~Quick Updates with a Vintage Twist for your Kitchen~

Spring is the time that we get in the mood for updating our homes.  Here are some quick and inexpensive updates that you can do over a weekend to give your kitchen a vintage twist!

Add a pop of color to your pantry door. Either a quick paint job or an inexpensive screen door with a paint job. Your choice of color...of course!

Who wouldn’t love this spice rack in their kitchen? Old Soda Bottle Carriers, they are great for a multitude of uses, but this is by far the best! I would use white paint to accent the “bottom” of the rack, or maybe red…blue…whatever would coordinate with your kitchen colors! I want one…

Paint your wood floor?? This is a great way to update!

Add an old armoire, paint the outside to match your cabinets and the inside 2 or 3 shades darker. Add pops of color in canisters or appliances. Another great thing with an armoire is to add glass or chicken wire to the upper doors. This allows your appliances or storage containers to be the focal point of the piece.

Update your chairs with paint or fabric, "sew" simple!

The most frugal way to update cabinets is your knobs! In this picture she used green glass knobs on all of her cabinets (I know it’s kinda hard to see, sorry)! But the update is quick, easy and inexpensive!!

I hope you can find a quick, inexpensive way to update your kitchen!  If you have something that you've done and want to share pictures send them to me!  Hope you have a great weekend!

~Important Women's Health Issue - another non decor post~

y/n ~Do you have feelings of inadequacy?



y/n~ Do you suffer from shyness?


y/n~ Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.

Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything.

You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had.

Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas.

However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:- Dizziness- Nausea- Vomiting- Incarceration- Erotic lustfulness- Loss of motor control- Loss of clothing- Loss of money- Loss of virginity- Table dancing- Headache- Dehydration- Dry mouth- And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNINGS:-

The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.-

The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.-

The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing..-

The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

 

Please share this with other women who may need Margaritas.

 

 

Thanks to Melaine over at My Sweet Savannah for sharing!

What is a good Wine for Monday Night Dinner...

Today is all about Wine. Believe it or not, in Colorado we have a few WINERIES AND VINEYARDS. I have chosen one today to profile. It happens to be in my opinion one of the best in Southern Colorado. It is: The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City Colorado. Below are a few of my favorites:

Chardonnay Monterey:

100% Chardonnay from Monterey, California. French oak aged, loaded with beautiful, ripe fruit flavors of pear, green apple, & hints of oak. Best with rich seafood dishes, any fowl, cheese or fruit.

Colorado Merlot:

100% Colorado grapes from Talbott Farms in Palisade. A beautiful fruit-forward wine, loads of black cherry, berry & spice. Oak is a subtle nuance, adding amazing complexity to this wine. Soft tannin structure with loads of luscious fruit. Drink now or age for 4-6 years.

Colorado Nouveau:

Primarily 100% Colorado Merlot, grown in Colorado’s Grande River, fermented whole berry, to enhance the bold black cherry flavor of the grape. A sweeter red wine that should be served chilled or over ice

Vineyard Sunset:

A rosè blend of 87% Colorado White Merlot and 13% White Zinfandel. Loaded with hints of citrus, raspberry, strawberry, cotton candy & watermelon flavors. Serve chilled or over ice. Label art courtesy of Paula Fasken, Santa Fe, NM

Wild Cañon Harvest:

A wonderful blend of grapes from over 100 local growers, a sweet rosè table wine. Light & fruity, serve chilled or over ice.

I have to admit that Colorado Nouveau and Wild Canon Harvest are my all time favorites. You can see their catalog here: https://www.cnwzcommerce.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=abbeywinery&Category_Code=Wine-1

Getting to know YOU

It’s Sunday so it’s time for our weekly question and answer series. Thanks Mannland5.

The questions..

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?
    Romance

2. Do you recycle?
     Yes


3. Have you ever been to a strip club?
     Yes


4. Do you have a nickname?
    Sissy

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?
     Don't have one.


6. What are your Summer staples?
     Sandels or Flip Flops
7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
     Shirt


8. Are you happy with your boob size?
    No

Head over the Mannland5 and link up. It’s fun.

Hope your weekend was fabulous!

Island Style

Today I turn my thoughts to the Islands. My husband is from the Island of Guam. On days like this where it is cold, raining and now snowing I always turn to thoughts of warm weather places. That brings me to, "Island Style Decorating". Just dreaming of a warm paradise island where there the living is easy.

Guam Pictures

Guam Sunset

Latte Stone Park

Thanks Coastal Living for giving us 10 Essentials for "Island Style" Decorating, they are:

~ Umbrella's

~ Sugar White Walls

~ Shades of Light

~ Rattan Furniture

~ Mosaics

~ Striped Rugs

~ Pairs

~ Shutters

~ Batik Prints

~ Embroidered Bedding


Here are a few pictures to give you that "Warm" feeling on the inside! As always, I'm inspired by the Islands. A special Thanks to my husband for bringing the islands to my life!

Hafa Adai!

Today is all about PINK...

I love PINK, it is such a soothing color. Makes you happy just to look at it! Here are some rooms with pink, whether it be all pink rooms or just hints of pink. These are beautiful spaces.

I hope you enjoy looking at them!

Varying shades of pink, they work so well together.

Just a hint, on the bedspread!

Look at this pink dresser, so elegant!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This living room is so beautiful.  Look at the hot pink corsets on the backs of the chairs with the tutu style bottom! 

Hugs! 

The Tree!

Well, it's been a couple of days since I last sat down at my computer.  We were busy this weekend picking the tree and preparing the hole for it.  The tree is in!

Just beautiful!

Here are some pictures of the front of our home.  It looks so bad right now.  Last year we had the new patio and sidewalk poured so the grass is dead! 

These are all empty beds, within a month they will be over flowing with flowers.  You really can't tell by this picture but that is a water feature that my husband and I made.








The two pots will have ferns soon!

I can't wait to get the gardens full, I love lots of flowers!

This side of the yard has a kidney shaped island around the tree.  We are thinking about putting a smaller circular island around the new tree, what do you think?  Drop me a comment and let me know!  Can't wait to show updated pictures when the flowers are in and blooming.

Birthday Giveaway

Jill over at Forever*Cottage is hosting a birthday giveaway.  She has the most adorable salt/pepper/mustard set from Anthro.  Head on over to blog and check it out!  Don't forget to wish her a Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Jill!

http://forevercottage.blogspot.com/

Beautiful Patio

Today I was searching for inspiration for my bedroom paint color. I didn't get too far into my search until I found these pictures of a beautiful patio.  I would love to sit here at night and watch the sun setting over the mountains!  I hope you enjoy...Now back to search for the perfect paint color! Photos can be found here: 
 http://www.romantichome.blogspot.com/

What a great blog!

A New Motto...

I was searching Etsy this morning for some pictures for my kitchen, here is one I came across and even though I don't know if I'm buying it I think it's gonna be my new motto...

Oh wait...I'm suppose to be on a diet!  Guess none of the Margarita Cupcakes either!!

Thanks to CafeBaudelaire at Etsy! 

Margarita Cupcakes

My son brought me this recipe. He knows that Margarita's are my favorite mixed drink, so I guess he thought I'd be in heaven. He was right...but please keep in mind they do have tequila in them so they might be better for adults only! 

CAKE:

9 ounces liquid Margarita mix (a little over a cup)
3 ounces tequila (a little less than 1/3 cup)
¾ ounce Grand Marnier
1 box white cake mix
3 large egg whites
2 Tbs vegetable oil
1 Tbs lime zest


LIME BUTTERCREAM ICING:


2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), at room temperature
5 to 6 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbs fresh lime juice
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp grated lime zest
green food coloring, if desired
small lime slices for garnish, if desired

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two dozen cupcake tins with paper liners.

2. Prepare cupcakes: Whisk together margarita mix, tequila and Grand Marnier in a small bowl. Measure out 1¼ cups for the recipe; pour the rest on some ice and drink it while making the cupcakes.


3. In a large bowl, blend cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, lime zest and 1¼ cups of the margarita mix from step 1. Blend on low for about 30 seconds and then increase speed to medium and blend for two additional minutes. Batter will be slightly lumpy.


4. Spoon the batter into cupcake liners (about ¾ full). Bake for 20-25 min, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool for about 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them to a rack to cool completely.


5. Prepare icing: Once cucpakes are completely cooled, prepare the icing. Place butter in a large bowl and beat with electric mixer until butter is fluffy. Add 5 cups of powdered sugar, salt, lime juce, and lime zest. Mix until thick and creamy. Add more powdered sugar until the frosting is of a good spreading (or piping) consistency. Mix in a tiny amount of green food coloring or gel paste if you’d like the frosting to have a green tint. Ice cupcakes in whatever manner you prefer… spreading or piping the frosting. Use small lime slices as garnish.


Yield: About 24
Cooking Tips
*Don’t worry too much about exact measuring for the margarita mix/tequila/Grand Marnier. Just eyeball it and measure out the 1 1/4 cups that you’ll need for the recipe.
*If you just spread frosting on the cupcakes (rather than piping), you’ll probably have a bit of frosting leftover.
*If you prepare these a day before, it’s best to place them into a covered container and refrigerate them. Remove them to room temperature a couple of hours before serving. Of course, they’re best if eaten the day they’re made.

I hope you will enjoy these!  Boy...there is no low fat or calorie counting on these!

Autumn Blaze Pear...

That is the tree we picked today for our front yard.  It is a beautiful tree that will reach 20-30 Ft. with a spread of 15-25 Ft.  .  The tree blooms in the spring, it has beautiful white flowers and no fruit.  This tree has a rounded crown and turns a brilliant crimson red in the fall.  It is the hardest of all pear trees.  This three season tree is great for street side planting, and excellent for small residential landscapes, a screen, or for mass groupings.  I can't wait to get it in the ground and get my flower bed planned around it!

Spring, white flowers

Fall crimson red!

Hope you all had a great Saturday, and may you have a peacful resting Sunday!

At long last, I can begin to tend to my gardens - the trees have begun to show their first buds and the weather is suppose to be warm this weekend. Everything around us is coming to life, spring is certainly here!
I am a gardener. I love the process of tending and nurturing my favorite perennial varieties. The prospect of adding annuals to a garden makes me smile.  You can instantly add a dash to color to any area. 


Tomorrow is the day, looking for a new tree and planing a new perennial garden.  Last year we added a new porch and flower beds to the front of the house, finishing touches this year.  I will post pictures tomorrow at the "middle" of the project and later this summer when all is done!  I look forward to seeing the previous summer's work literally come to life! This summer we will also focus on adding and tweaking the already established beds  and the pond...there will be a lot of muscle involved (oh how my husband cringes at that)!


May all of you enjoy some time outside this weekend doing what you love!

Terrie

My Sweet Savannah

My Sweet Savannah is having a give away over on her blog...Check it out
http://www.mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/

One of the best blogs out there!!

Flowers and Water

Today it's all about the outside! It's so beautiful here, temp. is reading 68 at 4:30. I'm so looking forward to summer, what about you?



These pictures make me want to get out and roll up my sleeves and start diggin in the dirt!

So inviting, a nice spot under the shade enjoying the peace and tranquility this brings!

Awe, the power of Roses.  No garden would be complete without them...These matched against the pink Foxglove is beautiful!

And now for the water...

I would love to have this in my back yard...maybe this year honey?

Or how about this?  A little bigger and with a pond, but wouldn't this be a peaceful setting in any back yard space! 

I hope you are enjoying my blog so far.  Stay tuned as later in the month I am doing a prize give away!  More details to come later...

Do you love these as much as I do?

Today's cottage kitchen can be anything you want it to be. I am featuring a few ideas from the Home Idea's Webpage.

The hues in this room are so soft, it just makes you want to take a seat and enjoy the morning!

Another room of soft colors!  This tiny space is so perfectly put together, it’s cozy and look at the green polka dot coffee pot on the stove!

 

Here is a close up of the open shevles.  So inviting, isn't it?

Now let's not forget the European Style.  A mix match of style and colors.  I love this one!

Last, but certainly not least...My persoanl favorite!  I love the lamp over the sink, natural linen shade that is hand tied!  The clock is to die for...

I hope you have enjoyed looking at these kitchen inspirations as much as I did! 

Built in Elegance

Look at the beauty of this small space sleeping nook! It is so simple and elegant. Can you picture yourself snuggled up here with your favorite magazine? Thanks Country Home for sharing this photo.