Monday, August 31, 2015

IT'S A NEW DAY!

Good Morning Monday!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We spent ours in Fort Myers and were finally able to relax for a few days. Thankfully Hurricane Erika dissipated before it hit our area.

I just had to share a remarkable photo with you.....as our plane back to Dallas was beginning its approach to land, the evening sunset in the clouds was simply gorgeous with color. I have never seen anything quite this simply beautiful...........

Wishing you a wonderful week!


Kathleen









Friday, August 28, 2015

CREATIVE WAY TO SAY THANK YOU

" We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."
                                                                                                              Cynthia Ozick


It only takes a moment to stop and say, "thank you." In today's fast paced world we mustn't forget how important those two words can be to a person. I was raised this way....to be considerate and thoughtful of others. In turn, my husband and I have tried to pass this along to our daughters also. Those two words are sometimes the brightest moment in someones' day. 

Since moving to the apartment I've relied on the wonderful staff here to guide me just about everywhere. I don't mean driving, I LOVE Google Maps for that, but for things in general. For instance what grocery store has the freshest produce and fish. What dry cleaner is not going to ruin our clothes.....all of the day to day things we take for granted after living in an area as long as we did in Princeton.

I really wanted to do a little something for them. Just a thoughtful something....because they have been so sweet to us. I thought something "sweet" might be nice!

Have you ever heard of CAKE BATTER BARK? Come check out just how easy this little "thank you" is to make............


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

EASY IDEAS FOR FALL DECORATING

I'll always be a northern girl at heart. I love Fall with its slight crispness in the air, and of course my favorite apple picking, and glorious colorful foliage! 

I'm not sure what Fall temps we'll experience here in the Dallas area this year. I've been told that we will most likely have moderate temps from the end of September thru December. That sounds promising.....remember last Fall in the North? 

Let me refresh your memory.......




Monday, August 24, 2015

HOW TO STYLE A PATIO

What's your patio style? Casual, formal, colorful, luxurious, impressive? Stop over to TLB for some quick ideas that help spruce up any patio......



Friday, August 21, 2015

SAVORY TOMATO PIE

Welcome to Foodie Friday!

It's that time of year when tomatoes are abundant.....so what do we do with all of those fresh delicious tomatoes?  How about make a Fresh Tomato Pie? Yes, that's what I said, pie!

Some of you are very aware of this delightful savory dish. For those that are not......you are in for a real treat! 




Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NEW HOME/NEW COLOR PALETTE

It's been six weeks since we signed our lease on the apartment, and began our new journey. When I look back at the whirlwind events that have occurred, I'm exhausted! Hubby and I looked at each other, after recalling all of the steps it took us to get here, and both said, "no wonder we are tired!"

After accomplishing all of the unpacking, and settling we stepped into the house hunting world. We've looked and searched and gotten discouraged. We're in HOT market, which can be good and bad. After loosing one house in a bidding war, we regrouped and continue to search.

During this time, I thought I should use my time wisely before chaos ensues.I brought fabric samples from our furniture that is in storage with me, and decided it was time to change our color palette this move. 

I love the new grays and whites and the freshness that they bring to a home, but I also love the warm golds that I always seem to gravitate to. I used some of the grays in the Princeton bedrooms, but I wanted to add more to the new house.

So I started researching color combos....and chose a palette that incorporates our past golds and brings in some of the new grays also. It feels calm and serene.....
  
color scheme
PINTEREST PHOTO-credits to design-seeds.com


I've been spending my days exploring looking for all of the basics, grocery store, church etc., but I also ventured into a model home in a subdivision near the apartment.

Here are a few photos that I took which confirmed my thoughts of incorporating the golds and grays into our home.

This photo does not reflect how I would personally use the choices....not fond of that tub tile, but confirms to me how lovely the two colors flow together. (I apologize for the clarity of my photos, I used my cell phone camera.) The cabinets were a shade of gray and the counter tops were a deep charcoal. The mirror was accented in gold and the mosaic tile was shades of gold, brown, and gray with a creamy grout color.




The photo below is much better lighting and reflects more accurately the true colors. I love the golden vanity stool....nice touch!


The Master shower was the same marble tile with the mosaic shower bottom. Again, not my favorite choice of colors in the pattern.



Venturing into their kitchen were white raised panel cabinets, dark wood, nail down, flooring (which we see a lot here in Texas). The dark wood against the white is lovely.


And in this case a Silestone Quartz counterop that resembles Carrera marble.  The bar stools have just the right amount of golden linen fabric to bring the color into the kitchen also.



Thanks for stopping by today. Let me know what you think of my new color palette. I'd love to hear your comments!


Wishing you a wonderful day!

Kathleen









Monday, August 17, 2015

ADVENTURE IN FORT WORTH

Good Morning Friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Hubby and I ventured out for a bit of sightseeing. We headed to Fort Worth, TX, specifically the Stockyard area. Hubby is a history buff, so he was pretty excited to do some exploring in the museum, and other historical points of interest.

The arrival of railroads in the 1800's made the area a very profitable livestock center. Great growth came with the help of Swift and Armour establishing packing houses that sold a million cattle a year.



Friday, August 14, 2015

COMFORT CHOCOLATE CAKE

It's Foodie Friday and I'm ready for it!

This week has been a tough one. I know all of us experience highs and lows in life....but this week brought me to an unexpected low. I needed a pick-me-up......

My friend of many years died unexpectedly. We've known each other for the past decade sharing a terrific friendship. I'm going to miss her "no nonsense" approach to life and her strong unwavering support of me.

In times of sadness I, unfortunately, have a terrible habit of turning to food that comforts me......I know it's wrong but this one just feels right. 



Wednesday, August 12, 2015

DIY CUTEST PUMPKINS EVER!

Welcome to Wednesday friends! 

Last week as I entered Hobby Lobby I couldn't believe the store....it was full of FALL and CHRISTMAS decor. 




Monday, August 10, 2015

CHALKBOARD KITCHEN WALL


Are you looking for a little something different for that kitchen wall that seems a bit bland?

Check out TLB's Chalkboard Kitchen Wall......





Wednesday, August 5, 2015

DIY COTTON BOLL WREATH

Welcome to TLB.....it's so nice that you stopped by today! 

I've got a great DIY wreath to share with you that is easy to assemble, and will be a beautiful add to your front door and any wall in your home.

Take a peek.......




Monday, August 3, 2015

VINTAGE FINDS

The best thing that has ever been invented for me is my cell phone GPS! I rely on it to get me everywhere, especially while exploring in our new home town. 

It's funny, I can usually recall the day that I find the treasured stores that become my favorites down the road. It was nice to take a break from house hunting and finding this great shop called Sally Lynn Home, made my day!