Say What!

The minute someone says to me “You can’t do that,” I’m determined to find numerous ways I can! For me, it’s all about passion…This is why at any given time I have multiple projects going on at one time. The key is not to get too far ahead of myself!

What’s on my plate right now:

1. Finish painting the laundry room cabinet doors! It’s been raining almost non stop for two weeks, so needless to say the paint is not drying very fast in the garage. So I’ve been bringing in two doors at a time and painting in the foyer. It’s getting done, but very slowly!

2. Just bought a new refrigerator. We decided to cut into the wall and sink it back 3 inches. At first this did not appear that it was going to be that difficult. WRONG! It can be done, but it is going to be a lot of work. We have to relocate the plumbing line for cold water and move the drain line back 3 inches. On top of this it is a load bearing wall. Ouch! But we have found a way and we our pushing forward. I must say I have a great husband!!!!! The end result will be fabulous!

3. I’m working on two sign and about 10 new framing.

4. Once the laundry room is completed, it’s on to the master bedroom. I am going to be painting it! Out with the ugly wall paper! This room is BIG and I removed the wallpaper some time ago, but the walls need to be re-textured before I can paint. So we have been sitting on this project for a little while!

5. Once the bedroom is painted it is on to the island in the kitchen. I’m refinishing the cabinets in a black and installing a new butch block counter.

AS YOU CAN SEE WE ARE PROCLAIMED DO IT YOURSELFERS AND LOVING IT!

Picture Frames Are Here....

Some picture frames are done!

These ones are lots of fun! They all have great colors and are distressed just the right amount. They make wonderful gifts…

Small frames (8x8 with 3x3 opening) $15.00

Larger frames (7.5x9.5 with 3.5x5.5 opening) $20.00

Larger frames w/ embellisment (7.5x9.5 with 3.5x5.5 opening) $25.00

Our Snowy Valentine's Day!

Hope everyone had a Happy Valentine’s Day! We spent ours playing in the snow. We had snowball wars, built a few snowmen and just enjoyed running around. While Shep discovered he likes to chase and catch snowballs. Ella found out its fun to throw snowballs, but not as much fun to get hit with them, DADDY!!!!!

Come on...Just a peak!

One of my Christmas gifts. I just love this birdhouse! Here’s a little peek of the backyard. In the last 10 months the yard has been transformed from an English garden with tiered planters to a yard that fits the needs of our family. Our family is made up of one little girl, a huge puppy dog and of course a bunny rabbit! The yard is about 60 percent complete. So these just a few teaser pictures that I took today! I will post more “before” and “after” pictures once we get closer to spring!

A Yummy Valentines Day Dessert...

S'mores may be s'marvelous, but these sweet panini are out of this world. Fill ciabatta with nut butter and the best eating chocolate you can find, and grill until it melts into a swoon-inducing balance of crunchy and smooth. Heighten the flavors with a dash of Maldon salt, then crown the dreamy concoction with a toasted marshmallow.

Here is what you will need:
1 Loaf of Ciabatta
½ cup of Hazelnut or almond butter
2 Tablespoon(s) of Honey
¼ teaspoon of Ground cloves
1 bar of 4-ounce bittersweet chocolate
2 Tablespoon(s) of melted butter

DIRECTIONS
1.Cut the ciabatta into 5- by 3-inch rectangles and split horizontally.
2.Stir the hazelnut butter, honey, salt, and cloves together and spread about 1 tablespoon onto each of 4 of the bread rectangles.
3.Layer with the chocolate and top with remaining bread. Brush with butter and grill in a press until the chocolate melts.
4.Cut into small triangles and sprinkle each with sea salt to serve.

TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Substitute chocolate-hazelnut spread for the nut butter, honey, and chocolate.

Recipe courtesy of Country Living

Decorating Ideas for a Living Room

Seating Area
Salvaged chestnut floors and beams bring warmth to this grandly proportioned living room. Windows nearly floor-to-ceiling and French doors bathe the room in light from three sides. A mix of new upholstery (in chintz, crewel, seersucker), antique furniture, and a worn Oushak rug give this room lived-in comfort
Patriotic Living Room
Navy blue walls, crisp white trim, and a comfy red chair come together in this subtly patriotic room. A trompe l'oeil case clock with an actual antique face affixed to the wall is a unique touch.

Relaxed Luxury
A mix of practical and precious — upholstered ottomans and silk curtains, respectively — create a look that's lived-in yet luxurious. Many of the furnishings are new, but have the warm patina of age.

Stately Living Room
A creamy palette unites disparate elements, including an Aubusson rug, a weathered-metal coffee table, and a vintage chandelier.

Hints of Blue Buttery-colored paint highlights the architectural details of this living room, from the coffered ceiling to the reeded mantel. Pattern was introduced by wallpapering the back of the built-in bookcases — a small detail that adds custom style. Hints of robin's-egg blue and chocolate brown are scattered throughout

Vibrant Family Room A bold mix of red and gold helps establish a distinctive palette in this room. Slipcovers, durable fabrics, and a woven cotton rug also make it kid- and pet-friendly, as well as easy to care for — important considerations for a room designed for family enjoyment.

Elegant Drapes In this elegant sitting room, champagne-colored taffeta draperies frame leaded windows, in front of which sit an early-18th-century French settee and a marble-topped end table.

Bright Living Room Rather than being pristine and museumlike, this all-white living room feels accessible with the addition of distressed-wood pieces, potted plants, and different textures. A collection of mismatched mirrors brings more light to the room

Apple Green Living Room: Apple green walls with tangerine and lemon yellow accents add a playful contrast to the natural stone fireplace and hardwood floors.

Outdoors Meets Indoors A mix of eclectic furnishings and vibrant sky- and meadow-inspired colors bring the airy room into comfortable scale. Rustic fabrics dress down formal wingback chairs and the camelback sofa. Tree-trunk end tables playfully contrast with a modern steel chair.

Whether you call it a living room, family room, or den, this room is a place to unwind, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.

About Me!

Here are some things about me:

Where is my cell phone?....In my purse in the closet in the foyer
My hair ..........Shoulder length blonde
My father? ......Lives in Florida
One of my favorite things? .......Spending time with my family!!!
My dream last night?....I don’t remember. I hope it was good :)
My favorite drink? ..........Mt. Dew
My dream/goal? ...........Own a house in Tahoe!
The room I am in? ......Office
My fear? ........Something will happen to my family
Where do I want to be in 6 years? .....With my family!
Muffins? .............Sometimes
One of my wish list items?..........Go back to Wales with my family
Where did I grow up? ...........Boston, Ma./ Forest Lake, Fl./ Loma Linda, Ca.
The last thing I did? .......Talked to my mother-in-law on the phone
What am I wearing?.......Jeans and a sweater. It’s cold!
TV?.........On in the family room. But I’m not sure what’s on since I have been in the office for awhile.
Family pets? ..........A German Shepherd, Bunny, Turtle and of course a Ball Python. It’s my own mini zoo!!!
My computer? .....Samsung monitor. My husband built the computer. He a techy:)
My life? .........Hectic!
My mood? ........Tired, just got back from vacation a few days ago
Missing someone? ......My sister who passed away 13 months ago. I miss her everyday!
My car? ....A black Volvo XC 90
Favorite store?...Anthropologie
My summer? .....A trip back east, Tahoe, camping, big BBQ’s, hiking, enjoying life!
My favorite color? .........Depends on my moods
When is the last time I laughed? ......Today
Last time I cried? .......Yesterday
Three people who email me? .... Missy, Teresa, and my husband
Three of my favorite foods? ........ Avocado, fresh pasta, tomatoes