End table makeover-lovin' this blue

I go through color crushes...red, green, gray...now aqua blue!  I've had a pair of these end tables in my garage for a year and this week was the week that they got some love.  They are not high quality furniture-just veneer, but they have nice lines and a delicate quality that I liked.

I have to say that I really love how this color blue turned out.  Its  Aqua Smoke from Home Depot.  While I was working with it outside, it seemed too light, but once I brought it inside, I just loved it!

First, a very light sanding on all but the table top (decided to leave it) and a good cleaning.  Next, 2 coats of Kilz primer.   I love how quickly it dries.  I used a foam brush for most of the job, but I brought out my 1/2" craft painting brush to get at the detail work on the spindles and door.

Two coats of the Aqua Smoke were just right.  Today I did two coats of water-based polyurethane in Satin (the paint was a sample, so it was flat-sheen, so I really needed the poly in order to give it the right look).

Now, what to do with this table's twin?  Do it up the same?  A different color?  I'll admit I bought these tables with the intention of turning them into mini play kitchens for nieces and nephews...but now I'm not so sure.  What do you think?

Grilled Veggies...ah, summer

I break out the grill several times a week during the summer, and veggies on the grill are one of my favorites. I love having zucchini, yellow squash, onion and mushrooms--but use whatever you've got.

After you've cut the veggies into similar size pieces, I like to toss them in a ziplock bag or bowl with some balsamic vinegar and oil (or just use Italian salad dressing) for 15 minutes while the grill is heating up.

I use a grill basket to keep things all contained (pick one up at TJ Maxx or Ross). I heat the grill up to med-high and keep the lid closed most of the time with occasional stirring.

It takes about 15 minutes to cook to my preferred doneness. Serve it up with whatever else you feel like.