Hello.

Hello, friends (errr....friend?....anyone still there?).  I don't know about you, but with the first glimpse of spring I turn a mental corner.  Everything feels happy and hopeful.  I feel motivated.  I start making plans.  And picking up some spring blooms for inside always feels like it speeds the arrival of the new season. 

For the last two years forsythia branches have been my absolute favorite.  Trader Joe's always seems to have them and they look just like bare branches when you pick them up, but they evetually bloom those vibrant yellow flowers and then even start to sprout leaves.  It's just what I need to get me through the last few days of winter dreariness. 

Of course, some potted tulips never hurt the situation either!

With fresh motivation in hand I'm hoping to freshen things up around here, too, so stay tuned.  Not sure what that means just yet, but we'll see!

Favorite. Find. Ever.

Found this for $1 at an estate sale with my girlfriends a couple weeks ago. It was just lying in an empty garage with a dozen or so other books. I almost jumped for joy when I found it. After watching Julie and Julia, who wouldn't want a copy? It's a 1966 printing, and it a little worn, which makes it just about perfect. Nothing I love more than finding a treasure like this! We may or may not have been fearing for our lives as four young (we're still young right?), pretty girls in a house alone with an apparently drunk man and his dog, but I wasn't leaving without this book! Haha! {P.S. We did some major thrifting as well; separate post forthcoming on that...and how much I love Goodwill!}

Firehouse Recipes: Pork Medallions over Crusty Bread

My sister is a firefighter and most often cooks the meal for her shift.  She sent this one to me recently and it's too good and easy not to share!  Got some marinating in the fridge as we speak...

Happy weekend!


Ingredients:


2 yellow onions
1 stick of butter
1 1/2 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 cup water
1 cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons dry ground mustard
3 teaspoons garlic powder
pork tenderloin (she uses 2 1/2 lbs at the station - you can buy a 2-pack at Costco)
Crusty bread....or buns.

Directions:
Coarsely chop onions and saute in butter.  While onions and butter are in skillet turn heat off and add soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder. Place tenderloin(s) in a 9x13 glass dish and pour the warm marinade over the meat. let sit in fridge for 2 hours. When ready, place in oven at 375. bake for 35 min and then take dish out to cut pork into 1/2 in medallions. Place back into the oven for 10 minutes. Serve over crusty bread...... ENJOY!!!..

Kitchen Preview

Thanks to my amazing sister, my kitchen is now a lovely shade of Rainwater (by Sherwin Williams).  I know it's hard to see the color in these pictures, but I am loving the change!  It's definitely an adjustment, the kitchen was a nice, sunny (but not too bright) yellow previously, and it kept things nice and light.  This is definitley more muted, but a very soothing and welcomed change.

What happened to Sea Glass, you may ask?  Well, my sister, being the professional that she is (seriously, she has her own painting business - Simple Start, Inc.), picked up the chip (that I had picked out ONLINE, without seeing it in person), proceeded to call me and say something like, "Umm, you do not want this color."  Really?  It's one of Martha's top 12 favorite colors!  Too bright she thought, and she was right.  When she showed me the actual chip in person, I thanked her profusely for helping me avert another aqua-blue disaster (and my apologies to my friend Jamie, who graciously helped me paint that first infamous blue, and who has sworn she will never paint for me again.  :-)).

She actually chose this color instead, based on a description of what I wanted, and it was a winner!  She freshened up the trim (who am I kidding - it had never been painted, so "freshening" is a major understatement!), did all the set up, furniture moving and clean up, too. 

The problem now becomes that once I paint something, a snowball effect ensues and everything else surrounding becomes so much less appealing.  Hmmmm....patience, patience..for now I will enjoy my new blueish/greyish/greenish kitchen!

Kitchen Paint Color

I have a major itch to make some changes around here, starting with the walls.  I'm thinking of this color for my kitchen.  I really want to try an aqua-y blue, but my first attempt was disaster - too bright and didn't work with the other colors in the house. 

This is a Martha Stewart color called "Sea Glass."  What do you think?  Too green?  Too bold?  Just right?  Painting starts Monday, so fingers crossed!

Latte Bowl Cupcakes

Tonight I was making some cupcakes and had just enough batter left over to fill my mini latte bowls.  After realizing they don't really sit on an oven rack very well, I set them in a glass pie dish and then put them in the oven and baked them for the regular time.  Worked like a charm!  And so, so cute.  Now I need to buy some more latte bowls......

A little bit of happy.

So, there's an Anthropologie two blocks from my office.  Right.  It's not a good situation.  Anyhoo...I am normally not in the office on Fridays, but given the weather this week, I needed to go in and do some catching up.  And after being cooped up for several days, some fresh air was in order at lunch.  Can you guess where I ended up?  Right again.

I've seen the gorgeous latte bowls all around and would love to have a giant stack of those, but I picked up these mini-versions for the time being.  I fell in love with the color and thought they might be good snack bowls for my little ones.  Plus, they are a steal at $2.50.  When I was checking out, the lady told me people bake cupcakes in them?  How adorable would that be!?  But with all my googling skills, I can't find anything of the sort.  So, if you come across something or have used them for cupcakes yourself, please do share!  I guess it can't be that hard, right?  Put some batter in there and bake them?  I'll let you know how it goes.

And, on a whim, I picked up this bracelet.  It was on sale for $10, down from $40 or $50 or some crazy amount I would never pay for a bracelet.  But, it was Friday, I was feeling good, and..well....it came with a pretty bag.

Cute, right?  I don't have good wrists for bracelets, but ten bucks!

Bookmarks: Part I

I need something to get me motivated over here again, so I thought I'd share some things I've bookmarked recently (or not so recently) in hopes that I can get back in the saddle!

{Image via Isabella & Max Rooms}

My entryway is in SERIOUS need of updating.  It's currently a pale green (I know, right?) and I'm thinking of something in the grey family for wall color.  It was love at first sight when I saw this image on Isabella & Max last week.  LOVE the grey with the white trim, and that stencil!  I've seen Whitewall stencils here and there, but haven't quite worked up the nerve (or time...or energy) to try one.  But I think the entryway could be a good spot to make a statement.

She even has her tutorial here.  Now all I need is some spare time....and a little courage!

So many good books, so little time.....

Looking at this stack of books {which have been accumulating next to the couch for some time now} makes me want to hole up in this house for about a week and read / clean / organize / redecorate and otherwise get some stuff done around here! 

The new year is off and running, and I have a fresh dose of motivation.  Maybe this giant stack of books will help me.  If nothing else, they will be good reading.

Except that one on the bottom.  That's not mine.  No way.

Favorite Holiday Finds

So, I'm gonna go ahead and pretend it hasn't been several months since my last post (and that my sidebar doesn't still say "Loving Spring") and dive right in.

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite holdiay finds this year.  I must say, I'm feeling OK about this Christmas season.  Shopping wise, I'm a little ahead of where I usually am at this point (which is traditionally NOWHERE).  And I feel like I have a decent plan for everything else, along with a timeline for execution.  Note Exhibit A:



Now, the plan is not complete, and I've already switched today and tomorrow's plans because I didn't feel like cleaning tonight.  You'll see that I've also had some...uh...input from others in this house.  But that makes me feel even better about it.  Have to plan for fun and relaxation, too! (And somewhere on the list I should add, "touch up the white trim on the chalkboard door!")

OK, back to the favorites.  First up, love these red wire baskets I found at the dollar store.  I'm thinking of using them to assemble some hot cocoa gifts using this recipe and a couple of cute mugs, maybe some marshmallows.  I literally scooped up every last one at my local store.  A lady stopped me to ask where I found them.  I directed her to the back corner of the store with a gentle warning, "I have to tell you, I took a lot of them!"  I didn't have the heart to tell her I took them ALL.  And then I proceeded quickly to the checkout. 



And while we are on the topic of the dollar store, I also couldn't resist these cardboard star decorations.   Picked up three (and had to stop myself from picking up more).



We all know you can't give gifts without ribbon!  Found this red ribbon at....you guessed it....the dollar store (there's a theme here) and then found the black and white ribbon at Costco.  They (Costco) had tons of beautiful fabric ribbon in 50 yard spools for $6.99.  50 Yards! (They also had 400 sheet packs of tissue for less than $6; I picked up a pack of that, too, and am hoping to execute my vision this year of filling the house with these on Christmas morning.)





The dollar store isn't the only place where I can't stop myself.  The $1 Spot at Target elicits a similar bulk-buying response.  Found these take-out boxes I plan to use for goodies...particularly my sister-in-law's mother-in-law's carmels.  I think that perhaps robin's egg blue ribbon embellishment will be in order.




And I picked up some of these, thinking that they could be used for my kindergartner's classmates (but I need ideas for contents...any suggestions?).



Last, but certainly not least, my friend Joe delivers again.  Picked up these goodies tonight....giant gingerbread men to decorate ($3.99 each), sugar cookie kit with mix, cutters, icing and sugars ($3.99), delicious goodies I will bring to the office tomorrow in lieu of baking anything tonight, and a new green tea to try.







I hope you are enjoying your holiday season.  I'd love to hear about some of your favorite finds!  Do tell.

Hello!

I've been out of touch....again.  Life has been extra busy - a little one starting kindergarten, new puppy, visitors, work....all good things, but not a lot of extra time!  Hope you are all doing well.  I hope to be back soon!  :-)

{photo: me}

Before you throw those baby clothes away....

A few weeks ago, as we were heading to a restful weekend getaway in Michigan, I was reading the Fall 2010 Real Simple "Family" special edition.

I literally burst into tears after reading this excerpt from the Editors Note:

" A few years ago, I went to the high school graduation party of a girl who lived up the street.  The weather was cooperative, the food terrific, the parents proud and the teenagers appropriately polite.  It was a wonderful night.  But what I remember most was a sentimental gesture from the graduate's mom.  She had saved a selection of outfits from her daughter's childhood and hung them on a clothesline, in chronological order, along the deck.  Looking at the clothes, you could imagine her daughter growing: from the infant just home from the hospital to the college-bound almost-woman she had become.  I stared at the line of clothes and thought, Wow, how organized! And then, How beautiful."

My husband was looking at me like I was crazy.  I could barely even read it to him.  It just struck a nerve.  Maybe because my oldest started kindergarten this week and I know how quickly the years will pass.  Or maybe I was just overly emotional that day.

Whatever the reason, I know I will be taking careful consideration before getting rid of any of the boys' clothes.  :-)  I love the idea of keeping a special outfit from each stage of their life.  And what a beautiful way to use and display them.

Just thought I'd share!

Staycationing

We are "staycationing" this week.  Ticking things off our summer list, getting stuff done around the house and preparing for the first day of school tomorrow.  Who knows, maybe I'll even get a chance to catch up on some posts.

Hope you are enjoying these last lovely days of summer!

{photo: me}

Favorite Things: Part 5

You know how much I love lavender, and I fell in love with this scent at Bath & Body several years ago.  I know it says "Sleep," but I use the lotion any time of day, and I use the pillow mist as an air freshener in the house and on my furniture as well.  Seriously never get tired of it - it's such a soothing and pretty scent!

So glad...

...that I decided to plant those gladiolus bulbs this spring.  They are in full bloom and there are so many different colors and varieties.  They are the perfect flower for cutting and bringing inside - long lasting and so pretty!


Linking to: Pure Style Home "Pure Project #12"!

Favorite Things: Part 4

This spring I was on a huge green tea and honey kick.  Not as much lately with the warm weather, but I really love the iced green tea from Panera, so maybe I should just put it over ice?  I think I'll try that. 
So far this is my favorite variety, but I am no tea connoisseur by any means.  There's just something relaxing to me about tea (and coffee).  Really more of a state-of-mind thing most of the time - love curling up (or waking up....or working with...or running errands with...) a nice cup of something.  And if it's tea, it's good for you, right?  Gotta get those antioxidants!

Favorite Things: Part 3

I haven't bought (or received....hint, hint) a nice perfume in quite a few years.  I was looking for something inexpensive and light, and I came across this solid perfume while perusing L'Occitane a few months ago (translation: looking to spend a gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket!).

I've always had a thing for rose scents.  I think it dates back to a rose-y Victoria's Secret lotion my Grandma Mickie used to wear ("Her Magesty's Rose" I think?), and then my mom and I found Evelyn Rose at Crabtree and Evelyn which was very similar.

This is also very similar and was only $9.  Plus, it's easy to carry and comes in that sweet little tin!

I'm still in the market for an eau de toilette, though.....any suggestions?

Favorite Things: Part 2

This fave was actually a suggestion from the "what's your favorite beauty product" giveaway a while back. Camilla from High Heeled Foot in the Door recommended these minty lip glosses from C.O. Bigleow (via Bath & Body Works).

WARNING: they are a little bit addicting. Not only minty and fresh, but delicious. Ok, that's weird, but they do taste good! Ha! You won't be able to resist licking your lips. :-)

Time to head back to good ol' B&B, these three tubes are now empty and it's time for a refill. I love them all, but I must say that the Cinnamint (in the middle) was my most favorite.

Favorite Things: Part 1

A while back I had a notion to post about a bunch of my favorite things. I even took all the pics and uploaded them, but never quite got aroun to the posts. So, here goes! The first was a gift from a friend who was visiting, and I fell in love immediately. This Tocca candle (Grace scent) smells AMAZING and I love everything about it, including the beautiful box. I keep it on the piano in our foyer and light it whenever we have company. It's not too perfume-y; just a nice light scent. And the best part? The tiny little matchbook that comes with the candle and fits perfectly in the box. How cute is that?! Do you have any favorite candles? What a perfect hostess gift. Thank you, Allison!

Always makes me happy

Having fresh-cut flowers in the house always makes me happy. I thought I'd share these pictures from a couple of weeks ago when all my peonies were in bloom. They smelled soooo good, and I was so sad to see them go. I also love this idea from Pure Syle Home - anything green brings a little bit of the oudoors in and feels so refreshing and pretty. (Also LOVE her shed / playhouse idea.) And I was trying to get every last bit out of my annviersary roses. And seeing them in this jar reminds me I need to post about my big flea market adventure with my good friend Jamie. More to come!