Archive for kitchen life
Happy Fall!
Posted by: | Comments
Hello All… Happy Fall!
I don’t think I have posted a welcome fall post, so I think this will be it! Fall is (one of) my favorite seasons. (In the spring it’s spring, but in the fall it’s fall!) But in honoring all the things that I love about fall, I wanted to share some inspiring images with you to make you feel the crisp air, celebrate the vibrancy of the turning leaves and the nesting that occurs as the temps turn colder. 
As you move into this new season we are in, take a moment to celebrate what you love about fall. Because that’s what one of the things life is really about isn’t it? Being grateful for each moment and realizing that the small things are the big things. 
Set some time aside for doing the things that bring you comfort and serve others. Make a cake, press some leaves, light some candles, carve a pumpkin… most of all…spread joy.
Stop by and let me know what your favorite thing about fall is and how you plan to celebrate!
One very HOT day… Top 5 Ways to Avoid the Heat!
Posted by: | CommentsWe are having a tremendous heat and humidity wave here in the Midwest. (Higher temps and humidity than the Brazilian Rainforest had yesterday…) Eek! I just keep counting my blessings that we have air conditioning. I can’t imagine having to do anything, especially sleep in this weather.
So, in light of the heat, I thought I would offer up some suggestions for keeping cool in an air conditioned place! 
My Top 5 Ways to Avoid the Heat:
1. Ice Cream: Not too picky here, whether it’s opening a Ben & Jerry’s container from the freezer, running to the local ice cream shop, or making it yourself… find yourself a creamy cool concoction and enjoy! Some of my favorite flavors include Chocolate Almond Coconut or Caramel Macchiato. Want to make it yourself to avoid going out in the heat to pick up some? (Especially fun if you have kids!) Here’s a delicious Cherry Ice Cream recipe to try… perfect with cherries being in season right now.
2. Cucumber Water: A nice, refreshing, good-for-you, drink to keep you hydrated and is a bit more fun that plain old water. Add 2-3 slices of cucumber (I like the English Cucumbers, thinner skins and minimal seeds) to your glass of ice water and enjoy! Another delicious alternative if you have an herb garden… Pineapple Mint Water. Just crush a few pineapple mint leaves into a glass and add water and ice.
3. Cooling Massage: Put your favorite foot lotion into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes and then give yourself a cooling foot massage. Even better if you can convince your sweetie to do this… offer to swap foot massages, he’ll love it too! My recommendation… Aveda’s Foot Relief… very refreshing, hydrating and not greasy at all. Hands down my favorite!
4. Read a Bestseller: Pick up your favorite beach read and enjoy one of the joys of summer… spending guilt-free time getting lost in a good mystery or a fun, flirty novel certainly makes you forget about the heat! (This is best while done lounging outside in the shade if you’ve got a good cool spot.) My recommendation… The Help. A fantastic book- funny, serious and eye-opening at the same time. Definitely a must read. Bonus… if you read it now, you’ll be ready for the highly anticipated movie debut in early August!
5. Cooling Packs: Those wonderful little cold packs that can be frozen are a lifesaver when you are overheated. Apply to key places like the back of your neck, temples, wrists, behind the knees or the arches of your feet. Allow the pack to safely cool you down and bring relief from being overheated. You can find the Core Product line HERE. I keep a variety of sizes on hand for either heating or cooling. Perfect for little ones as well.
What are your favorite ways to “beat the heat”? Have any suggestions that you want to share? Let us know by commenting below!
Thanks and stay cool!
Decor Wishes…
Posted by: | CommentsIf you could re-do one room in your home…. what would it be? We all seem to have that room that needs the most attention, so in your home, what is that space? 
Why do you desire the change?
What is your vision for it’s makeover?
If you desire this change, what is holding you back?
In my home, it is my combined kitchen/dining area. Yes the heart of my home. The place where daily life happens. Meals prepared and cooked, homework done, temporary work station, creative zone, and yes, we actually eat here as well.
So, a complete makeover would be ideal, tearing down walls, opening up the space to allow for optimum functionality and design. I see a classic design with modern and vintage elements. A mix of light and dark, as I love contrast.
What is holding me back? Like many of you, the funding for the project is one that is the most difficult. It seems every time we consider starting, the money needs to be re-allocated to another spot. I also envision my hubby and I doing most of the work. We love to work on our home and having the time to makeover a major part of our living space does seem a bit daunting. Finding the right time to make the changes is almost impossible.
So, tell me about your home and what you’d like to see happen there. I would love to hear your thoughts and wishes for your challenging space.
(photos from My Home Ideas and Southern Living)
Kitchens to love…
Posted by: | Comments
One of my favorite rooms in the home is the kitchen. I love the design aspects, the cabinetry and organization options, and the endless meals prepared there. But I think it may be the overall feel that a kitchen represents that makes it my favorite room. You can really live in a kitchen!
Homework, flower arranging, creative projects, late night gab sessions, surfing the net, hanging out, and of course the endless baking and cooking that goes on here. Life really happens here!
Everyone always gravitates to the kitchen at a party and kids of all ages congregate in the space, including the family pets. That’s why I love a good kitchen. 
Great kitchens come in all shapes and sizes. They can be cozy or grand, bright or neutral, contemporary or country. It’s more about creating a kitchen that works with your lifestyle, so the room really becomes a part of your life. 
If your kitchen falls short of being the most used room in your home, maybe a kitchen update or renovation is in order. Yes, the most beautiful kitchen renovations can be quite pricey, yet some of the simplest changes can make your kitchen feel updated, organized or more spacious.
Minor remodeling can enlarge your space and make it work for your family and your lifestyle. Consider consulting with a professional to make your kitchen all it can be. Talking over the ideas and options can make it seem less daunting and more attainable.
So, whether you have the kitchen of your dreams, or are still dreaming away, here are some wonderful, personal kitchens to enjoy. They may even inspire you to do a little cooking… 
(All photos from House Beautiful)
Updating a Dining Space:
Posted by: | Comments
Would you like to update your eating area and create a special dining space? Are you longing to bring that open-concept living area a bit more formality? Is entertaining something your dining area isn’t up to? If you envision a dining space that is simple enough for family dinners, yet special enough for entertaining or a romantic dinner, here are some tips to get your dining space moving in the right direction.
1. Lighting is Key: Make sure your lighting is on dimmers, harsh lighting feels like you’re eating in a cafeteria. Candlelight is even better!
2. Slipcovers: A great way to add some design to your space is to slipcover a few of the chairs. Don’t do all of them, chose a combo to make more of an impact.
3. Panels: Add some drapery panels. Fabric absorbs sound and creates a cocoon-like feel, making the space more intimate.
4. Centerpiece: Create a centerpiece that sets the tone for your space. It can be a large floral, a rustic tray with a seasonal arrangement, or a candle menagerie. Think simple with “wow” factor.
5. Color: Don’t forget the backdrop- color defines your space and your design. Whether it is a warm chocolate, a romantic coral, or a earthy green, let color shape your design.
A few simple changes and you could be on your way to a whole new space to enjoy your dining experience. Some of these spaces use color as their defining statement, others use texture, and others use a unique focal point, but all have a specifically defined style that isn’t boring.
I love how the slipcovers blend the styles of chairs, I love how color can make one piece pop, I love how vintage pieces can create that gathered over time feel. Adding a modern or clean-lined piece can make the space less formal and less expected as well.
Don’t fall into the trap of purchasing a dining set from the store and bringing home every piece in the collection. Your room will quickly look like an outdated store display and will not feel personal or unique. If you already have that situation, make some of the changes above to start defining your space. Consider breaking up the set, or even painting some of the pieces to make it your own.
Whatever you do, have fun with your dining area. Dining should be a lingering experience, a time to savor the food, the ambiance, the conversation, and the company. Enjoy it. Celebrate it.
(Photos from Coastal Living, Southern Living & House Beautiful)
