Building a Decorative Wood Ladder

Downstairs we have a small bathroom with a stall shower. There is a towel bar along the wall near where you stand for the sink. I can't tell you how many times I have whacked my elbow on the towel bar. It had to come down. But what to put in its place? I also wanted something that would give me room to display a few things, but still be out of the way since the room is a bit small. A ladder was the perfect solution.

It was easy to make too! Here’s how…

First, I bought 2 - 2″ x 2″ x 6 and 2 - 1" x 2" x 6' pine boards from Home Depot (I only ended up using 1 - 1" x 2" x 6" board). The pine has a rougher finish, which is what I was looking for. I didn’t want the ladder to look brand new. I love the grain and dents in the wood.

I cut the 1 x 2 down into 17″ wide rungs.

I did not cut the 2 x 2's as I wanted the ladder 6 feet tall.

I stained all the pieces first with Miniwax Wood Finish in Dark Walnut 2716. 

And let dry overnight.

Now it was time to assemble.
I put my first rung at 36" and using my square and the nail gun secured the first rung in place.
Using a blog of wood that was 10" I spaced out the other rungs. Using the block of wood and square as a guide I continued spacing and nailing each rung into place.

There you have it, a cute ladder for a small bathroom! 

And it’s perfect to hang things off of…Like an extra towel…

Have a terrific day!

 

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Something Yummy for the Tummy

Hi There! 
I have one of my Hubby's favorite recipes for you. Sausage & Peppers. 
I made him up a batch this weekend and he was in heaven.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage links
4 bell peppers, sliced (I used 2 red and 2 green)
1 large sweet onion, sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 8oz can tomato sauce

Directions:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until brown on both sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and drain.

Keeping the pan over medium heat, add the peppers, onions, salt, pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add the parsley and garlic and cook 2 more minutes.

Add the tomato sauce and stir. Cut the sausages into 6 pieces each, about 1-inch cubes. Add the sausage back to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes.
 

Serve in bowls or, my Hubby's favorite way, as a sandwich. Split the roll in half lengthwise, I hollow out the bread from the top side of the roll, being careful not to puncture the crust. Fill the roll with sausage and peppers and top with shredded mozzarella. Pop it in the oven to toast and get the cheese all bubbly. Serve immediately.

                    Enjoy!

Friday's Fancy

Wait to you see what these will become.

Do you have any idea?

Time to break out the power tools!

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Front Porch Musings

Hey There!

I must admit I have a love for front porches. 

There is something about a front porch that says "welcome, come sit awhile and chat." 

I guess my love for porches goes back to my childhood. My grandma and grandpa had a front porch, which was screened in. It was a favorite spot in the whole house. As kids we would play board games out on the porch and sometimes if we were lucky during the holidays the "kids table" would be on the front porch. Oh that was living, we felt like kings. 

Sunday dinners were usually at grandma and grandpa's and after the meal we would make our way to the front porch. It was a place where you could just sit and watch the world go by. A place where life slowed down and you could appreciate your time together. Conversations just happened and an occasionally neighbor might stop by to chat. Back when I was a kid there wasn't all these handheld electronics, you visited, you spent quality time with each other. My best memories are sitting around on that front porch listening to my grandparents tell stories of the old days. Of how they met, their courtship, and what life was like back then. I wouldn't trade those times for a million dollars, they helped instill in me family love and values that have made me the person I am today.

I guess that is why the front porch holds such a special place in my heart, so many warm and happy memories. One day I hope when my Hubby And I buy our forever home it is Blessed with a Front Porch. Until then, I can remember and I can dream of the times spent on a front porch. 

Here are a few porches that make me sigh...

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 This is a back porch, but it is magnificent

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 Can you just see yourself sitting on one of these porches drinking some sweet tea?
I sure can!