paperwhite

inspiration pages

2012-01-25T05:22:00.000-05:00

I love this version of a smallish kitchen. My sister has a smallish kitchen she wants to re-do someday. I think this a good inspiration photo...

via classical kit

a project

2012-01-23T05:17:00.001-05:00

A small photo for a smallish project, appropriate don't you think? This Valentine's cross stitch is what my little sister and I will be working on this week. Cross stitch may seem like an outdated art but I love it. It is my newest hobby. I found the pattern on Modern Folk on Etsy.

Speaking of cross stitch here are some other things related to it I have loved recently. Organizing floss with clothes pins, I tried this one and it works incredibly well. And I love these customizable cross stitch patterns from Martha.

baby literature

2012-01-20T08:13:00.000-05:00

A friend sent a link to these 'baby lit' books. Classics summarized into board books, I love it.

time out

2012-01-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

This contraption from Wisteria is called a Time Out Timer Stool. I think it is completely awesome...

Find of the day

2012-01-16T18:31:00.001-05:00

I found this painting at an antique mart today. It is painted on velvet the seller said she bought in Europe long ago. I am going to put it in the babies room, I think it has a fairy tale aura. Although I haven't decided which fairy tale it reminds me of. Hansel and Gretel perhaps?

for the new year

2012-01-13T07:47:00.000-05:00

My sister pointed me in the direction of Clean Mama blog. Cleaning in not my forte, I hate it but this new approach as seen on Clean Mama may work for me. You have four chores you do everyday and you add one extra chore each day. You also choose one thing or area in your house to organize for the week. The everyday chores are sweep, one load of laundry (all the way through), wipe counters and clear clutter. Then the rotational chore changes everyday, for example today was wash the floors and yesterday was vacuum. I am a week in and it is going well so far, my sister has been doing it longer and swears by the clean a little every day method. My question is, can it last? I hope so, because my house has been way cleaner all week.

Nursery

2012-01-11T00:11:00.003-05:00

Here is the current state of the nursery. We have barely done anything to it. I think the bookshelf will be moving to a different corner of the room. I am planning to put the cribs on either side of the small white dresser, which my husband will be sad to hear may or may not remain white.

This week we added the glider and moved the antique rocker to our bedroom.

These are the inspirations. A colorful dresser turned changing table (I am thinking red) and two white cribs coming out from the wall. I am going on the search for the dresser this week. Wish me luck.

Versatility

2012-01-08T22:34:00.001-05:00

I love salads. I love that salad recipes are more of a guideline. That being said here is a delicious winter salad that includes a previously hated fruit of mine, grapefruit.

1 grapefruit
Handful of dried cherries or craisins
Spinach or other greens
Pomegranate seeds
1 cup or so of crumbled feta or Gorgonzola

Dressing:
1 cup sugar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 cups vegetable oil
1 tbl poppy seeds

I made a small salad so I bottled most of the dressing to use for future salads.

How pinterest has changed my life

2011-12-16T12:48:00.001-05:00

Seeing a variety of nicely packaged gifts inspired me to get past my deep seeded aversion to wrapping and actually wrap presents this year. These are banana bread loafs for my husbands co-workers. By the way, did you know tape will not stick to parchment paper? Glue doesn't work either. I am going to have to try using it when I bake!

a return

2011-12-13T13:17:00.003-05:00

Over the past two years I have done very little projecting or crafting. Now that I have graduated I am enjoying a vast amount of free time and thus the projecting has begun again!

My Mom made the base for this advent calendar 20+ years ago. She gave it to me so I could create a similar advent to the one my husband had in his house growing up. I made the ornaments from felt. My sister-in-law has been experimenting with painting the back of an advent with magnetic paint to avoid having to put velcro all over an advent and it worked! I still need to add magnets to the ornaments, paint the back of the tree with magnetic paint and put numbers on the pockets, but getting the ornaments made felt like a big hurdle passed.

This project took 10 minutes. Inspired by how my sister-in-law hangs her Christmas cards, I bought a bunch of clothes pins for $2, cut some red ribbon from my stash and put no fray on the edges and voila!

Now I just need to finish all the other million projects that I put aside for grad school.

here and there

2011-12-07T14:05:00.003-05:00

Boxwood wreaths and morse code greeting cards? I love it all.

via High Fives for Everyone and Under the Sycamore

holly jolly wreath

2011-12-01T08:38:00.000-05:00

I think this qualifies as one of the best Christmas wreaths I have ever seen!
via the diary of dave's wife

Getting in the spirit

2011-11-30T11:48:00.001-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over I can now officially get in the Christmas spirit. The stockings are hung, the tree is dressed and the Christmas village is up. I love Christmas.

a disease

2011-11-23T07:44:00.000-05:00

I love a good wedding, especially when they feature semi-famous people. Case in point, Will and Kate. I followed their wedding plans from the time they announced the engagement. Although Lauren Bush and her Ralph Lauren heir husband, are by no means Will and Kate (I don't even know his name or anything about him except that he is Ralph Lauren's son), they are semi-famous so I took an interest.

Lauren Bush is the granddaughter of the older President Bush and thus the niece of the other President Bush. So she is semi-famous for being a socialite and connected to the ever prominent Bush family and her husband is obviously the son of Ralph Lauren. An interesting tidbit, she is hyphenating her last names Bush-Lauren to avoid being Lauren Lauren.

They had a Western theme for their wedding. The wedding was held at Ralph Lauren's ranch in Colorado. Her gorgeous dress was naturally designed by Ralph himself. While they haven't released any actual pictures of the wedding they did a couple of recreations for Vogue. Since they are only semi-famous (and really not even that) this is probably as good as it will get.

photos via Vogue.com

holiday book guide

2011-11-21T07:35:00.000-05:00

My sister is something of a children's literature aficionado/expert. Which makes a lot of sense when you consider the fact that she has three children, a Master's degree in Children's Literature and formerly taught a university class on the subject. This week she created a guide to good books to give to children for the holidays, and it is featured on Kirtsy. You can also see her reviews of many, many other good children's books on her blog, A Curious Thing.

maternity skirt

2011-11-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

I have a brainstorm for a maternity skirt. This may never actually come to fruition since it requires me to sew, I am counting on the fact that my Mom is coming to town to help.

This is Dana Made It's circle skirt. She has a tutorial on how to make it on her blog (for adults and children). I figure the elastic on the circle skirt will give itself nicely for maternity wear.

Now for the inspiration for my skirt. I want to find a similar fabric to that in this skirt. I love the floral...

via Dana Made It, Karla's Closet

for the twins

2011-11-15T10:51:00.004-05:00

This is the basis of the inspiration for the twins nursery. Two simple white cribs that come out from the wall.

I want to try putting a dresser between the cribs, although I still have to measure to ensure that this is possible for the wall space.

I kind of like this dresser as an inspiration for the room. I want one a little higher with maybe four drawers. And it will be painted, color tbd. Cribs are another story. We have to get two, which makes cost a consideration. Does anyone have any recommendations of crib brands you like or recommend avoiding?

via nursery ideas, ohdeedoh, marta writes

happy veteran's day

2011-11-11T11:12:00.004-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day!

This guy is my very favorite veteran, my Grandpa. He served in World War 2 under General Patton in Europe.

You may ask yourself why I am including a picture of William and Kate on Veteran's Day. It is because they are wearing poppies. I love the British and Canadian tradition of wearing poppies in support of Veteran's. I believe it is connected to one of my favorite poems, In Flanders Fields.

Thank you to all the Veteran's.

the thanksgiving tree

2011-11-08T13:22:00.003-05:00

I have been having a hard time concentrating on Thanksgiving this year. Christmas is so close, and I love Christmas. So here is my effort to give Thanksgiving it's due.

The Thanksgiving Tree.

This is a tradition I was unaware of until my sister started her own about five years ago. I don't remember exactly how she goes about it but the bottom line is there are colorful paper leaves that every family member gets to write something they are thankful for and hang on the tree.

This is a similar version to my sisters. Branches filled with thankful leaves.

I kind of like the idea of taking that concept and applying it to a Thanksgiving advent Tree. Put things you are thankful for in each day.

Do you have any Thanksgiving month traditions?

via skip to my lou, one more moore, pb kids

goat cheese pasta and other pasta

2011-11-04T12:19:00.003-04:00

via Smitten Kitchen

This pasta has lemon, lemon zest, asparagus and goat cheese. It sounds delicious. I am going to make it next week. I found it on pinterest but when I clicked further I saw it is a Smitten Kitchen recipe, which means it is probably as good as it looks/sounds.

I used it as a partial inspiration when I made this Butter Noodles with Chives recipe from Epicurious. I made it mostly as directed except I boiled the noodles in chicken broth rather than adding it later and I added about a cup of feta cheese and a tablespoon or two of milk. It was delicious and easy. I recommend it.

to party

2011-11-01T11:05:00.003-04:00

When it comes to parties, I am not a detail oriented person. I don't go all out on decorations, I rarely plan a balanced menu (hodge podge would be a more adequate term for my food selections) and I never make cute tag things that identify everything.

Then I saw this post on Lizzy Writes, and if you replace typed labels with hand-written ones, I think I could pull these cute tag labels off. Maybe my next party will be a fancy one with labels!

photos via Lizzy Writes

designs to love

2011-10-28T10:48:00.003-04:00

I read somewhere this week about how many people think of quilts as something that belong in their grandmother's house. Personally, I love quilts. I think that quilting is a dying art (and ironically I am the only one of my sister's who has yet to take it up). Besides which, even a log cabin or patchwork quilt can be made to look modern with the right fabrics. Here are some quilts that nobody could associate with their grandmother.

via etsy, tea rose home, quiltastic, bobbins nest, sew it pretty, blempgorf

flourless chocolate cake

2011-10-24T12:11:00.002-04:00

I think I need to make this flourless chocolate cake, actually named Chocolate Idiot Cake (because apparently it is incredibly simple), this week. David Lebovitz is the genius behind the recipe but I want to add salted caramel sauce like Melissa did here. Mmmm, sounds delicious don't you think?

photo via this week for dinner

earning stripes

2011-10-19T11:23:00.003-04:00

Today I am all about stripes on the floor. Tomorrow it may be oriental rugs or perhaps floral rugs but today it is striped rugs. Too bad Ikea stopped selling their version.

via Kristin Buie, Beth L., Cassie Trueblood, Lindsay Shull

bookshelves

2011-10-17T11:22:00.002-04:00

I love bookshelves. I love imagining my dream bookshelves/library even more. Here are a couple more to add to the files.

Thanks to Martha for sending this picture my way.

All this library needs is a ladder going across.

Kids need a library too. This is probably my favorite children's book shelf ever.

via Daily Cup of Couture, Amanda and Brady, C C

on food

2011-10-11T10:45:00.004-04:00

I love the mass availability of recipes on pinterest. Actually, I love the mass availability of just about everything on pinterest. Here are some recipes that have caught my eye recently:

Mini Frittatas

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake

via Family Fun, Camilla's Pinterest, Dana's Pinterest

a little bit of random

2011-10-07T14:26:00.002-04:00

Last week I tried Haagen Dazs' raspberry sorbet. It was amazing. Since we Texans will still be hovering around 90 I think this weekend calls for some more sorbet.

back

2011-10-06T12:41:00.001-04:00

It is Thursday and I am doing my first post for the week. I blame the internet router. I found these ghost dresses on my Aunt's pinterest board. I love them. Halloween is coming!

a brunch weekend

2011-09-30T13:34:00.003-04:00

I think this weekend will be a good one for brunch foods. I am going to try this Blueberry French Toast Casserole. It sounds amazing.

it's coming

2011-09-29T11:45:00.002-04:00

Only one more day until Halloween decorations can legitimately come out of storage. I am excited, are you?

via martha stewart

for the children

2011-09-27T07:44:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of things I have seen this week that I think are awesome:

Land of Nod has chalkboard map wall decals. I want one for my study.

I saw this dollhouse on Little Green Notebook, she bought it to revamp for a dollhouse challenge she is participating in. Even in its run down state, this has got to be the coolest dollhouse I have ever seen. I can't wait to see what she does with it!

a raspberry weekend

2011-09-26T08:33:00.002-04:00

This weekend my brother and I decided it was time to make some raspberry jam in the traditional fashion of my mother and grandmother. Costco had some beautiful raspberries.

And we turned those raspberries into 19 bottles of delicious jam.

Luckily, we had some leftovers which I used to make some raspberry lemonade and raspberry coffee cake, they were also delicious. And after all that I am still not sick of raspberries, in fact I will probably buy some more the next time I go to Costco.

coolest shower ever?

2011-09-23T07:08:00.000-04:00

I saw this shower that a friend pinned earlier this week and I haven't been able to get it out of my head. The tiles change color with warm water or radiant heat. How much more fun would showering be with the tiles changing color as you go?

via Blavish

going western

2011-09-20T14:45:00.004-04:00

It appears that western themes are infiltrating the fall looks and I love it.

via Becky, Aditi, Crystal, Christie

best dressed at the emmys

2011-09-19T06:45:00.000-04:00

Awards season is back upon us. Here are my votes for the best dressed last night at the Emmy's:

Who was your favorite of the night?

via Yahoo!

jackie o

2011-09-16T08:51:00.000-04:00

I watched the Diane Sawyer special Jacqueline Kennedy in her own words. It was fascinating and leaves me with an urge to read the transcripts.

gray

2011-09-15T12:58:00.004-04:00

My sister wants to paint over her beige walls. Right now her top choice is gray. She asked me to find some examples of rooms with gray walls, here they are...

via Archie, Morgan Taylor, Cindy, Windlost

sewing room

2011-09-14T12:14:00.001-04:00

I have been thinking lately about getting a sewing machine. If I ever take the plunge I want my thread displayed like this.

via flickr

weekly menu

2011-09-12T13:25:00.003-04:00

On the docket for this week are:

Creamy Quinoa Primavera

Thai Chicken Pizza

As well as Costa Rican Rice and Pesto Pasta Salad and maybe a Mexican Pizza thrown in there.

halloween

2011-09-09T06:55:00.003-04:00

I realize that Halloween is still well over a month away but I am already getting excited for it. I want to make one of these wreaths for October...

via pinterest 1 and pinterest 2

nursery

2011-09-07T12:22:00.001-04:00

Today I am dreaming of babies. Don't you love the blue crib?

Via pinterest

container garden

2011-09-06T13:16:00.003-04:00

Now that the blistering Texas heat is almost over (and by over I mean getting under 100 degrees) I am almost ready to start my container gardens. My brother tells me that here in Texas people plant their tomatoes twice a year, once in February and once in September. I figure the same rule of thumb applies to flowers. Here are some of my inspiration pictures for my containers this year.

via Brittany Poindexter pinterest, Dove Cote Decor, Sunset

music art

2011-09-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

Enlarged, framed music is completely awesome. Especially if paired with a good old fashioned upright. One day in the far away future...

via indy star, lucy derby, my san antonio

travel wall

2011-08-31T12:05:00.004-04:00

My friend Martha, who sometimes contributes to this blog with chronicles of her travels (which can also been seen at A Curious Misadventure) recently revamped her travel picture wall. Being the avid traveler that she is she selects one picture from each country and displays it in her home. Here are some pictures of the re-vamp.

She used brass stickers to identify the city, country and year she visited. I think it is the perfect touch.

laundry

2011-08-30T10:48:00.002-04:00

A laundry room like this might inspire me to do more laundry. On the other hand having my husband do 95% of the laundry would be a hard deal to give up.

via pinterest

topiary

2011-08-29T10:11:00.002-04:00

I love the look of topiary flanking a front door. I want some but I have yet to see any at home depot which means it would require search efforts.

via pinterest

peanut butter mini cheesecakes

2011-08-24T10:06:00.002-04:00

I started looking at pinterest when my cousin posted on facebook something she had pinned. I am finding one of pinterest's best benefits is being able to follow the food that she pins. Take these Peanut Butter & Creme Fraiche Pretzel Crust Mini Cheesecakes, they are an answer to my prayers as I am currently in a doctor ordered month of no chocolate. I am having some serious withdrawals so I have been searching for non-chocolate sweets.

plate wall

2011-08-23T15:00:00.002-04:00

I have been collecting plates for the last two years so that I could have a plate wall. In our rental home we have the perfect wall for it so I finally put it up. It needs more plates but it is not too bad for right now.

one word challenge

2011-08-22T13:36:00.005-04:00

My friend Martha gave me a one word blogging challenge: chartreuse. Here is the best of what I found.

via neiman marcus, curlin reed sullivan, love and laughter, bellewood gardens, paloetic, the modern pillow

happy friday

2011-08-19T10:20:00.003-04:00

Today I am going to combat the 105 degree weather with some lake time and some homemade raspberry lemonade.

1 1/2 cups lemon juice

1/3 cup lime juice

1 cup sugar

6 cups water

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

Mix together in a 2 quart pitcher. Let stand for at least an hour before using.

silk road

2011-08-18T10:49:00.003-04:00

I am in love with this silk ribbon I found on pinterest. I am still trying to figure out just exactly how they executed the clasp...

via Cici Absolutely White

two is better than one

2011-08-17T11:28:00.004-04:00

I have been refurbishing some furniture. A new coat of paint and some new hardware. Little did I know, not all furniture is made to fit current standard sizes. The hardware holes (there is probably a proper name for these of which I am unaware) are a weird size. Even using the internet I could only find two handle options, neither of which I loved. So I am trying out two knobs rather than using handles. I think it could work out nicely.

I am planning on using these knobs on the bottom drawer. In my head it looks great, lets hope that translates to reality.

2011-08-15T09:41:00.004-04:00

Last week I decided to take the plunge and see what pinterest is all about. I have to say I love it. My boards are far from full but you can see what I have been 'pinning' here (I think). Here are some pins I have loved.

a mobile

garland

Chalkboard place mats

via Morgan Maler, Elmarie Giles, and unknown

an art wall of my very own

2011-08-12T08:14:00.000-04:00

I am finally getting things on the walls. This time around I decided to heed the advice of using masking tape to define the area you will be hanging in so you can rearrange to your hearts content before throwing nails in the wall. Whoever thought of this was inspired.

This was my first go around, which I sent to my art aficionado sister-in-law (who owns this art wall) for her suggestions. She sent me back some wonderful advice, "when you make it all line up perfectly, it's hard to add to it. Also, when you stagger, it's more forgiving. Sometimes it can be hard getting all those different pictures lined up evenly."

With a little re-arranging I came up with this. A little room to grow and I think it just looks better in general. I love it.

tennis rackets

2011-08-11T07:19:00.000-04:00

I have two vintage tennis rackets like the ones in this picture. I love what they did with theirs, I want to acquire a third now.

via little moth

gray crib

2011-08-10T17:03:00.003-04:00

With the exception of the dressers I love this room. Especially the gray cradle.

Via Squidoo

found on facebook

2011-08-08T12:46:00.002-04:00

This is a project completed by one of my good friend's family. They each were in charge of a block or two and when all the blocks are put together you get Starry Starry Night a la Morgans. I absolutely love it.

altered bookshelf inspiration

2011-08-05T14:34:00.006-04:00

While I was taking a break from spray painting yesterday (I decided to stick with my initial plan of white) I took a look at Little Green Notebook which had serendipitously posted this bookshelf project. As white turned out to be an incredibly unforgiving color, particularly in the back of the bookshelves, I decided to follow suit and paint the backs of the bookshelves dark green. While mine does not look nearly as good (I got really lazy near the end of the all day project) I think with books in it it will hide most of the major paint flaws. And I love the white with green way more than the white with white. Pictures next week...

for camilla

2011-08-04T12:03:00.003-04:00

My sister-in-law recently found out she is allergic to pork, beef, spinach and lettuce. So Camilla, here are some tried and true recipes that you can still eat. Come to Texas and I will make them all for you!

These Chicken Gyros from Mels Kitchen Cafe are amazing

My favorite black bean burgers

Delicious Greek Chicken Burgers

Pesto Pizza is a staple at our house (I buy the pesto from Costco)

Hurry Curry

Grilled Black Bean Quesadillas

and most importantly, Raspberry Coffee Cake

the other royal wedding

2011-08-03T07:01:00.001-04:00

Did anyone pay attention to the other British royal wedding this last weekend? Zara Phillips (the Queen's oldest granddaughter) was married in Scotland. My favorite part of her ensemble is the tiara she borrowed from her mother, Princess Anne.

I am not sure if Princess Beatrice redeemed herself from the last royal wedding, but this was better.

No clue who this person is but one of my favorites.

Does anyone else think William must be doing some kind of hair growth treatments?

and some full length views of the dress...

photos via People and Daily Mail

a real life art wall

2011-07-31T07:55:00.000-04:00

I hope my sister-in-law doesn't mind that I took a photo of her paintings, but I love her art wall. This is the goal...

please advise

2011-07-29T11:35:00.002-04:00

We have been moving this week and our internet isn't due to be set up for another week. Since I found a weak signal near by I am using it but be forewarned, posting may not be regular for the next couple of weeks.

I am finally fed up with my mismatched bookshelves. I am painting them this weekend. Although, my husband does not know this and may not be on board when he finds out, but it is happening. The question now is, white or turquoise?

how to cook everything

2011-07-28T07:40:00.000-04:00

One of my good friends has raved about this cookbook for years, it is her go to bridal shower gift. I saw it at the library the other week so I checked it out, it looks awesome. I think I need it.

the best...

2011-07-27T07:58:00.000-04:00

I saw this recipe for some perfect chocolate chip cookies on Try This! It has inspired me to resume my quest for the best brownie recipe, although for my diets sake I am going to have to limit it to a batch a month rather than a batch a week. In the meantime, I want to try these cookies when I go visit my family. Do you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe?

iphone cases

2011-07-22T07:49:00.000-04:00

I really, really want an iPhone. I hope that the new version comes out in September so I can finally get one. My dream phone has one of these covers...

Kate Spade via Amazon

Pencil Shavings

and some more Kate Spade

ms. austen

2011-07-21T07:49:00.001-04:00

image via google images

Last week Sotheby's auctioned off an unfinished Jane Austen manuscript for over a million dollars. I know there have been a couple of unfinished manuscripts found and at least one, Sanditon, has been completed by another author. I wonder if the purchaser plans on having someone complete the work. I hope not, I read Sanditon, but it just wasn't the same. What are your thoughts on current authors finishing a partial Jane Austen manuscript?

chocolate bars

2011-07-20T07:44:00.000-04:00

These chocolate cake bars from Picky Palate look amazing. I think my sister and I will be testing them out this week

multi-purpose room

2011-07-18T13:18:00.004-04:00

My parents are working on furnishing their new retirement home (they want to spend their winters out of the snow). Since they haven't actually retired they need office space without compromising guest space.

For a big desk to work in the same room as a bed I feel like you have to have a big space so it doesn't feel cramped.

I love the idea of turning closet space into an office.

One of my favorite ideas is the use a piece of furniture, like an armoire or roll top, to hold your office.

photos via house to home, two ellie, country living, little green notebook

end of an era

2011-07-15T13:44:00.005-04:00

I didn't start reading or watching Harry Potter until four years ago so I can't say that I have grown up with the series. I have fallen in love with it though and I am sad to see it end (why can't JK write a couple more?) I can't wait to see the movie this weekend!!

2011-07-14T12:31:00.002-04:00

via perfectly put together

Wouldn't this bathroom be perfect for a cabin?

thrift finds

2011-07-13T14:55:00.003-04:00

While checking out thrift stores for dressers I found this frame and silver plate for a whopping total of two dollars. The frame I going to use for the currently unframed ACEO painting my husband gave me. The silver plate will be an excellent addition to my plate wall which hopefully will be going up on a wall for the first time next month.

And now to the dressers/bedside tables. I bought these two pieces. Next up for this furniture, a new paint job and new hardware.

birthday season

2011-07-12T14:02:00.004-04:00

My husband and my niece have birthdays that are five days apart. Since today is smack dab in the middle of those birthdays I have cakes on the brain.

This past weekend we discovered a local grocery/bakery store with incredible cakes like this one. Looking at them was enough to convince me to buy a cake rather than make one this year for my husband's birthday. They look too good.

My sister, on the other hand, make a strawberry cake. Completely from scratch. I have never heard of a strawberry cake made with real strawberries. Not surprisingly, it got rave reviews. I found a recipe for a strawberry cake that uses real strawberries on A Dash of Sass. My sister used the recipe for Pink Lady Cake from Smitten Kitchen with a couple of alterations she saw recommended in the comments section

photos via a dash of sass and google images

canadian tour

2011-07-11T23:35:00.000-04:00

The newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge just finished their, mostly Canadian, American tour. Here are my favorites of Kate's outfits, and yes, I did leave some out!

via Associated Press and Daily Mail.UK

dry goods

2011-07-07T11:45:00.003-04:00

How do you store your flour and sugar? My Mom and Grandma always kept the flour and sugar in large drawers in the kitchen. I couldn't help but think of them when I saw these drawers on Pioneer Woman. I love her version with the glass front drawers.

I also love the sliding cover. My Grandma's flour and sugar drawers had this while my Mom's doesn't. Personally, I like the idea of having a cover for the drawer.

Would you ever store your four and sugar in a drawer?

luxury

2011-07-06T12:33:00.002-04:00

via delight in your garden

I have never had a hammock but I have always envied those who do. Now that we are moving to a rental with a backyard, I want one. So my question is to those who have had a hammock, is it as wonderful as it seems?

one down

2011-07-05T12:51:00.002-04:00

I have purchased the dresser that will be one of our bedside tables. The brown color and drawer pulls will go (the middle ones don't protrude enough to even help pull the drawer out).

These are some color inspiration photos. I think I want a metallic color in place of the brown.

photo via little green notebook and unknown

for the 4th

2011-07-01T13:39:00.003-04:00

This caprese platter from Pioneer Woman looks like a perfect summer food. I think we may be having a smaller version of this come Monday.

skirt

2011-06-30T09:17:00.000-04:00

I love this skirt from Anthropologie, on sale for $40.00. Yes, $40.00.

americanized thai tacos

2011-06-29T09:36:00.001-04:00

I love peanut sauce, I have no idea if authentic Thai food uses it or not but I love it. I want to try Thai tacos but I haven't found a recipe that is quite what I am looking for so here is what I think will fulfill my needs. It is somewhat inspired by California Pizza Kitchens Thai pizza.

photos via Apron Strings and Wedding Rings and Closet Kitchen

My plan is to use the following:

Chicken cooked in oil, seasoned with garlic salt.

Shredded Carrots

Bean Sprouts

Green Onions

Cilantro

Thai Peanut Sauce:

1 garlic clove, peeled

1 (1 inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled

½ Cup smooth peanut butter
¼ Cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 Cup hot water

Place garlic and ginger in food processor until well chopped. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and red pepper flakes. Pulse until well combined and slowly add hot water until sauce is the consistency you like.

Any suggestions on how to make Thai tacos?

the duvet

2011-06-27T12:26:00.003-04:00

Until today I have not subscribed to the belief that duvet covers are necessary. This morning when I had to throw my down comforter in the wash again due to cat hair it finally dawned on me why you need a duvet cover. I am ready to change my ways and consequently save my comforter.

I think I will get Pottery Barn's essential duvet cover and since it comes with a free monogram I figure I will take them up on it. I was looking at thread colors but since I have a red and white quilt I put on top on my comforter that a subtle white monogram is best.

Also, did you know that a monogram for a married couple is first the initial of the wife, then the last name and then the initial of the husband? I didn't.

dressers as nightstands

2011-06-23T12:33:00.002-04:00

Can you tell that I have nightstands on the mind? I am going to the local flea market, which boasts to be one of the best in the world, this weekend to search for nightstands.

I want to use a dresser as one nightstand. So I wanted some pictures to how to use the space on top of the dresser.

via house beautiful

swim wear

2011-06-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

It is summer and although it is a little late for swim suit shopping (it seems like most people have this done by May), that is exactly what I am doing. These are two of my favorites.

From Ralph Lauren

and Boden

mismatched nightstands

2011-06-20T12:27:00.004-04:00

As I have searched for the perfect matching nightstands my vision has altered. First, finding matching nightstands within my budget that are not straight from 1982 is virtually impossible. Second, I could potentially gain some dresser drawer space without buying a massive dresser.

As I have scoured the internet for mismatched nightstands I have come across a couple of rules of thumb.

1- The pieces should be the same height, or close enough that you can't tell when standing back.

2- Use matching lamps when mismatching nightstands. I will also be matching the color by painting them the same.

3- Don't pair a bedside table with legs with a bed frame with legs (like a four-poster).

4- The nightstands should have a similar style to each other.

Here is a compilation of mismatched bedside tables.

via high fashion home, lists in my pocket, decor pad, design stiles

viva gray!

2011-06-17T09:57:00.000-04:00

via Oh Happy Day

I love the color of this dresser I saw on Oh Happy Day. I think I might paint whatever side tables I eventually buy a similar color.

air vents

2011-06-15T09:41:00.001-04:00

My sister is finishing up remodeling her bathroom. I convinced her that she should ditch the old white slit vent and put in a more decorative vent. I found that decorative vents are actually hard to find online, particularly ones that are decently priced. These are the best two sites that I found:

Signature Hardware offers multiple decorative vents.

Atlanta Supply Company offers cast iron vents

concrete

2011-06-14T09:24:00.000-04:00

I found these concrete bowls/votives on Etsy today. I love them.

long bob

2011-06-10T08:46:00.001-04:00

It is time for another hair cut. My hair is limp and lack luster and could use a Jennifer Aniston-esque makeover. I am sticking with the long bob, I have loved it, but this version is just slightly choppier along the bottom.

Also, I am still toying with the idea of adding some highlights ala Jessica Biel. I can't decide if it would look good with a long bob. Opinions?

via hairstyles blog,

nobody does it better

2011-06-09T08:14:00.000-04:00

Kate Middleton, or I guess I should say the Duchess of Cambridge, knows how to pick and wear a hat. These are from an outing this week at the Derby (a horse race?). They are estimating that she will have approximately three outfits a day (40+ outfits) for their visits to Canada and the United States next month. I can't wait to see what she has put together because nobody does it better.

via Pop on the Pop

summer reading list

2011-06-08T08:53:00.000-04:00

I am ready to start reading for fun again. I am excited to read these books this summer.

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond

Conquering Infertility by Alice D. Domar

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

And a series of fictional books recommended by my sister-in-law about dragons and the crusades. The name of which is escaping me currently...

I am also looking for some good beach reads, any recommendations?

couch re-design

2011-06-07T08:48:00.000-04:00

My friend Martha just bought this couch from a consignment shop. She want to re-upholster the couch to go with her red leather chair.

I vote for a bold pattern, here are some examples.

The fabric on the chairs is what I am looking at in this picture.

I think this large pattern is one of my favorites.

A little more modern

This is an antique chair and not the exact fabric I would use but I love the small stripes.

Another large pattern.

via Oh the World Spins Madly On, Rare Victorian, marimekko, desire to inspire, caitlin wilson design

bedside tables

2011-06-06T10:48:00.000-04:00

Before we moved I sold most of our bedroom set. I am holding off on getting a dresser until we move again (in August, we are subletting for the summer). I don't necessarily care that the bedside tables, headboard and dresser come from the same set so long as they look nice together. Since we kept our headboard it is the starting point for the rest of the furniture. I plan to paint the bedside tables and dresser to complement the dark wood of the headboard. Here are some of my ideal bedside table shapes.

Good thing I have nothing better to do all summer than scour craigslist, garage sales and thrift stores! Maybe I should get a part time job at Pottery Barn so I can get the employee discount....

via sashy jane, kate collins interiors, and pottery barn

skirts

2011-06-03T09:35:00.002-04:00

I hear another, and possibly better, way to beat the heat is skirts. I found some linen and seersucker skirts because they would probably help even more.

Linen Skirt from Zara

Seersucker skirt from L.L. Bean

who wears short-shorts?

2011-06-02T06:09:00.000-04:00

Texas is hot. In Michigan I could get away wearing jeans and a t-shirt in the summer, that won't fly in Texas. I need an array of shorts and light weight skirts to survive summer. Here are some shorts I am looking at. I have never bought any shorts from any of these companies but I am hoping for some quality shorts from them.

Chino Shorts from Boden

Denim Roll Ups from Anthro

Chino Shorts from J.Crew

csa

2011-06-01T11:53:00.000-04:00

via foodLOVE project

I have been looking up Community Supported Agriculture. My sister participates in a CSA and has loved it. Here is Texas they have year-round CSA's. I think I am going to sign up for a half share. I love the idea of getting fruits and vegetables that are not only locally grown but perhaps not what you would ordinarily buy. Adventurous cooking and consumption, here we come....

mango quinoa salad

2011-05-31T11:01:00.000-04:00

I recently ran across this mango quinoa salad on Our Best Bites, I have been wanting to find more quinoa recipes. I currently have two good ones with two more to try out. Hopefully this one will fall under the 'good' category.

poppies

2011-05-27T09:01:00.000-04:00

photo via Design Mom

I want to take up painting. I think this picture would be a great place to start. Oh to live in France. It just sounds lovely, doesn't it?

inspirational

2011-05-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

via House Beautiful

I love this couch coupled with the gigantic library behind it.

farewell to ace deuce

2011-05-25T08:31:00.002-04:00

Today is moving day. We are sad to leave Ann Arbor, we have come to love it.

But on to new adventures! Wish us luck in crossing the flooding Mississippi!

via Joe Braun, Film Maker Magazine,

travel tuesday: india with guest blogger martha

2011-05-24T12:05:00.001-04:00

Here is a taste of some favorite moments from our adventures around Incredible India. All that can be said is sensory overload! One has to see it to believe it. Visit curiousmisadventure for the full story.

Contrast beach moment, Goa

Gate of India and Taj Palace Hotel, site of the 2009 terrorist attacks.

Dohbi Ghat. The biggest laundro-mat you’ll ever see. Only men working. In Mumbai.

Hand-dyed sari threads.

Sun Temple, 1000 years old.

The Taj Mahal, at Sunset

Transportation.

Home of the magic carpet.

Cows wandering the roads.

The kiddles. My favorite thing to discover.

So much delicious food. And almost always vegetarian! Heaven.

new life

2011-05-23T08:35:00.000-04:00

I have four mismatched bookshelves, two of which REALLY need some TLC. Perhaps a coat of spray paint will help them. Or maybe I should just sell them and get a new one...

via apartment therapy, kaboodle,