building spencer

Farmhouse Inspired Door Mat

My front porch was needing a little face lift. We are still in move-in mode, and I’m taking decor one step at a time. I’ve had the same “Thankful” welcome mat on my front porch since my sister in law gave it to me as a hostess gift for her baby shower. My nephew will be one in three weeks…

I knew it was time to spruce up the front porch. It is the first thing you see when you enter our barn. I had originally bought this outdoor mat (black and white stripes) for our outdoor living area, but it never fit the space how I liked.

https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=buildingspenc-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B077FZL16W&asins=B077FZL16W&linkId=0ed60a46f626ee55692d15ddef61fbb3&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true

I decided to slide that mat over to the front door and it fit the space wonderfully! Now, I needed the perfect topper mat.

I was shopping in Hobby Lobby and came across this rug. It was $34.99, 50% off and had the perfect space to put our name on it. With the rug being on sale, it came out to $17.49.

When I got home, I put my Silhouette to work. I found a font that was classic and block style. I cut out a stencil using the vinyl. After placing the stencil on the mat, I used my hair dryer to help seal the vinyl to the mat. I then took some acrylic paint and sponged the paint on. I let the first coat dry and I lightly sprayed it with outdoor paint. After the paint dried I removed the vinyl stencil. Viola!

*The only thing that I purchased was the rug, I happened to have everything else in my craft closet. If I had needed to purchase the few other items that I used, I imagine they would have only cost a few dollars each.

18 Delectable Cheese Boards

My family loves a cheese board! My children prefer to have one after naps over any other snack. After my recent trip to Paris, I fell in love with cheese even more! I sometimes substitute a meal with a cheese board. I have collected some of the most beautiful cheese board from Pinterest. But first let me show you a few of my own!

For a girls’ night…

Or by the pool…

Or even for breakfast alongside some biscuits…

Here are some great cheese boards, if you are needing one for your beautiful array! (keep scrolling if you want to get to the cheese boards.

Magnetic Cheeseboard with Serving Utensils by Choosy Chef – Charcuterie Board. Includes a Guide to Best Wine & Cheese Pairings (10 Inch, Brushed Gold)

Now for the professionals…

Colorful Spring Cheese Board

close up of Colorful Spring Cheese Board with large assortment of meats cheese fruits and nuts with wine — The Forked Spoon

2. Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch Cheese Board

Big round Sunday Brunch Cheese Board with smoked salmon, boiled eggs, mini bagels, and more — Reluctant Entertaining

3. Classic Charcuterie Board

4. Autumn Cheese Board

5. The Ultimate Appetizer Board

The Ultimate Appetizer Board from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin) — What’s Gaby Cooking

6. Antipasto Board Table Runner

antipasto board filled with cheese, hummus, pickles, cured meat — A Fork’s Tale

7. Meat and Cheese Board

Meat and Cheese Board Tips | shewearsmanyhats.com — She Wears Many Hats

8. Holiday Cheese Board

Holiday Cheese Board - The most EPIC appetizer board ever! With an assortment of cheeses, figs, nuts, and pomegranate, this is the must-have holiday recipe! — Damn Delicious

9. Winter Harvest Cheese Board

10. Cheese Board

Cheese Board Making 101 - how to make a killer cheeseboard without breaking the bank! — Barefoot in the Kitchen

11. French Winter Cheese Board

Maple Sriracha Candied Bacon & a French Winter Cheeseboard — The Crumby Kitchen

12. The Best Cheese Board

The Best Cheese Board Pairings, Explained — Giadzy

13. Brunch Cheese Board

brunch cheese board - the best breakfast charcuterie board — Lovely Lucky LIfe

14. Winter White Cheese Board

15. Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board

16. The Ultimate Cheese Board

How to Make the Ultimate Cheese Board and which wines to pair it with! This appetizer recipe is easy to make and definitely a show stopper! | #ad #UndeniablyDairy — Joyful Healthy Eats

17. The Best Spring Cheese Board

18. William Sonoma Cheese Board

Hope you enjoy one(or two) of these cheese boards!

13 Irresistible Summer Pasta Salads

When you are wanting something a little bit more filling than a salad, a pasta salad is a great alternative. During the summer they are a great dish for dinner! You are not heating up your kitchen much and you can make most pasta salads ahead of time. I have compiled a list of 13 Irresistible Summer Pasta Salads, I hope that you have find one that you will enjoy!

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil - #recipe by #eatwell101 — Eat Well 101

2. Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad

This easy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad is always the most popular side dish at parties and potlucks! — Two Peas and Their Pod

3. Easy Bacon and Avocado Pasta Salad

bacon & avocado pasta salad in a serving bowl — Real Housemoms

4. Classic Pasta Salad

A spoonful of classic pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, olives, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. — The Toasty Kitchen

5. Cajun Pasta Salad

A large white bowl of freshly prepared Cajun Pasta Salad. — How to Feed a Loon

6. Basil Lemon Pasta Salad

7. Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad

8. Pasta Salad Alla Norma

9. Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad

10. BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

11. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Overhead shot of a white platter filled with Mexican street corn pasta salad garnished with fresh cilantro — Midwest Foodie Blog

12. Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish. This pasta salad is filled with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Tossed with an Italian oil dressing and topped with balsamic glaze. — Wonky Wonderful

13. Chicken Casear Pasta Salad

A top down view of a bowl containing the best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad — Just a Taste

Enjoy the (somewhat healthy) carb overload!

11 Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Island Pendants

Choosing a great light fixture for the middle of your kitchen can make or break your modern farmhouse style. You need to find a fixture that stays true to your style but is still functional. Below, I have found 11 options that will make your kitchen pop!

Delon 5 - Light Kitchen Island Linear Pendant: lighting

Freemont 5-Light Kitchen Island Linear Pendant: farmhouse lighting

Paulsen 3 - Light Kitchen Island Linear Pendant

Progress Lighting Pendant Lighting #P400097-143

Laurent 5 - Light Kitchen Island Linear Pendant

Prescott 8-Light Kitchen Island Linear Pendant

OVE Decors Pendant Lighting #15LPE-ELG332-PBL

10.

Laurent 4 - Light Lantern Rectangle Chandelier

11.

Hope this will help shine some light on your decision making!

21 Refreshing Summer Salads

Here in Texas, Summer is in full force! Just this week, our heat index was over 100 degrees. With the heat being high, there is nothing more refreshing than a salad. I have compiled some yummy and hearty salads that will even make the man in your life happy! You can use them as a starter, side or even a main dish!

Peach Caprese Salad with Balsamic Cherries – this is my absolute favorite, see it featured here

2. Blackberry Chicken Salad

Plate of Blackberry Chicken Salad — I am Homesteader

3. Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad

grilled peach chicken salad in a bowl — Joyful Healthy Eats

4. Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn on white plate with copper silverware and tea towel on white marble — Aberdeen’s Kitchen

5. Summer Vegetable Gnocchi Salad

This riff on pasta salad is best served warm while the gnocchi are nice and tender. Plus, the grilled veggies taste extra-good fresh off the fire in this easy gnocchi recipe. #summerrecipes #healthysummerrecipes #healthyrecipes — Eating Well

6. Grilled Pineapple Salad

Creamy Citrus Dressing + Seared Pineapple Salad - a light and refreshing summer salad with the most delicious citrus dressing! #vegan #whole30 #paleo #salad — The Wooden Skillet

7. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} #paleo #whole30 #keto Paleo dinners. Paleo salads. — Paleo Running Momma

8. Summer BLT Chopped Salad

9. Watermelon Feta Salad with Blueberries

Summer Watermelon Salad — Cooking for my Soul

10. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

holiday recipes, Thanksgiving salad, gluten free salad, gluten free dinner recipe — Julia’s Album

11. Cucumber Tomato Salad with Avocado

12. Mandrain Orange Salad

Mandarin Orange Salad - Delish.com — Delish

13. Berry Pecan Quinoa Salad with Homemade Berry Vinaigrette

14. Fresh Peach, Goat Cheese and Candied Walnut Salad

goat-cheese-peach-salad — Two Sisters Kitchens

15. Cucumber and Mango Salad

16. Chicken Chop Chop Salad with Creamy Mango Vinaigrette

Asian Chicken Chop Salad with Mango Dressing — Heather Christo

17. BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado

BLT pasta salad in glass bowl — Foodie Crush

18. Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado

avocado strawberry spinach salad in a bowl with red onion, feta, almonds and pistachios — Ambitious Kitchen

19. Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad - a salad packed full of vegetables that will become a go-to meal or dish in your kitchen from the moment you try it! This salad is very easy to make, light and refreshing in flavor, and can be made in minutes. The perfect low-calorie meal or side dish if you're looking for something simple and quick. #salad #shrimp #avocado #healthy | https://withpeanutbutterontop.com — With Peanut Butter on Top

20. Skinny Chicken and Avocado Caesar Salad

Salad Recipes: Get the recipe for this skinny chicken and avocado Caesar salad from Cafe Delites. — Cafe Delites

21. Pina Colada Chicken Salad with Pina Colada Vinaigrette

Not sure about you, but I can’t decide which one to try first!

10 Fourth of July Recipes

July 4th is just around the corner and it is time to start planning your menu! I’ve collaborated ten of the best recipes so that you can stun your guests!

The Ultimate Patriotic Cheeseboard

I can’t get enough of this chic cheeseboard. What an elegant way to start your party!

Memorial Day is right around the corner so kick off the summer with the Ultimate Patriotic Cheeseboard! Grab your favorite bottle of wine and share this festive appetizer with your friends and family this holiday! — Eat Yourself Skinny

2. Firecracker Hot Dogs

I love these! They are great for kids and adults, alike.

Firecracker Hot Dogs set — Kicking it with Kelly

3. 4th of July Fruit Salsa

Here is a great and festive appetizer.

4th of July Fruit Salsa for the perfect patriotic appetizer — Your Cup of Cake

4. Red White and Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

After just getting back from Paris, I can get my mind of these yummy treats!

Red, White, and Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons: so much fun for a barbecue! Loved the patriotic colors- definitely on my must-make list for Memorial Day or July 4th. — Baking a Moment

5. Baked Cheeseburger Sliders

Check out these cuties! A main dish that doesn’t require utensils and easy to serve.

6. Mini BBQ Chicken Tacos

Here’s another awesome main dish. A little bit of BBQ = a whole lot of TACOS!

How to Make Mini Tacos, Party Ready snacks! — Pizzazzerie

7. Cherry Pie Tartlets

I just love these little bite size desserts. No serving required! You could also try my Mini Blackberry and Lime Pies, for another option!

8. Brownie Flag

I love the Patriotism of this dessert and it would be fun for kids to decorate.

Flag Brownies make a patriotic dessert for the 4th of July. — Spicy Southern Kitchen

9. July 4th Layered Drinks

With it being the middle of July, you will need to provide your guests with some cool refreshments. Check out this kid friendly drink!

10. Southern Baked Beans

And you can’t have a July 4th meal with out Baked Beans! This recipe looks so yummy!

Best Ever Baked Beans Recipe — Dinner then Dessert

Hope these recipes give your taste buds fireworks!

10 Single Farmhouse Bathroom Vanities

Whether you are looking for a vanity for you master bather or secondary baths, the internet has many to choose from! I’ve compiled a list of ten gorgeous vanities that I hope you enjoy

1. Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse Vanity

This great vanity has a beautiful porcelain built in sink with walnut reclaimed wood base. If you are in hurry, you can get this beauty in two days!

2. Rustic Marble Vanity

If you are looking for a great sunken sink, this is your pick! It has a porcelain sunken sink surrounded by a Carrara marble counter on top of solid fir wood.

3. Barn Door Vanity

Trogdon Sliding Barn Door 36" Single Bathroom Vanity Set

If you are looking for a vanity that has a little extra storage, this a great one. It has a wonderful sliding barn-door to add to your Farmhouse theme.

4. Weathered Gray Vanity

Legion Furniture WLF7021-24 24" WEATHERED GRAY SINK VANITY, NO FAUCET

The weathered wood on this sink gives it a classic Farmhouse feel or even a French Country feel. This sink comes in a few sizes, making it a great option for any bathroom!

5. White Farmhouse Vanity

Castleford 36" Single Bathroom Vanity Set

If stained wood is not your thing, this beautiful white vanity is a great option!

6. Driftwood Bathroom Vanity

This driftwood and Carrara marble vanity is a beautiful selection. It has great storage and it is a little bit larger than the above selections.

7. Floating Wooden Vanity

Here is a floating rustic vanity, it would work great in a rustic or modern bathroom!

8. Modern Farmhouse Vanity

If you are looking for a vanity with a pop of color, this is a great pick!

9. Farmhouse Chic Vanity

Katniss 24.38" Single Bathroom Vanity Set

If you are looking for a chic addition to your bathroom, look no more!

10. French Gray Vanity

For a modern Farmhouse feel, I love this vanity!

Hope you found something that will fit in your bathroom perfectly!

Easy Monte Cristo Squares

I absolutely love brunch! With church being on Sunday morning, we hardly ever take time for brunch. Unless we do it on a Saturday, which is never! With us watching church from home during this social distancing time, we have got to enjoy brunch quite a few times in the last couple of weeks!

On Mother’s Day our church did a drive in service. It was awesome! We were able to see each other and wave, while listening to the service on a local radio station. And what better holiday to serve brunch but on Mother’s Day!

I served this beautiful peach salad:

That salad is a family favorite! It goes well with breakfast, lunch or dinner! When I was thinking what to serve alongside it, my mind kept wondering to Monte Cristo sandwiches. It is one of my favorites but I didn’t feel like frying them or standing over a stove on Mother’s Day! I came up with this quick dish that you can make the night before and it was a hit!

Easy Monte Cristo Squares

2 puff pastry sheets

1/2 pound thinly sliced ham

1/2 pound thinly sliced turkey

swiss cheese

powder sugar

raspberry chipotle sauce (optional)

strawberry preserves (optional)

Topping:

1 egg

2 tablespoons spicy mustard

1 tablespoon of mayonnaise

1/2 cup salted butter, melted

Directions:

Pull puff pastry out of freezer and allow to thaw for about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk together all ingredients for the topping.

Line a 9 X 13 with parchment paper. Roll out the first sheet of puff pastry to fit inside the pan. Lay in pan. Layer ham evenly, then Swiss cheese. Pour half of topping mixture on cheese and spread evenly. Layer the turkey on top. With the second puff pastry sheet, roll out to fit pan and lay on turkey. Gently crimp the edges of pastry so that the top and bottom are sealed. Pour remaining topping mixture and spread it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and increase oven to 425 degrees. Bake for 20 more minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, dust with powder sugar and cut in to squares. Serve plain or with raspberry chipotle sauce or strawberry preserves.

Enjoy!

Blackberry and Lime Mini Pies

You know that it is May in Texas when you start seeing wild Dewberries (blackberries) start turning from red to black on fence lines and in pastures. Those sweet, sometimes tart, berries are a fan favorite in our house! If any actual make it to the house!!

If our freshly picked harvest is not completely gone by the time we walk through the back door, we like to use them to make preserves, pancakes, cobblers or pies!

This past week, I noticed that my little girl was more than eager to get the gates while we were riding our side by side. When she got back on, I noticed the red stains on her mouth and her handful of berries for her and her brother. It was time to pick some berries!

We returned to the pasture the next day and picked a few handfuls. It was so warm outside that I knew that I wanted to create something that was light and refreshing. I knew I had key limes, mini pie shells and whipping cream on hand – so mini pies it was!

You could also use one pie shell for the filling that this recipe makes.

Blackberry and Lime Mini Pies

Filling:

1 cup blackberries or dewberries

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

Whipped Cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup of powdered sugar

zest of 5-6 Key Limes

8 Mini Pie Shells (already prepared or make your own)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a sauce pan, add blackberries, sugar and water. Heat on medium-low until mixture boil, mashing some of the berries with a spoon. Reduce heat to low, and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.

Fill 8 mini pie shells with the berry mixture. Bake for 15-20. Allow for them to cool on wire rack.

Whipped Topping:

Using a stand mixer and the whisk attachment, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and key lime zest until stiff peak form.

After each pie has cooled; using a decorating tip, top each pie with a portion of the whipped cream. Store in refridgerator.

Enjoy!

Garlic Knots

What happens with the extra pizza dough when you make the Pear and Bleu Cheese Tart? You make garlic knots!

I really didn’t want the extra dough to go to waste the other evening. We were having lasagna and I thought these would be a nice addition to our meal.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture before we dove in to them. But I did grab one of the last two left!

Garlic Knots

1/2 of pizza dough recipe

1 stick of salted butter, divided

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. While oven is preheating, put cast iron skillet with 1/2 stick butter in oven. Divide the dough in to twelve pieces. Take each piece and roll in to a 6-7 inch log. Then tie the log in to a knot. Throw a towel over them while you wait on the oven. Melt the other 1/2 stick of butter and add garlic and parsley. When oven is preheated, add rolls. Space them evenly. Brush on melted butter mixture. Pour any extra melted butter in to skillet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: