Show Your Colors!

Feeling patriotic? How about some red, white and blue to celebrate the Fourth of July?









Earrings from ArtworkbyKD
Quilt from SewnNatural
Bunting from Springchick

A Communion With Old Friends!

I've been a little neglectful of my blog lately. Summer days go by so fast and I am spending a lot of time on outdoor projects.

I've also been busy preparing to attend a weekend get-together for some old school friends. A couple of my classmates planned a wonderful two-day event in Memphis for all of our graduating class who could attend. I went to a small Catholic school and pretty much grew up with this group of about 50 friends, so it was so much fun to be together again, like one big family!

Here we are (just the girls) on our First Communion Day!

Have you ever seen a more ragtag bunch of angels?

I had so much fun catching up on the lives and times of these old friends. It was as if no time had passed since I had last seen them. But, after all, does anyone know you better than the girl who stands next to you in a scratchy dress and too-tight Mary Jane shoes, with a veil covering pin-curled hair that just won't stay curled no matter how much AquaNet your mother sprays on it? I think not.

P.S. Take a guess which one is me!

A Pretty Place to Call Home!

I have been shopping around for some things for my daughter, who will soon be moving into her first apartment. We have somewhat different tastes in decor, but I am starting to really like some of the styles she favors. She likes ornate details and fairly neutral, understated colors. A little French style, a little shabby chic, and just a touch of Hollywood opulence all seem to be a part of her favorite "look". I think some of these accessories and furnishings would work nicely with the things we have found for her so far!

These suitcases are from Chloes Chic Boutique. Both pretty and functional, they could be used for storage of extra bed linens or out of season clothing!


This mirror has nice detail and is a great size! I found it at Paris Couture Antiques. It looks so pretty with the sconces, hung over this fireplace, but it would work in a bedroom or dining area as well.


No French decor is complete without a depiction of the Eiffel Tower! This poster print from All Posters adds a little romance and a pop of color to an old favorite image.


I love the buttery yellow of this faux bamboo chest from Paris Hotel Boutique! The tall, slim shape makes it perfect for a bedroom with limited floor space. And, the multiple drawers will hold all of a lady's essentials!


And for the "piece de resistance", a lovely crystal chandelier from Home of Decor will add the right touch of elegance and opulence to a dining space!


A first apartment will almost certainly not contain all of one's dream decor right off the bat, but we are searching the antique markets and resale shops for some look-alike styles that will make her new home all her own!

Patio Style!

I have been looking for interesting planters to use on my patio. I have already purchased some colorful annuals and I've been keeping them alive in their tiny pots, but they are ready to spread their roots in some bigger homes! Here are some great ones I found.

These colorful self-watering pail planters are available at Gardeners. I have a small fence where I think they would work perfectly!

If you're looking for something more contemporary, this square, steel planter with stud details fits the bill! You can find it at SimplyPlanters.

Target has these lovely blue planters. I love the colors and I think they look cool, peaceful and beachy!

This Smith and Hawken planter is also from Target. The steel and iron filigree has a burnished copper finish for great style indoors or out.

With my penchant for color, I adore these Talavera pots from Plowhearth! The colors are so brilliant, they really don't need flowers and will probably look best with just green plants in them as shown.

A Mix for Everything?

I've been interested in trying out making mixes to keep on hand for things we cook regularly. I researched some recipes and decided to give it a try this past weekend.

I made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie mix, enough for 4 or 5 big batches. I made Brownie mix, also enough for 5 batches of brownies. When we are ready to bake these, we will just need to add eggs and butter.

I also made a mixture that is meant to replace cream soup mixes in recipes. It has powdered milk and cornstarch as well as several herbs, dried onions and bouillion in it. I think this will be very convenient to have on hand. I made a potato soup mix that can be prepared one bowl at a time. Should be great for lunches!

And finally, I made a Toffee Coffee mixture that really is very tasty! I sat down with a hot cup after all my hard work!