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.99lb
Rio red grapefruit - 6 for $1 [wow]
fresh express salad blends - .99 a bag
broccoli crowns - .99lb
peeled carrots - .99lb
Fuji apples - .99lb


...where Creativity Happens. They are having their national craft month...which means BIG savings. Take the trip to Michaels today!

60% off custom framing til 03/05/2011 [great deal]
50% off baskets [over 100 styles]
40% off most frames
40% off on most scrapbooking supplies


Low Prices plus More... remember that you need a card for your savings at Kroger. Overall biggest savings this week.


chuck roast - $1.99lb
large eggs - 10 for $10
jumbo avocado - 4 for $5
chicken of the sea tuna - .55ea
split chicken breasts - .99lb
healthy choice entree - 5 for $10 [freeze]
pork spare ribs - $1.99lb


Fiesta is in the middle of their Meat Month. Here are some great deals you really need to get before the end of the month. Meat will freeze and save you lots of money.




T-bone steaks - $2.99lb [amazing price]
Tyson's whole chicken - .67lb [freeze]
pork spare ribs - $1.19lb [freeze]
beef brisket - $1.79lb Thurs and Fri only

Adli has honest to goodness savings. This is a NO frills kind of place. The cashiers sit, bring your own bag, bag yourself and bring a quarter to get a shopping cart. You get it back when you return the cart. They say this is why their prices can be so low. The stores are very clean and signed well.




milk - .99ea
little salad bar salad mix - .99 per bag
whole mushrooms - .69 per 8oz package
priano tiramisu - $4.99 14oz [mmmmm]
priano pizzelle cookies - $2.69 7oz [I grew up with these mmm]
priano tortelloni - $2.19 8.8oz


Albertsons is the WINNER for best one stop shop this week. They are having a 4 Day Sale. The best deals are Feb 22nd - march 1st.





lemons - 5 for .88 [ great deal and perfect for cooking]
navel oranges - 10 for .88
pink lady apples - .88lb
mango's - .88ea
medium avocados - .88ea
large eggs - .88dz
asparagus - $2.88lb
watermelon bowls - $1.88ea 20oz
4 Day Sale Items ...
Pollock fish fillets - $1.99lb
Atlantic salmon 5oz portions - $3.99 [great deal and can be frozen]
snow crab legs - $6.99lb
cod fillets - $5.99lb
boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.29lb [ great deal freeze]
31/40 count shrimp - $3.99lb
strawberries - $1.88ea 6oz
They are also offering a $5 off any family pack of Beef or Pork. Get Coupon here.

Here are the links for a store near you. I hope they help you get the best deals in your regional area. Just click and SAVE.

Jewel, Raleys, Ralphs, Vons, Safeway,Smiths

Let me know if there is store in your area that is not mentioned.

Happy shopping and Saving.

Til Later,

YourGayHusband

Black to White Frame DIY

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day:
RePurpose, ReUse, ReNew

"New Frame"
I found this frame on the side of the road that someone was tossing out. I am always on the look out for frames of all sizes. We have so much original Art that it is hard to keep up with the framing.
I needed a White frame for my Bathroom. Even though this was black, it was no problem that some paint, sand paper and Windex couldn't fix.













The first thing I did was clean the dirt off the frame and inspected it for any flaws or scratches. I used 120 grit sand paper and lightly sanded the entire frame. This will make a slightly rough surface which is perfect for the paint to adhere to.

I used Primer and Appliance Epoxy spray paint by Rust-oleum.

I love their products. The appliance paint touts that is is good for wet areas so I thought it would be prefect for the bathroom. The paint as well as the sand paper can be found at Home Depot. Paint in a well ventilated area and use a mask and goggles for Safety.

After sanding I applied 1 coat of primer and let it dry. I chose a grey primer. This would make it interchangeable for other projects. Once dry I applied 2 coats of white appliance paint. Follow directions for dry times between coats. I used less than 1/2 a can of paint. Excellent! I have more for another frame without extra cost. I added a piece of original art that MyGayHusband made.

This was a FUN project.

TIME - 1 hour excluding dry time

COST - $10 and I have extra !

Level of Difficulty 1 - on a scale of 1-5

Just like in life...

re-New, re-Use and re-Purpose

Happy Crafting !

Til Later,

YourGayHusband

Happy Hour with YourGayHusband

YourGayHusband Drink of the Day:
Harvey Wallbanger

Harvey Wallbanger

The Harvey Wallbanger is reported to have been invented in 1952 by three-time world champion mixologist Donato 'Duke' Antone (Paolantonio), the brother-in-law of New York state Senator Carlo Lanzillotti.

ice cubes

1 part vodka

3 parts orange juice

1 tsp Galliano

orange slices to decorate

Put some ice cubes into a cocktail shaker and pour vodka and orange juice over the ice. Shake well for about 10 seconds, then strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Float the Galliano on top. Decorate with orange slices.

Bottoms up !

Til Later,

YourGayHusband

Happy Hour with YourGayHusband

YourGayHusband Drink of the Day:
Peggy's Margarita

Peggy, this one is for you.

1 Lime

Rock Salt

Ice Cubes

2 parts Tequila [your favorite brand]

1 part lime juice

1 part Triple Sec

1 Lime slice to decorate

Frost the rim of a Margarita glass by moistening it with a Lime wedge, then pressing it into the salt. Put some ice cubes into a cocktail shaker with the Tequila, Lime Juice, and Triple Sec. Shake well. Strain into prepared glass. Decorate with Lime slice.

To kick it up... add a shot of tequila on top after pouring into glass. Like Oprah says... make the first one count.

The perfect snack is Chips and Guacamole. Click here for Easy Guacamole recipe.

I hope this does the trick.

Til later,

YourGayHusband

New Neighbor and Cupcakes

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day:

Take the first step...

NEW Neighbor and Cup Cakes

I don't know how it was when you were growing up, but for me it was an entire neighborhood that was involved. I could even get in trouble by other parents. Our families were at times intertwined. Times were different then. What I do to keep the neighborly feeling alive and perhaps make new friends along the way, is what anyone else would do...woo them with sugar filled food. In this case Yellow Butter cake with Milk Chocolate Frosting by Pillsbury.

We just had the house next to us rented. I heard they were empty nesters that wanted to downsize and live at the Lake. I baked them 1 dozen mini Cupcakes with a card from a local artist welcoming them to the neighborhood. I met the family and really enjoyed them.

I still had some extra cupcakes so I decided to bring some up to a family with an 8 year old son who loves them. That's when I was inspired to use sprinkles. Isn't it amazing how a simple act of

thoughtfulness can impact someones day and perhaps a give you back smile.

Take the first step...it is worth it.

Til Later,

YourGayHusband

Famous Beer Can Chicken

YourGayHusband Tip of the Day:
Keep it Moist...cook with BEER
Famous BEER Can Chicken
I don't know about you but I love a Roasted Chicken. I have been making beer can chicken fo years. You can either bake it in the Oven or cook it on the BBQ. This is a fool proof recipe. I made it with root veggies, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots and Celery.








TIME - 20 min prep and 45 min cook
Level of Difficuly - 2 on a scale of 1-5
COST - $4 including beer
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Here is what you will need to serve 4.
1 Chicken
4-6 Carrots,Potatoes
4-6 Celery stocks
1 onion quartered
seasoning of choice or salt and pepper
3/4 can of Beer

With a rinsed and completely dried off chicken, drizzle with 1tbsp oil and set Chicken onto Beer can and season liberally with your favorite seasoning.

Cut your veggies. I recommend cutting them the same size to help with cook time. Using a 9"x13" pan Drizzle with 1 Tbsp oil and season to taste. Put the veggies at the base of the chicken and put

into a Hot 425 degree oven for 45 min or until internal tempature is reading 165 degrees.

Once the chicken is done, remove from oven and tent with foil for 10 minutes before cutting. This will alllow the juices to redistribute and make a PERFECTLY moist bird.
This is a great item for a small dinner party of something to warm up with on a cold night. The left over will make a great salad for lunch the next day.

Happy Cooking and Eating.

Til Later,

YourGayHusband

Fashion Friday...Music and Fashion

YourGayHusband Fashion Tip of the Day:
Fashion Inspires Music...find your Muse

Music and Fashion
As I watched the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards at the staple center in Los Angeles on Sunday, it made me think back when I was 20 something and the creative thought processes I would go through to find and/or create the "look" for an event. We were all our own Fashion Stylists.





Music has always been a huge part of my life. I looked to musicians and performers like Michael Jackson or Prince for creative inspiration. Today music artists continue to inspire us from their haircuts like Justin Bieber, Adam Lambert or even Nicki Minaj or the over the top costumes of Lady GaGa.
Fashion and personal style has become increasingly important to the Music industry. There is a huge demand for personal stylists. This has become a popular and lucrative profession just to create a unique look for someone in need.


Fashion is all about creating a "look" for a specific need. Music has become such an important part of every ones life.

We are so connected to the world, Inspiration is right at our fingertips. We need music to get us through the day, from the alarm clock waking us up, our IPods at the Gym, and the background music at my favorite retailer.
In my life Music and Fashion are a must, I couldn't imagine a place without them.







Now that I am in my 40's, I no longer wear my hair like Michael Jackson, I don't dress like Prince but I do FIND INSPIRATION IN MUSIC. Music generates intrest in our youth "Pop Culture" producing NEW trends that have been Inspired from "looks" of the past.









Not All Fashions were an inspiration at the Grammys this year. I was disappointed with Kim Kardashian...she looked like Snookie and I must say Snookie looked better than ever...even better than KK.
Jennifer Lopez got my VOTE for BEST Red Carpet "LOOK".






The results for last weeks Poll: What is your Favorite Spring Color...The winner is Coral with 66% of the votes, Yellow with 16%, Blue and Green with 8%.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Grammy's as much as I did.
Til next Friday,
YourGayHusbands Husband