Saturday, July 16, 2016



I just want to pop in and say "hi".  We are in the heat of the summer and, man, can you tell it!
I don't have a lot of news other than I just thought that I would share the minor and insignificant goings on here. 

I was thinking.... and I'm pretty sure that the best cup of coffee is that first one on Saturday morning. 
You know the one that you have after sleeping in, your still in your pajamas and your watching the news or in my case, QVC. lol
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's my fav!
I also thought I would share one of the blogs that I have discovered and two long term ones that I'm not sure I ever mentioned before.

Tania at 50 Is Not Old
In blogging terms Tania is relatively new, but her blog has just taken off. What I love is that she has such similar taste and style to mine. I often can pull together an outfit for work on an uninspired morning just by thumbing through her posts. She also always has something humorous or thoughtful to say. Her blog focus is fashion after 50. "Age is an attitude. Keep yours young."

MK is a 35 year old Software Engineer who shares her daily outfits. Young and classy. Her outfits are a little more corporate but still youthful and fresh.  

Both of these ladies are fashion bloggers who keep it real. No super high end ridiculousness going on here.  Real outfits for real women who work and play. 

Angie at Hot and Flashy
Angie is a you tube vlogger that I have been following for several years. She now has a regular feature in Women's Day and is well known. Ladies, we should all look as good as she does after 50. 
Her videos consist of a lot of product trials, how to, and skin care information. Love her videos. 
She talks about drugstore products and expensive stuff. Does it work? Is it worth the investment?
Very informative.
A quick little week end rundown. 

We are going to have some friends over for dinner tomorrow night. 
It's the first entertaining (other than family) that we have done since the kitchen was finished. 
I have a cute little tablescape in mind and an easy menu. I'll take pictures and share later this week. 

So that's the wrap up. I hope you have a great weekend!






Sunday, July 3, 2016

Happy Independence Day...a day early.


America loves her red roses, doesn't she? 
This is such a very easy table and centerpiece.


The bowls are prep bowls. I have a set of blue ones and
a set of red. 


Two dozen grocery store red roses. That is all that I spent. 


Seriously simple for a simple meal.












 After the meal I wanted to keep the theme, so I picked a few 
items and put them on my new tray from Hobby Lobby.



Did you know... that the tradition of fire works started on 
the 4th of July in 1777 when 13 rockets were sent into the sky 
in honor of the 13 colonies? 

That is how it all started. 

We're off for some fireworks and ice cream. 
I hope you are having a wonderful celebration and
that you enjoy your day tomorrow!



Saturday, July 2, 2016

A break in the weather...


Are you surviving the summer? I hope so! We are and doing well. 
Here in Phoenix we are experiencing unusually cool weather.  In the 100 degree range. Unfortunately, that is accompanied by very high humidity and means that we are officially in our "monsoon" season. Typically, lots of dry storms. But we have actually had rain this year. 
Its been lovely! 

I'm a little light on the blogging inspiration of late. I apologize. 
I'm going to try and do better. Its funny how interests ebb and flow. You will probably be seeing more posts on bible journaling and just plain old everyday life. 

I was looking at our family room and debating sharing it with you. 
I have rarely shared it because it just does not lend itself to nice pictures. 
There are huge windows, lots of white, and a lot of very dark furniture. 
It works and we like it, but like I said, it is hard to capture the true feel of the
room. Plus, we do not live in a stylized home. We live in a very modest comfortable
track house. I try to bring as much personalty and warmth as I can, but still, it is what it is. 
We really do live here. The furniture is comfy, not pristine and usually, there are projects going on. Pile of work papers here, an open computer there... like I said real life. 

That said: Here is a panoramic view toward the kitchen. The west side of the room.
The white bar stools have recently been replaced with two of these.


This (below) is the east side. I plan on changing out the red "faith, family and friends" sign.  I will probably paint it black with the same words in white. 
The "pony wall" is an on going debate. I would like to install a large built in cabinet that would be for storing table linens, with a coffee bar / beverage area for entertaining.
We'll see if I ever pull the trigger on that.  


The back wall. North end of the room.
This little sofa was recently replaced with a full size sofa, that we love. 




I'm still trying so hard to be a green thumb. Shortly after taking this picture this little succulent took a turn for the worse. (bummer) It's still alive, but not looking this good any more. :( 





I am more is better girl and I have a hard time getting rid of family heirlooms. 
So you will see lots of old pictures of family that is gone on. 
This picture is my dad and Aunt Becky playing on the back porch
in the summer time. 
My grandmother took the picture, and yes, my aunt is sticking her tongue out at her.



Simple, old fashion, summer fun! 

What are you doing to stay cool?