Monday, June 29, 2015

TLB's KITCHEN REVEAL

IT'S FINALLY FINISHED......our sweet little vacation home has a brand new kitchen. I'm so excited! It's fresh and bright and crisp.....and a perfect choice that our family will enjoy for years to come!

Let's start at the beginning----


Friday, June 26, 2015

HEALTHY ISRAELI CHOPPED SALAD

Summer farmer's markets are full of fresh veggies and fruits. It's such a great time of year for fresh produce of all kinds. Today's blog is an easy, healthy salad....a great addition to any meal. 


Wednesday, June 24, 2015

DIY TWINE NAPKIN RING

I love unique napkin rings especially when I can make them! Today's DIY is a Twine Napkin Ring that is so easy even the kids can help!


I was getting ready to host a nautical themed party and was struggling what to use for my napkin ring. I've been seeing blogs that wrap votive cups, vases, etc. and then it hit me, why not use twine to make a napkin ring.

I used the following materials and process for this easy DIY......



My fingers did get a bit sticky from time to time, so after a quick wash, I was right back at the winding and pressing.

For my party I didn't require any decorative touches to top of the napkin ring, but I think they would be beautiful with a fresh flower, brooch or anything your imagination can conjure up.

I hope you enjoyed this easy DIY!

                                                        Have a wonderful day!

               Kathleen
                                                           







Monday, June 22, 2015

COME VISIT MY DAUGHTER'S BREAKFAST ROOM

It's breakfast time at my daughter's house! Come visit her Breakfast Room.......


Lovely colors and textures remind us of sandy beaches and sea water.



Eleven foot ceilings trimmed with crown molding. Warm golden maple table with wooden inlay, deep chocolate rattan chairs, and Cotton Canvas Scribble Lattice Curtains in Midnight Blue from West Elm....complete the room.



A little more texture in the form of a wicker urn dresses one of the corners.



The table is ready for company! Simple yet elegant.......THANKS FOR VISITING!

                                                      Have a simply elegant day!


               Kathleen
                                                  

Friday, June 19, 2015

ROASTED TOMATO TART

Some food preparation looks a bit scarier than it really is. I found this with Rachel Ray's Roasted Tomato Tart. After reading the recipe I realized that ready made pie crust is the base to create this very simple, healthy tart.



Wednesday, June 17, 2015

RECYCLE AND FROST WINE BOTTLES

I love browsing the pages and pages of PINTEREST ideas in search of inspiration. There were many posts I saw with crafters taking ordinary wine bottles and transforming them into vases, candle holders and many other beautiful objects. It's a great way to recycle those wine bottles from the last party!

I love adding interesting objects to my tablescapes so with that in mind I got busy.......

 

Monday, June 15, 2015

ALL AMERICAN TABLESCAPE

In just a few short weeks we'll be celebrating the 4th of July! The glorious commemoration of our adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The day we declared our independence from Great Britain. It's a great ALL AMERICAN day marked with everything red, white and blue! Cities are full of parades and fireworks. And families gather together to enjoy the first warm weather  of the summer for those first picnics. 



Friday, June 12, 2015

SWEET & SAVORY STRAWBERRY TEA SANDWICH

There is something so special when it comes to serving tea sandwiches. From afternoon tea to children's parties to evening cocktails, the possibilities are endless.  Sweet or savory, they are equally delicious.

In today's blog I chose a recipe that I ran across a few weeks ago using strawberries. Since it's strawberry season, I thought this recipe might provide a new twist on serving "something strawberry." Most everyone loves strawberries and these little tea sandwiches are not only easy to prepare they have just the right touch of sweet and savory to be a hit for all ages.




Wednesday, June 10, 2015

MAKE FLORAL ARRANGING EASY WITH THIS VASE

'Tis the season for our flowers to be blooming everywhere! If you are like me, I love to bring fresh bouquets into the house. Many of them bring lovely scents and some just add beautiful explosions of color to any room.

My middle daughter bought me the coolest vase while we were visiting her. It is a clear cylindrical vase that stands 5 1/2 inches tall. It has a removable wire stem holder inside. The collection is titled Turn of the Century.

Monday, June 8, 2015

MY DAUGHTER'S DINING ROOM

I hope you all had a great weekend! We spent the weekend with our oldest daughter. Within the past 10 months she has changed jobs, moved over 1,000 miles, and built a new home. She's been quite a busy girl!

Of course when you start from scratch it can be a bit over whelming.. Since our family has had so many corporate moves, she asked if I would help her with some of the details. Of course, I said YES!

She sent me my airline ticket and off I went. The home selections process was first on the list. She selected all neutral color in tiles, granite, cabinets and wall color which left an open canvas for color in other areas.

I will be featuring several of the rooms in her home on the blog throughout the summer months. Today please join me as we browse her beautiful dining room..........


Friday, June 5, 2015

LIGHT VEGGIE PASTA SALAD

I love picnics, and backyard BBQ's. Hubby dragged the grill out and got it all prepared for the season. New tank of gas, grates all cleaned.....I'm ready to get my "grill on!"

Today's recipe caught my eye because of several reasons; 1). I could substitute whole wheat pasta for the white pasta.  2).There's a ton of grilled veggies in it, and grilled veggies give the salad a delicious flavor. 3). The dressing is very light, and not calorie laden.

I've finally found a delicious pasta salad that will be healthy and satisfying for all. My hubby is crazy about it!

Monday, June 1, 2015

VACATION IN LISBON PORTUGAL

Are you in the planning stages of your next vacation? Summer is quickly approaching......

It can be a daunting experience, at least for me! I'm not the greatest planner, but hey everyone has their strengths. I'm OK with my hubby planning everything!  He always asks me to weigh in with my thoughts, and this time I kind of surprised him with my desire to go to Portugal. He wanted to take me to Paris for a belated anniversary gift.....so we ended up tacking Portugal on at the beginning of the trip. And what a lovely surprise it was for both of us!