Bella-Fleur

Vacation Edisto Beach

2011-10-14T08:38:00.003-04:00

Well hello there long time no talk I know.... I have been so busy   creating pretty little cuffs! I have to say I have finally found my   thing, creating cuffs and it feels so right! It all started when I went   looking for a cute boho cuff to wear to the Sheryl Crow concert... Well  I  had a vision but just couldn't find the cuff I had in mind so I  decided  I would make my own and from that moment on 1 cuff became 2 and  from  that I started my own little etsy shop! So now back to my  vaca.... sorry  sometimes I get so excited that I veer of course  sometimes but that's  ok. I may get a little of course but I have ALWAYS  stayed true to  myself! that is one thing I can say for sure. So please  enjoy the pics  from my recent trip to Edisto Beach my favorite place  on the planet!!!

How adorable is this little guy??? Our amazing friend who lives on Edisto Island works with the naturalist on the turtle project and we got invited to ride along on quads down the beach one morning and check nests for little hatchlings that didn't make it out, and to our surprise we came across a nest that still had little babies in it. Due to blow over sand from the hurricane that went up the coast this august there were some nests that just had too much sand on top for the little guys to be able to dig themselves out, so that's were the naturalist and my friend come in they get to offer a helping hand and dig them out. I have to say this was one of the most amazing things I have ever got to be a part of. I got to help this little guy out to the ocean to start his new life! truly a gift to get to see nature at it's finest. 

Beautiful Carolina sunset, one of my favorite things along with my happy little turquoise beach cruiser,what more could a girl ask for, thanks honey you did an amazing job painting it ! I am obsessed with all things TURQUOISE if you haven't noticed haha! my poor husband I am always talking about how I want everything painted turquoise, I can't help it turquoise just makes me happy and makes me think of the sea.

How can you not be happy while riding around the beach on this little cruiser? I just L*O*V*E it. I love to collect shells and fossils and put them in my basket. This girl is simple just give me sunshine and wine doesn't take much to make me happy! oh yeah and my amazing husband too, thanks honey for all the amazing things you do for me and thanks for another amazing vaca at Edisto!

Just be happy it's that simple!


Dare to dream, the possibilities are endless... I hope you have a fabulous weekend get out and try something new the world is waiting! xoxo S~

Sheryl Crow Concert

2011-09-11T19:49:00.001-04:00

Happy Sunday ! Sorry it's been awhile I just got back from a fabulous vaca at Edisto Beach! Stay tuned pics and post to come next! I can't wait to share my trip with you. So I went to see Sheryl Crow in concert a few weeks ago and it was FANTASTIC! It was an amazing night. I absolutely adore Sheryl Crow and love everything she stands for! She is such an inspiration to me. So here are a few pics from the evenings festivities. Me pre show happy as can be with my vino waiting for the show to start... An autographed Beach House Bliss Business card, a ticket stub and one heck of an amazing concert to follow...

Rockin it!!!

Love her guitar!!!

Me after the show waiting to see if I can get a glimpse of Sheryl coming out to her tour bus... I am so glad I hung around because I got to meet Sheryl Crow!!! I was over the moon and star struck!!! So you know I started making cuffs and I thought to myself it's now or never if you want to give her one. So I worked up the nerve and gave her a Beach House Bliss cuff!!!

So I have to mention this adorable headband I am wearing! My good friend Sara from Girlogik makes these sweet little boho headbands I just love them !!! I have several of them and can't wait to get my new one with feathers on it!!! So that was my amazing experience at the Sheryl Crow concert. Is there someone that you admire???

I hope you have a great week! I'm off to unpack from vaca, can't wait to share my pics with you.

S~
xoxo

Asian Sesame Ginger Noodles

2011-08-15T21:39:00.003-04:00

Hello and happy monday!Iknow it's been awhile since I have posted but I have been obsessively making my cuffs for my etsy shop. I have been happily creating all kinds of designs and have so many more I can't wait to share... So in all this madness of cuff making my husband and I did a little project together for our dog. We have a big dog and we have been looking for a cute stand for her bowls and just couldn't find anything we liked so we made our own. It's was nice crafting with my hubby. He built the stand and I painted it and laid the rock design. I think it turned out super cute and Molly approves!So I have been obsessed with this dish... Asian noodles with shrimp, tofu ,sugar snap peas peanuts , sesame seeds and feta. I was in the mood for something asian and spicy so I looked in my fridge and cabinets and this is what I came up with. I used low carb pasta which I am slightly obsessed with low carb cooking. I sauteed some shrimp and tofu and tossed it all together with some sesame ginger dressing and topped it with sugar snap peas, crushed peanuts and sesame seeds. I can't get enough of this meal!it was super fabulous and so ridiculously simple! Add a glass of your favorite vino and enjoy ~

So for those of you who haven't seen my cuffs here is a little peek of my stamped designs, I am in L*O*V*E with them! I just ordered some metal stamps so I am excited to add some metal to them.

What have you been up to this summer??? any projects or interesting new recipes ??? I am on a mission to sell lots of cuffs so I can finally get that new camera I have been dreaming of.

I'm off to list some new cuffs on my etsy.
xoxo
s~

Beach House Bliss Studio latest happenings...

2011-08-05T08:00:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!! So I have been happily creating my newest endeavor ... Introducing can I get a drum roll please.... Boho inspired cuffs! I am so happy with them and am excited to share them with you. Life is a journey and every day really is a winding road! Just love that Sheryl Crow song, oh and by the way I am going to see her in concert next week. I am so pumped she really is a free spirit, I love that about her ! I think I will wear one of these happy little daisy cuffs to the concert, gotta start getting these cuffs out to the world!!! I say you have to believe in yourself and try and if you fail and fall you pick yourself up and then you SUCCEED ! I have been a soul searching mission these last few months and have grown and learned things about myself I didn't know and also realized I am stronger than I realized. I have been finding myself doing things I would have never done before and that makes me feel great about who I am. Everyone has a voice and something to offer so speak up and be heard. Be true to yourself an be as you are no one can take that from you! I think it is important to just take time and sit quietly and listen to your inner voice. Sometimes we all get caught up in what everyone else is saying that we forget to listen to what Oprah calls thos " little whispers". She is so right you have to really listen and when you do you will discover things about yourself you didn't know.These whispers will always lead you on the right path and the direct you where you are meant to go. So enough of my deep thoughts and allowing me to share a feeling.


So after a busy week of creating cuffs and photographing and listing them shop I made this little beach sign. I have been collecting the caps off of my husbands beer bottles and finally got around to making something with them. A simple little project you can do... I used a piece of wainscoting I had laying around, painted some letters turquoise and used e6000 to glue on all the caps in the shape of an arrow simple and cute. Every time I look at this sign it puts a smile on my face and takes me away to my favorite little beach place! What is on your agenda for this weekend? We are taking the train to Chicago this weekend I am so excited. My wonderful in laws gave us 2 folding bikes so we get to take them on the train. This should be an adventure! Can't wait to share pics from trip to chicago. Have a wonderful weekend and oh if you have a minute take a peek at my Beach House Bliss etsy shop I just listed some new cuffs. S~ xoxo

"Everyday is a winding Road" yes it is SHERYL CROW!!!

Random Summer Fun

2011-07-29T20:14:00.007-04:00

Happy FRIDAY! wow it's been a hot one here in the mid west I mean like low country hot! I love it now do I love 99.9 % humidity not really but you will never hear me complain. Living in the mid west you just have to soak up each sunny day because we just don't have that many really super sunny days carpe diem! or carpe vino! like I like to say RIGHT ??? Just live each and everyday doing what makes you happy and your soul sing! So I thought I would share some of my summer escapades and happy times with my hubby. We have the best fun together no matter what we do, this usually includes me coming up with crazy random ideas and lots that are not planned at all and end up being the best times. I always say the best times in life are truly the ones not planned. I just love this pic of us watching the sunset, wasn't planned this night but we were having dinner with some friends of ours up in South Haven and after dinner everyone was so full and I said hey let's all walk down and watch the sunset it will help our food digest. So glad we walked down to do it , it was BEAUTIFUL, gotta enjoy these simple things in life!

Another favorite place of ours The Idler it's a boat/bar on the water. I just love drinking my vino while watching all the boats drift by while day dreaming. My husband and I have been going to South Haven ever since I was in high school it's been our place. We even drive up there in the winter to see all the ice on lake Michigan it has it's specialness in the winter too, plus who doesn't want any opportunity to go to the beach!!! I love photographing the beach in all seasons, but of course summer is my favorite time.

My husband is such a trooper he isn't a fan of being in pictures but he gladly let me take this picture, thanks honey you are cute !

How cute is this place! I have been wanting to go here forever and finally they were open while I was there. I absolutely love it and would buy pretty much anything in there... I did buy some pretty turquoise sea glass, I couldn't resist!

More random summer fun but with our dog Molly this time! She was so happy to get to come along this day she actually got to go to 2 dog friendly bars, this one and one called Bridges that our friends found and it is just as cute and on the water, Molly says thanks friends for finding it . I always feel bad when we are gone all day galavanting around and having to leave our doggie at home all day. She was a trooper and did very well. Wish there were more dog friendly places in our area. Well anyway I love to cook and I especially love cooking good healthy food. So here is what we had for dinner last night grilled tuna steaks with purple cabbage asian slaw, fresh garden beans from a friends garden and grilled peaches for desert. A simple healthy easy summer meal. Nothing screams summer like grilling your dinner and desert all on the grill.


I hope everyone is having a great summer , I am off to work on some new stuff for my etsy shop stay tuned I hope to have them listed this weekend. S~ xoxo

Girlogik tanks and a simple ball jar vase project

2011-07-13T19:25:00.004-04:00

Happy summer day to you! I am excited to share my friends new etsy shop called Girlogik she will be making custom tanks like these along with make up bags, clutches and some other girly accessories. You have to check them out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/girlogik?ref=ss_profile she made me this adorable Bliss one for my b-day I just love it, thanks Sara! she also made me my very own custom Beach House Bliss for my etsy shop. She is so very talented you must stop by and check out her shop.

So I was reading flea market style magazine the other day and came across this simple mason jar vase project. For this simple project get yourself a cute blue mason jar a metal clamp, which you can find at any hardware store usually in or near the plumbing, piece of wood ( I used an old piece of wainscoting I had laying around) and some screws. Screw the metal clamp to a piece of wood then slip the jar threw the metal ring and tighten until the jar holds firm. So simple and I just love it. I am limited on surface space so this is a great way to display your pretty backyard wildflowers . Simple and cute !

Speaking of pretty back yard flowers... My mom gave me these gorgeous hydrangeas they along with peonies and daisies are one of my favorites. Hope you are having a great summer, what have you been up to lately?


"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. " ~ Elisabeth Foley

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T15:08:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th friends, family and fellow bloggers! It is an absolutely beautiful 4th of July weekend here in the mid west! I couldn't be happier. We spent the day on the lake at our families friends house and it was wonderful. We took the canoe around the lake and totally just soaked up all the beauty. It was a perfect day. It's so nice to be around such wonderful people, lots of good food and drink and wonderful stories. Our day ended with some really nice fireworks on the lake, it was a great place to watch them, we had front row seats on the lake!

On a side note my friend and I just got her etsy shop opened up, she makes the most adorable tanks. She will also be taking custom orders, please take a peak at her shop www.girlogik.etsy.com

Now back to the 4th of July festivities....

My husband is so sweet he canoed me all around the lake, I have a injured arm so he was so kind to canoe us all around while I happily drank my vino and took photos :-)

How cute is this , this is my parents friends boat it's even has a big paddle on the back like the old riverboats, which you can't see in this pic. The kids love to jump off the top of the boat and they have even added a slide what kid wouldn't be happy! I just love being on the water no matter where! I hope everyone is having a good holiday weekend, let the festivities continue!
Cheers!
xoxo

What I've been working on in the Beach House Bliss Studio

2011-07-02T13:16:00.001-04:00

Hello and happy 4th of July weekend. It's a busy weekend for everyone. We are headed up to our parents friends house up on the lake for some 4th of July festivities so I just wanted to pop in real quick and tell you what I have been working on for my etsy shop. I have been perfecting these belt buckles and I am almost there. I am excited to sell these in my shop. Like anything you create it's a process and fine tuning, plus I have been wearing this buckle to see how it holds up and so far so good! I have a ton of ideas for my buckles and can't wait to get to them. So what do you think so far? I am open to any creative ideas or tips... so anyway just wanted to give you a peek at what I have been working on in the Beach House Bliss Studio! Stay tuned I will let you know when I get ready to put them in my shop :-)

So I have been in desperate need of something to hang my necklaces on so I just made this simple little picture fame necklace holder. Just take some burlap a simple white frame and staple the burlap tight onto the cardboard backer that comes with the frame . Get yourself some cute little sewing pins( I found these cute little butterflies at Meijer) and hang your necklaces that's it simple and sweet!

Awhile back I did a makeover on my bedroom and the style is what I like to call Shabby Chic Boutique. I got the cutest little shabby chic chandelier to pull it all together. I needed a few more little simple accessories so I made this sweet little frame. I used a 5x7 frame, painted it black and then simply scuffed it up. For the card I used a 5x7 canvas photo card and just stamped my little saying with stampers you can get at any craft store. A simple little frame which I think turned out adorable. So there you have it my latest comings and goings. I'm off to the lake for some drinking vino on the boat time!

Happy 4th of July weekend. Hope you get to get and enjoy this beautiful day. Until next time...

much love xoxo

What I'm loving today... all things white and boho

2011-06-29T17:17:00.003-04:00

Happy summer day to you! it is a picture perfect clear blue skies day! I just had a wonderful lunch at one of my favorite Italian eateries up on Lake Michigan. The sky was cobalt blue and the few clouds that meandered by looked like they were painted with an artists brush, simply B*L*I*S*S*

So seeing summer is in full swing I thought I would share some things I am loving now! I love her simple look so beachy boho oh and I love the bike too! Simple and care free that is me! I'm loving all things white and vintage, makes me think how neat it would be to just sell everything I own and travel and be a gypsy. My husband and I always talk about how easy it would be for us to just be free spirits we are really into backpacking so we know how to live simple and pair down!

I am also loving these sandals how cute would they be with a ruffle boho skirt? I just love all the boho vintage and beachy things! I guess I'm a mix of all of them I love them all! throw on a boho ruffle skirt and grab your beach cruiser and go exploring for the day.

I'm also loving all these simple sweet little dresses


and of course you need a few little accessories, I LOV*E this purse! So there you have it my simple summertime pics. What are you loving today??? I'm off to a friends house to help her get her etsy shop up and running she asked me to model her tanks , I just love being around inspiring creative people, I love the energy,plus it's so nice to have supportive and encouraging friends I love you all and you know who you are! xoxo S~

Simple Beachy Garden Crafts

2011-06-26T08:37:00.006-04:00

Happy Sunday! So I was just tinkering around and I love using things I already have laying around or giving new life to something old. So my husband re sided our garage last summer and I was just poking around the garage looking for something and I came across some of the old cedar shakes that were extras and I thought how cute would these be if I made little signs with them. Can't get much simpler than that. I just used some wood letters spray painted them turquoise and glued them on. And seeing my etsy shop is called beach house bliss I thought Bliss was cute! Simply Bliss that is how I feel when I am inspired by the beach and nature. So I was on a roll and thought that butterfly house I had hanging in my garden had seen better days so I gave it a little make over. The roof used to be yellow and with time and the elements it just lost its life. So I got out the turquoise paint and gave it new life, I also added the little starfish and shell. Now my once dilapidated little butterfly house now has new life!

Now for a simple classic summer salad...Caprese salad with pine nuts. Always a fav of mine in the summer. Fresh basil from my garden good vine ripe tomatoes a drizzle of evoo and balsamic buffalo mozz which I love and some pine nuts. Always a classic I never get tired of it all summer long. And aren't my new little plates cute! gotta love Target.

So speaking of summer ... I just got back from a wonderful trip visiting my sister in South Carolina so I thought I would share of few pics of one of my days at the beach.... How cute are these little beach chairs !!! The bright blue really pops on the beach especially on a sunny day! I can picture myself on one now reading a book or browsing threw Coastal Living :-)


And who doesn't love a tiki hut on the beach! This adorable little place is right on the beach in Hilton Head, they also have a sand volleyball court right in front of the tiki hut. Love sipping a cocktail there while watching some sand volleyball. And this lovely little hotel is right next door. So many cute beachy places and pretty things to look at, how can you not be Happy! Well those were just a few pics of my trip I will be posting more ... It's sunday and I am in relax mode so I will be heading over to the hammock with a book . What will you be doing on this sunday afternoon???


Much love xoxo S~

Beach House Bliss Etsy Shop Is Officially Open !!!

2011-06-20T21:42:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday ! I am so excited to say my etsy shop is officially open. I have been toying with the idea of a etsy shop for awhile and finally had the time to do it. My dream is to one day have a little shop or possibly an online shop with my sister. I guess this is the first step in that direction. I know etsy is small and there are a lot of other fish in the sea but... you have to start somewhere right? I am a ok with doing just that to start. I have so many ideas for things to put in my little beachy themed shop. So any who stop on over and check out Beach House Bliss I don't have much listed yet but these things take time! I will have photo cards, matted photography, vintage photo windows, driftwood frames, citronella wine bottles with chalkboard messages and other beachy items. So take a peek and let me know what you think.

xoxo
Sherry ~

Follow your heart and make your dreams come true!

Cottage LOV*E and All things Old Town Bluffton SC

2011-06-14T11:42:00.018-04:00

Hello and happy tuesday! I thought I would pop in and say hello... it's been awhile. I am so grateful I had the oppotunity to visit my sister and just simply rest my body and spirit. My days are started with coffee and breakfast out on the patio with a little bird watching, ok a lot of bird watching it is a birders paradise here! Sometimes I start my day with riding my bike to this adorable little eatery called the cottage. I just love it. Who doesn't love a little cottage eatery, it actually used to be a private residence which has been restored and turned into a fabulous little restaraunt with the most amazing food.

And how cute is the little seating area a happy little garden space which by the way is dog friendly :-)

All of these little places are located in the historic old town bluffton sc. I absolutely love it and I also love the fact that they have preserved all these old houses and have turned them into art galleries, eateries and even this adorable little wine bar. What more does a girl need??? I fell in love with Old Town the minute I laid eyes on it.

And how cute is this little outdoor bar it's called The Dispensary L*O*V*E it!

And if your heart so desires they even have a little B&B , just love the charm of the old south.

And if your heart fancies shopping , antiques or art they have that too...

Old town also has some amazing little secret cottages. I had so much fun just riding my bike around town dreaming and taking photos of the town and all it's southern charm. I had the most amazing day and I was all by myself, I don't often do that but I had the opportunity to spend the day with myself and my thoughts, it was a very GOOD day.

I came across this adorable old school cottage... I could so live there, my dream cottage would have turquosie shutters and a tin roof that will patina by the elements.

But then I could also live in this new school cottage too! Maybe a mix between old and new??? either way this girl does not need much to be happy just a simple little cottage with some trees to hang my hammock.

Another little secret cottage

on the banks of the may river bluffton, now this would be fabulous too... so many choices

One last little place I found along my ride

Did someone say VINO??? after all that riding around it was time to have a little glass and reflect on my days discoveries and dreams.

Last stop The Oyster factory on the may river, hope you enjoyed the little tour of old town bluffton, I enjoyed giving it. Have you found your little slice of paradise you can call our own??? I have! Hope you have an inspiring day... until next time

XOXO

Never ever ever give up on your DREAM!

Beach House Bliss Etsy Shop Coming Soon!

2011-05-30T16:43:00.002-04:00

Hello and Happy Memorial day! I am in sheer bliss our weather here is simply perfect! nice and hot just how I like it. So I have been busy setting up an etsy shop, I have to say I am so excited! My shop will have a little bit of everything from beach photography, photo cards, Memo boards,and I have been working on sea glass belt buckles, still doing some tweaking on those but I am very close to getting them where I like them. I have been doing a lot of soul searching and have come to realize I need a change in my life and I am heading in a new direction not exactly sure where I am going but I have to say I am making changes to make me HAPPY! I have been so inspired buy the beach, nature and all things organic it makes me super happy. I have really been listening to my heart and what makes ME happy.So I just wanted to pop in and let you all know that I am getting very close to opening my etsy shop. Do you like my shop banner? So please check back my shop will be open soon! Hope you have a great rest of your weekend. I am off to work on my shop.

remember to... relax, slow down and follow your own path to HAPPINESS.

S~

Sea Glass Belt Buckle

2011-05-22T17:26:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday ! just wanted to pop in with a quick little post. We went for a beautiful bike ride this morning around a local lake in Michigan. On our ride we saw these cute little sail boats! that put a big smile on my face. The first part of our weekend was pretty crummy but today makes up for it. I was in sheer bliss on our ride around the lake. Birds were happily singing and people were all out buzzing around their cute little cottages planting flowers and getting their boats ready for memorial day. I couldn't be happier today. What have you been up to on this beautiful pre summer day??? I have been really been inspired lately to be creative I feel like my juices are flowing... I have been learning the art of pmc clay and have really been enjoying. I recently made this seaglass belt buckle, I absolutely love how it turned out. I am working on some more to a. I have lots of ideas for more buckles so stay tuned. friend who is teaching me pmc has her own etsy so pop on over and take a peak shop she is a wonderful source of inspiration and her work is beautiful. Studio 422.

Well I am off to work on some more photo cards hope you all have a wonderful week. What has inspired you lately ???

Listen to your heart follow your own path to happiness and always believe in yourself, You have a voice make it heard!

Beachy Photo Project

2011-05-10T20:21:00.002-04:00

Yippee we finally had a day above 70 degrees! I was in sheer bliss today. Came home and made a yummy shrimp tofu salad and had dinner al fresco with my hubby tonight under the twinkle lighted arbor! I couldn't be HAPPIER. So we completely gutted our sunroom so naturally I needed to make it cute and beachy. So I made these super simple beachy framed letters.

Just take some beach inspired photos and buy some inexpensive wood frames and paint them white and scuff them up. It doesn't get any easier than that. I absolutely love how they turned out. I am working on the rest of the new beachy decor for the room, when I get it all finished I will post pics of the finished sunroom. I am so happy with my new beachy cottage sunroom. So this is me being dorky in my hammock I just love swaying in the hammock, it makes me dream of warm days on the ocean. I hope you have your own special place you can retreat to and dream and collect your thoughts... You have to follow your own path to happiness and find happiness in each and every day. I hope you have a good rest of your week. It looks like our weather is finally shaping up. I am off with a glass of vino heading back over to the hammock :-)

Springtime Happiness

2011-05-03T19:27:00.001-04:00

Happy tuesday !!! So today was kind of dreary and cold and to be honest I just don't know how much more of this dreary weather my soul can take... I had an ok day nothing special just a ordinary day work day , kind of day where you sit at your job and look out the window and hope for a ray of sunshine a glimmer of warm summer days to come... so no sunshine here today I am sad to say. So when I got home I was happily greeted with these happy little lilacs and I thought to myself here is your sunshine today! You just have to find sunshine in all the beautiful things around YOU!

You know what else makes me happy? the ocean so when it's dreary here and I am feeling a little blue I just look at at all my happy beach pictures and I imagine myself on the ocean drifting along the beach collecting my thoughts! Voila I am instantly snapped out of my funk !

I hope you are having a good week. I am off to pour a glass of wine and relax by the chiminea with hopes of warm summer days to come... Until we meet again have a wonderful rest of the week. I have more little projects I am working on so I will post pics when they are done. So many ideas so little time, my creative juices have been a flowin!

The Art Of Pmc Clay

2011-04-27T11:10:00.005-04:00

Hello and Happy Wednesday all... I recently spent time with my Bestie in her art studio and she was happy to teach me the art of pmc clay. I just love being in her studio it's so inspiring when we get together in her studio we have so much fun bouncing ideas of each other. Our ideas just start flowing along with the vino hee hee, gotta have vino while getting busy creating. I have even more respect for handmade things than I already did before, wow a lot of time goes into making these bangles, not to mention the rising cost of silver. So here is a little recap of the process of making these little pretties... First you start of by rolling out your clay( pmc is precious metal clay) it's a process of firing the clay in a kiln and applying special material to the clay, amazing when you put your piece in the kiln it comes out as fine silver piece, now there are other steps in between but i won't bore you with all those other details. There is sanding the piece, polishing the piece etc... I also made the bangles (stef soldered them for me( which I am going to learn that next. I hammered each bangle and sanded and polished each one. I really enjoyed each process of making these bangles. I have some more ideas for my clay so stay tuned I will post those next! So here is a quick little step by step of the whole process, minus a few steps in between.
First step roll out your clay...

Punch out your pieces

Let your pieces dry

Have a little glass of vino in between....

Friend and wonderful teacher

Finished beachy bangles I absolutely love how they turned out and I am proud to say I designed and crafted them myself!

“In art the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Turquosie Pillows and Driftwood Beach Sign

2011-04-21T19:01:00.003-04:00

Hello and happy day to you! I have been a crafting fiend lately I just got back from the ocean and that always get's me inspired to make beachy things.

So I was at the craft store the other day looking for something completely different for a totally different craft project and I came across these cute little flower embelishments . All you need for these cute little pillows is the little white daisies which come without centers, scrapbook brads (those are the cute little centers of the flowers and some ruffle ribbon and ribbon glue. Just poke the little brads through the center of the daisy and glue on, it's that simple! There are a million adorable little flower embelishments and brads to chose from. Of course I picked turquoise because it's my favorite color if you have not figured that out yet.

Meausure out your ribbon and glue on.... project complete. I just love them,now all I need is a new white cushion for my wicker couch I just painted, it used to be black. I love when I can re use something I already have on hand cheap and a great way to recycle things. I also made this drift wood beach sign. My husband found this awesome piece of wood at one of our local lake Michigan beaches I L*O*V*E it if you look close enough you can see all the rusty nails I think that makes it look like it has been around for awhile and weathered and worn. I like to think maybe it was part of a dock? or someone's deck? what ever it is I love it. For this I just bought some cardboard letters, painted them turquoise glues them on along with some little starfish. Oh and what do you think of my new floor in the sunroom? we painted the floor gray and did sort of a whitewash effect. I absolutely love how it turned out, thanks stef for help on the technique.

I'm off to make more pillows and a few other little craft projects,check back later I finished making some pmc bangle braclets just need a few more pics in the sunlight then I will share them. I am so excited to show you them. My friend taught me how to work with pmc clay and I have some other ideas I am working on ,can't wait to share them. Until we meet again I hope you are inspired to get busy crafting... What are you up too this spring and what has inspired you recently?

Hope you have a great weekend

Happy beachy blogging!

Drift Wood Candle Holder & Spring

2011-04-11T16:31:00.002-04:00

So we had a beautiful spring weekend here in the midwest! We reached 80 degrees woo hoo! I had so much energy I spent the whole weekend buzzing around the house and yard just tinkering away. The fish and frogs are finally getting active in my pond. So the pond doesn't look so great this time of year but I always like to post the before and after of the pond, it is quite a transformation. Spring is so exciting especially after a good rain , I love the smell , I think it intensifies all the other spring time smells. So remember this pic of my pond and stay tuned for when it is in full swing.I will post more pics when everything is happily a bloom :-)

Look at Mr. Frog he happily greeted me with his presence this weekend. He even started up his croaking ! I think spring is has finally sprung ! So in honor of spring and the spring rain I went out and picked up these rain boots, I think they are just so happy, cute and practical! They are perfect for tinkering in the garden and pond.

Speaking of happy things when I walked out into my alley these happy little daffodils were just waiting to say hello. I just love spring flowers. Take time to notice the small things in life, for it's the small things that so enrich our lives. So now onto one of my little projects .... Driftwood I recently went to South Carolina to visit my sister and we made a trip to Hunting Island State Park and let me tell you I found a truck load of driftwood. You would have thought I hit the lottery that is how excited I was!!! I am telling you the possibilities are endless for craft projects with drift wood.

I just glued some drift wood to a vase I already had and threw in some seaglass and a candle that's it, it doesn't get much more simple than that. I have some other ideas for all this drift wood too... stay tuned I will post pics . I hope you had a great weekend and were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. My heart was so HAPPY let's just hope it's here to stay!

"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden.
On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth.
I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar."
-- Helen Hayes

I've Been Featured

2011-04-05T18:40:00.002-04:00

Hello & happy Tuesday !
I just got back from visiting my sister in South Carolina for spring break and while I was there I was tinkering with my blog and came across a happy little surprise. I was chosen for a Versatile Blogger Award, that just made my day ! I was given this award by Emily over at http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/

Now I am supposed to thank the person who gave me the award, THANKS Emily

Tell you 7 things about me...
1. I am obsessed with the color TURQUOISE
2. L*O*V*E the ocean
3. Have swam with Dolphins
4. Have backpacked 13 miles in one day with a 50 lb pack!
5. Have an Airedale Terrier named Molly
6. Married to my best friend for 17 years
7. Skin cancer survivor

My pics for The Versatile Blogger Award ...

Art at elements 422

Walk where you like your steps
Xpose photos
Beach house etc.

Love of the sea
Chic coastal living
Charleston cycle chic
Eat it drink it

Now I have to contact all the bloggers I chose for this award!

Oh and stay tuned I just got back from vaca so I will have a ton of beach pics to post! Yippie.

Hope you are having a good tuesday and always remember to give props to all those creative people out there! Inspire and be Inspired...

and as my good friend always says PEACE , L*O*V*E & ART !

I just love that quote.

Veggie Spring Rolls and Thoughts Of Spring !

2011-03-16T19:05:00.014-04:00

Spring is finally springing!!! I think ??? it has been a really hard winter here. I put on my best game face but let me tell you some days were just so hard. I never thought the madness would end, but somehow it always does and spring once again has shown her pretty little face. And what better way to welcome spring than these pretty little smiling faces. Daffodils and tulips a springtime favorite for me! The perfect little pick me up I needed.

So in honor of spring I decided to whip up these little lemon poppy seed butterfly cupcakes! how cute are they! They were so delicious now low fat ? not a chance, sometimes you just have to Live a Little :-)

I also made these new little wine charms to go with my new blue wine glasses. You can't have wine glasses without cute little beachy charms now can you?


So in keeping with the spring them I made these veggie spring rolls, so simple and so tasty. Just get your self some rice paper, which I found at my local grocery store, chop up your favorite veg ... which I used cucumbers, avocado, shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame , bean sprouts. For the peanut sauce just blend 3/4 cup of peanut butter of your choice with 1/3 cup cooking sherry a pinch of cayenne pepper, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1/3 cup water and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. That's it. What have you been up to this spring any new inspiring spring recipes? I am so looking forward to all the simple summer meals. Happy Spring ! Have you noticed my different size pics through out this post? blogger has changed the way you post pics and text so I am still trying to figure it all out, I hate when they go changing things, I am a creature of habit! oh well I will get it... Hope you have you have a good rest of your week I am so happy it's supposed to be 65 tomorrow YIPPEE I am breaking out the sandals :-) Spring is finally here!!!

Mung bean noodle stir fry & Spring wardrobe

2011-02-27T09:22:00.030-05:00

Hello and happy Sunday to you! So spring is right around the corner and I don't know about you but I am tired of all the frumpy sweaters and boots! I am ready for all the cute dresses and accessories. How adorable are these dresses, and they are all in my favorite color TURQUOISE! they make me think of warm beachy days. I am dreaming of warm beachy days spent collecting sea glass and drift wood. I can't wait for the first warm spring day when the sky is vibrant blue, can't wait to take that photograph.

And how cute is this belt! I came across this while shopping online, I found it on etsy, it's a snap belt and they cool thing is you chose the belt (which they come in various colors) and then you chose your buckle!They are interchangeable. I love them, so fun! I found a super cute turquoise one with sweet little birds I have to have that one too! So what little accessories will you be incorporating into your spring wardrobe?

So now that spring is on the way I am thinking of all the light and tasty simple dishes I want to make.

Mung bean noodles with tofu, shrimp and veggies

What you will need...

One bag of mung noodles(which these noodles are hard to find) I get mine at my local health food store or use any noodle you like.

1 package of extra firm tofu

shrimp

veggies-
red peppers,mushrooms,broccoli,snap peas and
beansprouts

Cashews

sesame seeds

Prepare your noodles

dice tofu into cubes and saute in skillet until just firm

In a wok saute...

veggies and shrimp with teriyaki marinade 1tbs chili garlic sauce

teaspoon of honey

1-2 tsp of minced garlic

add in your tofu serve over noodles garnish with sesame seeds and cashews.

Serve with your favorite vino and enjoy~

What spring recipes will you be whipping up?

Spring really is around the corner,a little birdie told me so...

Tufted titmouse oh how I long to hear your spring time song

Peter Peter Peter! now that is music to my ears!

Dark Chocolate Chili Truffles & Saugatuck Weekend

2011-02-16T18:15:00.010-05:00

Hello and happy Wednesday to you! I am so happy, guess what I came home from work and saw my tulips just peeking out a bit to say HELLO! Spring is finally on the way... The birds have been very active this week and I have even noticed some of the trees buds are just starting to swell. I think everyone who lives in the midwest is ready for spring. This winter has been brutal and very challenging on my soul I must say. So every year we take a little weekend get away to Saugatuck with our good friends, and believe me it was much needed for the soul! We had so much fun it should have been illegal! I don't think you can ever have a bad time in Saugatuck no matter what time of year you go. We had lots of yummy food and vino and then some more vino...

It's so nice to get out of town and just forget about all your worries and just breathe and have Fun , and that is exactly what we all did. I can't tell you how much that lifted my spirits. This winter has been so brutal and it has been a challenge to try and keep a positive attitude when they days are grey and the temps are frigid. I am so looking forward to the spring thaw.

So for now I will just await springs arrival and just BREATHE! sometimes you really just need to slow down, relax and just breathe...

I really love this picture of the stairs it seems to be inviting your soul somewhere.... For me it is saying dare to dream and dream BIG and to always follow your own path in life.

Speaking of breathing on our way home from our weekend in Saugatuck we popped on over to the beach to take some photos and take in the beautiful blue skies! it truly was a beautiful day.I just took in the beauty and truly appreciated the day and the good things in my life. That is one reason I love the beach and ocean so much I love to sit quietly and take in all the beauty that surrounds me. The ocean has a way of speaking to your soul, it is so powerful.

So now to the decadent stuff... Dark Chocolate Chili Truffles!
So I thought I would surprise my husband for Valentine's day and make him dark chocolate truffles but with a twist. I buy dark chocolate bars infused with chili and cinnamon and thought I wonder if I could do that with my truffles, of course you can!

So to make these little yummies you will need...

6 oz of semi sweet chocolate or 1 large bar of your favorite chocolate I use Ghirardelli

6 oz dark chocoloate
6 tbs of butter ... never said these were low fat Hee Hee, but I do use smart balance butter, hey you gotta lighten it up where ever you can :-)

1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 to 2 tsp of chili powder, I like a little more heat so add desired amount depending on how much kick you want.
1-2 tsp of cinnamon

Bring cream to a boil then add in the butter, chili powder cinnamon and chocolate.
Whisk all ingredients until til velvety smooth.
Pour mixture into a baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 -3 hours

Use a ice a small ice scream scoop to semi form round balls then roll each piece in your hands to desired ball shape.

Roll truffles in cocoa powder
Roll truffles in hazlnuts
roll truffles in pistachios.

Serve truffles with your favorite red wine!

Enjoy~

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Spring Wreath & Wine Drive

2011-01-23T13:30:00.025-05:00

Sunshine Sunshine Sunshine !!! bring on the sunshine. The sun has not shown it's pretty little face in such a long time, but today it has decided to make an appearance and I have to say it makes my soul sing. So in the spirit of spring I made this happy little turquoise daisy wreath. I just love it it makes me super happy.

So seeing it has been really dreary and cold we decided to do a little lake Michigan wine tour one saturday afternoon.Our first stop was Lemon Creek winery look at this cute little sign they have hanging in the tasting room, how cute is that!!!
Look who greets you at the door Shadow the wine dog! He is quite the little beggar for the little crackers they give you with your wine tasting.Shadow is even famous he is in the book called wine dogs. How fun is that two have dogs greet you in the winery, two of my favorite things wine & dogs!!!

Shadow asking for wine, just kidding he is really begging for those little crackers :-)
This is Shadows partner in crime he is just relaxing and enjoying life at the winery, rough life Huh?

Me enjoying a little vino at the Round Barn Winery one of my favorite Michigan wineries. So if you have cabin fever and you love wine then get out there and do a little wine drive even though it's cold and nasty it's always warm and cozy at the wineries. Speaking of wine I am going to pour myself a glass and watch all the little birdies at my feeder. Happy Sunday!

Drinking wine is divine....

Beachy State of Mind

2011-01-12T18:50:00.007-05:00

Ok so is it to think early to have spring fever??? I can't help it I am soooo ready for spring! I am already thinking about spring bulbs, putting out my new beachy door mat, cleaning up my yard, cleaning out the pond... my mind is going a million miles an hour. I can't wait for the first warm spring day to get out side and start getting the yard ready for springs arrival. I have been in a little bit of a funk with the lack of sunshine this last week so I decided to do a little craft project. I poured myself some of this Fabulous wine ( isn't it a cute name?) Cabulous and I have to say it was FABULOUS. I just thought the little saying was too cute. I love finding happy little sayings on wine bottles. So I turned on the twinkle lights and pandora and had myself a nice little evening crafting. The wreath was so simple I just used some spanish moss and some reindeer moss and glued on some little starfish and sand dollars, oh and the little piece of wood is just a piece of drift wood I collected. I just painted the little word beach on it. I can't wait for the first warm spring day to put it outside my back door.
If you are wondering where you can find this wine I found it at World Market while on vacation in South Carolina, so wish we had a World market, I love that place.

I have been a little uninspired in the cooking department but I came across this recipe courtesy of Vegetarian Times magazine and it was so refreshing.

For the salad:

I baked a block of tofu (in your oven at 475-500) depending on your oven I jut cut the tofu into wide strips and baked about 5 min per side or a few min longer there again depending on your oven.

toss tofu into salad, I used spinach leaves with bean sprouts, carrots, roasted pumpkin seeds

for the dressing:
1 tbs lime juice
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp siracha chile sauce
1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger
dash of rice wine vinegar
wisk all ingredients together and serve

~A very simple salad with a lot of flavor ~

I am in a beachy state of mind while getting through this winter. I am dreaming of the day I get to put my toes in the sand, smell the salty sea air and feel the warm ocean breeze through my hair! that is what is getting me through winter.

How are you getting through this winter??? I would love to hear ...

Beachy Photo Project

2010-12-18T10:14:00.022-05:00

So I love photography and I especially love to photograph the beach at all times of the year, so as you can imagine I have tons of beach photos from various beaches .

So here is a simple little photo project you can do with your photos

What you will need:

Canvas Photo Paper
4x6 or 5x7 Canvas Forms
Photos
Staple Gun

First get yourself some photo canvas paper at your hobby store , it comes on sheets of 8 x 10 then pick out your favorite photos, mine of course were beachy... Load the paper in your printer and print. You will also need to by the preformed canvas which you can also purchase at your local hobby store. Staple the canvas photos onto the pre stretched canvas. Now for this project you will only be able to do 4x6 or 5x7 photos seeing that you have to allow for stretching of the canvas. This gives the illusion of your picture being stretched around the whole canvas. Such a fun simple little photo project and so SUPER easy.

I just love the way they turned out ,you can display them on a shelf or hang them directly on the wall. These would make great personal Christmas gifts too! You can also do individual photo letters and spell out your favorite little sayings, I think I will try that next. So give this simple little craft project a whirl and see what you come up with I would to see some other ideas. Happy saturday crafting! Oh and did I mention the sun is shining here today??? this motivates me to get crafting.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

"Get busy living or get busy dying" Shaw Shank Redemption I L*O*V*E this quote!

Finding Winter Happiness

2010-12-09T17:09:00.015-05:00

So I would much rather be here.... But I am here..... getting through a midwest winter and staying focused on doing things that make me HAPPY!
So I promised myself this winter I would find happiness and be HAPPY this winter no matter what. You all who know me have heard me say a thousand times how much I hate WINTER!!!!

So call me crazy but I put on a happy face along with what seemed like 10 layers of clothing and headed outside to have a fire. I poured some vino and turned on all the twinkle lights, lit some candles and even turned on this adorable palm tree( a gift from my sister) and got HAPPY!!! I have to say it is a lot of work to get all bundled up and it also takes a lot of determination to make yourself sit outside when it is only 22 degrees but you know what? We had a fabulous time.
I even painted this wine glass with chalk board paint so I could write happy little sayings to myself, this makes me happy.
I even talked my husband into sitting outside with me, he is such a good sport... I am always dragging him into some crazy idea including going to Lake Michigan to take pictures of the beach during a snow storm.
When we left the house to head up to the Beach it was snowing so hard we could not see anyone in front of us... probably not my best idea ever, I even said should we turn around? and you know what my husband said??? Nonsense we have 4 wheel drive we will be fine! Sometimes in life you just have to go for it and not look back.
As you can see lake Michigan was angry this day, check out the waves!!! they were huge,(this picture does not do justice for how big the waves were. I don't think I have ever seen the waves so big on the lake before. As we were walking down the trail to the beach you could here the lake roaring, you could just feel the raw power of the lake that day. The waves sounded like a freight train coming.Even though it was brutal out there it was invigorating, it really made me feel alive. The sound of the waves roaring and the wind beating on my skin reminded me that mother nature is always in charge! You just have to get out and breathe and enjoy what you are given each day.Mother nature did not give us sunshine this day but you know what? we still found beauty at the beach even in the depths of winter.
Molly had a blast on the beach, she was one happy dog playing on the beach, she likes to bite at the waves,so cute. I am so glad we didn't turn around and go back that day, we ALL had a wonderful day scouting around the beach. I found some nice big pieces of drift wood and even some sea glass, which mind you is hard to come by on Lake Michigan. So what are you doing to stay happy this winter? I know getting out and staying active is on my list this winter. I think camping is next on my agenda!I know call me crazy but yes we are going camping and we are going to hike some trails and be HAPPY doing it. I hope you find things to do this winter that make you happy. So get out there and embrace winter and find HAPPINESS while doing it.

~ Do one thing every day that makes you happy ~

Dreams

2010-11-27T13:34:00.006-05:00

So lately I have been in a bit of a slump mentally and creatively.I really am affected by winter's harshness. I don't care how positive you try to be in the winter time in the midwest it is just plain HARD!!! I have tried to put on a good face and ignore it but I don't like anything about winter. So the one thing I have been doing is dreaming about one day opening my own little wine beachy boutique with my sister. We both love wine and the beach, just perfect for us.The name of our shop would be SHORE VINO. We would even sell our own little beachy creations along with wine. I can envision our little shop down by the beach with white washed wood floors and turquoise walls. As you walk in you would smell our beachy candles and hear jazz music playing. I would love to even have a small little tasting bar for vino. You could do a little tasting while shopping for fun beachy gifts.The possibilities are endless.How fun would that be to own a little shop with your sister??? so what do you think??? I could be super happy working there could you be happy shopping in our little beachy wine boutique??? Check out this vino... Seaglass just perfect for a day at the Beach. And yes the wine is really yummy.Shore Vino would gladly make you a plate of cheese, some good dark chocolate and a bottle of vino to take down to the beach and watch the sunset.

Yup that's my sister and I happy as can be riding our beach cruisers... being free and sharing all our our hopes and dreams together. Never ever ever give up on your dreams, always follow your heart and never be afraid to be "YOU" and having great friends who support you and your dreams and who are truly happy for you,I thank you for believing in me!!!

So there you have it... my dream to open up Shore Vino with my sister . Oh and by the way a dream has to start somewhere right? We have purchased the domain name Shore Vino. We both came up with the name together one night while having a little vino and brain storming. I just love it, two of our favorite things!!! A dream starts with the smallest of steps but you just have to keep moving forward to make your dreams come true!I hope you take some time to dream everyday, you never know where your dreams will take you!
S~

"Nothing happens unless first we dream."
Carl Sandburg

Welcome Fall

2010-10-18T18:18:00.011-04:00

So fall is here in the midwest and I am embracing it gracefully... I don't mind fall it's just what comes after fall that I hate!!! I am trying to stay positive and keep a good attitude about myself. I just really have a hard time with the dark gray days that seem to linger forever. Winter really takes a toll on me... I am such the summer ocean girl at heart, it makes me the most HAPPY! I love the ocean because it is so free and untamed , even wild that is how I would describe myself a free untamed wild spirit!
I do love sunflowers in the fall they are such happy little smiling faces. I am embracing the wonderful smells of fall and the showering of falling golden leaves. The leaves have a nutty earthy smell about them. Mother nature is getting ready to tuck everything in for the winter. The squirrels are foraging, the birds are fueling up for their long trek south and the sun is slipping further away from the earth only to show it's pretty little face again in the spring. Fall is a time to reap all of summers hard work. It always amazes me how the earth goes through such an amazing transformation. Just when you think winter will never end spring announces it's arrival , the first daffodil rears it's pretty little head and the birds begin their springtime serenade. Somehow every year the earth wakes up from it's long winter slumber and welcomes us with it's rebirth of spring. So for now I will stay positive and dream of the first warm spring breeze. I will take this time to slow down and recharge my batteries and appreciate this fall season.
So in keeping with the fall theme and spirit I made a low fat curry pumpkin soup. I LOVE all things pumpkin. This really is a super easy healthy soup to make.

Fall is the perfect time to bring out the stockpot and make warming soups. This low fat cream of pumpkin soup is perfect on a cold fall day, or as an appetizer for a Thanksgiving dinner. I also topped mine with fresh sage, low fat greek yogurt and toasted pumpkin seeds. Of course my meal would not be complete with a little red wine, oh how I love Mr. Cab !

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp curry powder
1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tsp cumin
3 cups fat-free, low sodium vegetable broth
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
1 12-ounce can evaporated fat-free milk
Freshly ground Black pepper to taste

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in curry powder and cumin and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and pumpkin. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Add evaporated fat-free milk and cook for 2 minutes.

Transfer soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Recipe courtesy of low fat cooking

I hope you enjoy this fall season . Get out and enjoy all that fall has to offer, whether you go for a hike or a sunday drive through the country just get out and Breathe and Enjoy life!

"Don't be afraid to lean into the wind, love the earth in all of it's natural glories, and take care of each other"
Tom Brokaw~

Simple Beachy Craft

2010-10-07T19:27:00.016-04:00

Happy Friday!!! I am so excited I am flying down to South Carolina to visit my sister today WOO HOOO!! It has been two months since we've seen each other. I have been trying to keep myself busy with craft projects and social things since she has moved but let me say it has been very hard for me. But today is a HAPPY day, in a few hours I will see her , oh and did I mention she only lives 10 miles form Hilton Head Island!!! I get to break out the tank tops and flip flops! I can't wait to walk on the beach and catch up with my sister. I have missed our long talks, drinking vino together, sharing laughs and tears, our hopes and our fears and our Sunday family dinners together. So by now you must now how much I love the ocean. I am an ocean girl through and through, So here is my latest little beachy craft project, so simple...
So get yourself some rope ....
Paint some clothes pins turquoise oh and did I mention turquoise is my favorite color??? Hot glue on some cute little starfish....
Find your favorite beachy pics and attach, and there you have it! A happy little way to display your favorite beachy pictures. Don't you just love the little "Be" I just found some shells on the beach and spelled out happy little sayings...

So back to reality ... fall is in full swing here in the midwest and you know what that means... All things PUMPKIN!!! so last weekend I was pumpkin obsessed, it was all about the pumpkin. I made some yummy pumpkin curry soup and some very tasty low fat pumpkin muffins. And I even had a pumpkin latte, yum-o. I have to say the house smelled amazing. So for the pumpkin muffins you will need...

1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar or organic cane sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp of ginger
1/8 tsp of allspice or cloves
1/8 tsp of nutmeg
1 cup oats
1 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin
1/4 cup of applesauce
4 egg whites
1/2 skim or I used plain soy milk
1/4 cup of walnuts

Mix together all dry ingredients
mix together wet ingredients and blend all together.

Enjoy your muffins with a cup of freshly brewed coffee~

HAPPY FALL!!!

Bake muffins at 350 for 18-20 min depending on your oven!

For this recipe and other low fat muffin recipes go to ...http://www.suite101.com/content/pumpkin-muffin-recipes-a73082
Hope you have a super weekend, get out and enjoy the sights and smells of fall...

"October's the month
When the smallest breeze
Gives us a shower
Of autumn leaves.
Bonfires and pumpkins,
Leaves sailing down -
October is red
And golden and brown."
- Can Teach Songs

Poblano White Bean Chilli

2010-10-01T21:19:00.017-04:00

Happy Friday!!! it was a beautiful fall day here in the midwest... My heart is happy and my spirit feels free... I love this little sunflower doesn't it look like a happy smiling face. It sure puts a smile on my face. I love sunflowers in the fall and daisies in the summer, both are happy little things.
Now for a little fall inspired meal Poblano White Bean Chilli
Recipe courtesy of Vegetarian Times Magazine

3 cups cooked white beans 1 recipe for Rajas
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 cup corn
1 cup black beans
1 tsp lime juice
1/4 cup low fat milk
3 oz goat cheese
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

Rajas recipe :

6 poblano peppers
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
1 tsp dried oregano

Roast and peel poblano peppers on burner of stove top,then peel off charred skins
heat oil in skillet add onion, garlic cook for 5 to 9 min add oregano and poblano strips season with salt and pepper

Bring beans, rajas broth oregano and cumin, bring to a simmer and add corn black beans, cilantro and lime juice cook 15 min. warm milk in sauce pan , add goat cheese and stir until smooth
Serve chilli garnished with goat cheese and pumpkin seeds.

Pour yourself a glass of vino and sip and savor..

Have yourself a HAPPY little evening... Seeing that happy seems to be the the theme today what do you think of this wine glass? I just painted it with chalk board paint, so simple and so HAPPY Hope you have a super weekend... we are tearing windows out this weekend fun fun, the last house project and then every room has been re done. Stay tuned I will be posting the sun room make over, gonna have a warm beachy feel, can't wait until it's done!

Think HAPPY. Be HAPPY.

Photo Friday

2010-09-17T20:12:00.015-04:00

So recently my friend and I headed up to the beach to soak up the last bits of the summer sunshine... It was an absolutely picture perfect day, not a cloud in the sky, which mind you is kind of a rare thing here in the midwest. We hit a few of our favorite places for some appetizers, lunch, vino and then some more vino hee hee.We then headed down to the beach to take some photos. You wouldn't know that it is the start of fall by the photos, too bad summer is coming to an end.
I am not quite ready to put away my flip flops... Summer just makes me so happy I hate when it has to go... I absolutely love the feeling of sand between my toes. but for now I will appreciate every last nice day of summer we still have.
So now for a few little recent projects.... Who doesn't love taking something old and giving it new life! I love re working old pieces.
I found this dresser at an amazing antique shop not too far from home called Green Oaks Antiques now I love anything shabby chic and scuffed up. As you can see it was quite the transformation. I absolutely L*O*V*E the way it turned out ! My husband painted it , thanks honey! ,and I just took some sandpaper to it and scuffed up all the edges. So simple and so beachy cottagey.
So for this next little project I just used some chalkboard paint on these wine glasses. How fun are these. You can never have too much chalkboard paint in your life! I just love little craft projects ... just wish there was enough time in the day for all the ideas swirling around in my head! well I am off to enjoy my vino, and a little dark chocolate by the wonderful fire . Oh by the way the crickets and cicadas are still singing, ahhh a little bit of summer still hanging on ! I hope you have a great weekend. I am going to soak up all the sunshine I can!!!

"Summer is coming to an end but it is forever alive in my soul "
S. Spain ~

Photo Friday And Greek Inspired Pizza

2010-09-10T19:22:00.022-04:00

HaPpY FrIDaY!!! so my husband and I just got back from a backpack trip up at Isle Royale National Park. I have to say it was amazing!! Stay tuned I will be posting lots of pics soon but.... I really love the way these silhouette photos we took turned out. We had so much fun being creative taking these photos of each other. That is one of the things I really love about vaca is the time I have to get creative with photography, it is so peaceful and quiet you can hear yourself think. I think when I am out there being connected to nature it brings out my creativeness even more, you can just breathe and just be quiet with your thoughts. The sunsets there were so beautifully amazing and so peaceful. I just love my husband we have so much fun together in all our adventures, he is always so willing to go along with all my crazy ideas. I wonder what he is thinking in this picture??? I know what I was thinking... how incredibly relaxed and at peace I was in my soul. I always tell people I am such a free spirit you can't hold me down. I need to spread my wings and be free. I can't tell you enough how incredibly thankful I am for such a beautiful life. I have an amazingly supportive husband who supports me in anything I do. I have wonderful girlfriends and a sister who is my best friend! I am so lucky that I am able to take wonderful vacations and see beautiful places life for me is truly wonderful. This is one reason I love to go off into the wilderness and just slow down and recharge. I feel like when I am out there for me it is a total cleansing of my mind, body and soul, so wonderfully REFRESHING!!
So I leave you with a wonderful pizza recipe, my husband and I enjoyed this tonight outside on the deck with a little vino and a cozy fire. Enjoy the rest of your weekend... I hope to get a 30 mile bike ride in this weekend, a little training for the apple cider century bike ride we are getting ready to do in 2 weeks. wish me luck...

Greek Inspired Pizza

So I had every intention of making my own wheat crust but... it has been a long day and I opted for buying a organic whole wheat pre made crust. Hey and you know what it worked just fine and tasted just like the one I usually make from scratch!

for the base I just kept it simple olive oil and roasted garlic.
the toppings were

kalamata olives
artichokes
fennel
red onions
pine nuts
feta
fresh rosemary
fresh thyme

I just sauteed the fennel and onions and that's it so simple and let me tell you this was one of the best pizzas I have ever made! Give it a whirl if pizza is your thing I don't think you will be disappointed.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend... I am moving over to the wonderful fire we have going in our chiminea to spend a cozy little evening with my friend MR Red Vino!!!
S~

Gone Backpacking ...

2010-08-25T19:06:00.013-04:00

I'm off into the woods... I have gone back packing in the back country of Isle Royale National Park.... here's a little peek of all the beautiful splendor that Isle Royale has to offer... beautiful rocky coast lines... and peaceful sunsets..
Aqua blue waters like the ocean... that is where I will be exploring... Can't wait to get out there and start taking photos! oh and those wild blueberries and thimble berries are a welcome treat when you have been hiking all day! Stay tuned I will have lots of pics to post!

Hope you have a super weekend
S~

Shabby Chic Cottage Rooms and A Simple Summer Salad

2010-08-22T14:56:00.007-04:00

So we are getting close to starting our sun room makeover! I have been thinking a long time of how I want it to look... Bead board ceiling and bead board type lower walls and the drywall section will be a warm earthy gray. Not sure on the floors yet... I would love to do them turquoise but not always the best choice of color when you go to sell... I will however have turquoise painted wood floors in my next house!!! but until then I will go with something neutral. And of course I will be decorating it with beachy shabby chic things I love beachy shabby chic furniture, I especially love re doing an old piece of furniture myself and making it beachy chic! So before you see some of the super cute rooms I found check out this simple summer salad....Fresh garden tomatoes with mozzarella, pine nuts, artichokes, a little drizzle of e.v.o.o. (extra virgin olive oil if your not familiar) a splash of balsamic vinegar and some fresh torn basil . I am lucky enough to get fresh veggies all summer from my father in law, he has the most amazing vegetable garden and herb garden. I can't go over without him filling a bag up for me LUCKY ME!!! Is there anything better than a fresh garden tomato??? yum-o! Oh and of course don't forget your favorite summer white wine. Such a simple salad but so fresh and simple!
I love this white and blue room, looks so happy and inviting, I can just imagine all the sunlight pouring in.
oh and while searching for sunroom ideas I came across this bedroom and all I can say is that I L*O*V*E it so clean and fresh , and don't you just love the sea fans on the shelf?
oooh and I gotta find those starfish pillows, too cute ...
This is a happy little space too, so many ideas ... if you have any thoughts on my sun room makeover I would love to hear them... I am getting ready to leave for a backpack trip soon and as soon as we get back we are tearing out windows, it's gonna be a big job but I can't wait to see it when it's all done. Projects projects they are never ending but I love the feeling of accomplishment you feel when the projects are all done. Remember cottage beachy chic that is what I am after! Hope you had a good weekend . Did you do a fun little project recently ?
S~

{Enjoy all of summer's simple pleasures}

Summer Always On My Mind

2010-08-16T18:24:00.016-04:00

So if you live in the midwest then you know summer is starting to wind down. Now I have to say we had a pretty awesome summer! The last few summers have been a bummer but not this year ! We have done all sorts of fun summer things... days on the beach... Antiqueing...vaca on the ocean... Several trips up at New Buffalo on the lake michigan shore... bike rides , Saugatuck , dinner at Tabor Hill Winery , wine tastings... I could go on and on.... I wish summer never had to end, but it is sadly coming to an end. I am a summer ocean girl through and through and one day I will be moving there.... My heart longs for the ocean and the salty sea air. The smell of fresh shrimp on the grill that was just caught fresh that day, sandy toes and dinner on the beach ,beach crusier rides on the beach and naps in the hammock. That is what I am talking about! That to me is LIVING!!!! that is where my heart is most HAPPY! I was born a midwest girl but a Southern Girl is who I AM!
So here a a few pics from our last weekend trip up to the beach.... the hubby and I at one of our favorite beachy bars The Stray Dog Bar and Grill.... I just love the roof top you get a great view of the lake and the passers by on their way to the beach. I love to people watch, Hee Hee
The bartender was so nice to take our picture.... Oh and there was a duet playing live music , they even played Jimmy Buffet .That really made my heart happy as can be , they even played my favorite Jimmy Buffet song by request Margaritaville! I L*O*V*E that song it always makes me feel like I am on vaca at a warm beachy place. I was so happy this night I didn't want it to end...

My girlies who love the beach as much as me..... isn't my friend in the middle adorable? she is expecting a baby girl this November, that is actaully why we went up to the beach that day. My friend sara asked me my other friend in the picture to take their family photos on the beach, I was so flattered that she asked me. I Love photography. It is so nice to have friends who encourage you no matter what it is you do. I have some amazingly talented friends who are so inspiring to be around, we are always bouncing ideas off of each other.
So here is a little sneak peak of some of the photos I took of the Nunley family.... I had a lot of fun taking their photos I have to say it was a really HOT day so as you can imagine for someone expecting a baby the photo shoot was a little tiring for her but she was a trooper !

This picture of them holding hands is one of my favorites... I had a lot of other photo ideas I wanted to do but everyone had enough picture taking in the heat, guess we will just have to do another photo shoot. Oooh maybe this fall on the beach while the sky is really blue . I hope you had a great summer, I sure have !

Just Be... A simple thought

2010-08-08T16:58:00.011-04:00

Just a simple thought for today .... Just Be... and do one thing every day that makes you HAPPY !We are in control of our own happiness and our Dreams. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to simply just Be....be here and be present and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Whether it is a simple stroll on the beach or just sitting quietly and collecting your thoughts, life is too short not to appreciate the simple things. We all need to recharge our minds and spirits and for me that means spending time in the back country for 9 days backpacking. When I am out there it really puts my life into perspective, you have lots of quiet time to evaluate your life and really find what is really important to you. I have found that we really can do with a lot less "things" in life, why do we get so attached to things??? I absolutely love nature and all the free "things" it gives me. I am really trying hard each day to live it to the fullest and be appreciative of the simple things.
So I leave you with this beautiful sunrise to ponder a thought... Now sit back and just Be...

I will be sure to tell you all about my backpack trip up to Isle Royale National Park. I am getting so excited , can't wait to share my adventure with you!

Oh and remember it's the free "things" in life that hold the most value.

Have a wonderful week!
S~

Sisters

2010-08-03T19:42:00.012-04:00

Do you have a sister? and is she your best friend? My sister just moved away to South Carolina and let me tell you it was the hardest good bye I have ever had to do. I felt like someone cut off a limb. It seemed surreal, my heart was hurting and I just felt numb. We have lived in the same state our entire lives and only 5 min away from each other. Moving to South Carolina has been our dream for a very long time. We both said when we move it will be to South Carolina and we will live very near each other. All I can say is that she means the world to me and right now I just feel lost and I feel like a part of me is missing. We just joked the other day and said we share a brain. Even a friend of ours noticed that we finish each others sentences. I think we were supposed to be twins, our mom even named us very similar she is Carrie Ann and I am Sherry Ann. My mom even used to do our hair the same way and dress us in the same outfits! We do everything together... we vacation together, we sing together, we drink wine together, we truly are best friends! We have on several occasions been shopping together and we have both picked up the same exact item to show each other, too funny ! I know I will be moving to South Carolina within the next year and a half but until then I am going to miss my sister every day until the day we are back together again. We always tell everyone that we are a "package deal" if you get me you get my sister, we have even acquired the same friends. Having a sister is a very special bond if you have a sister than you know what I am talking about! So until I am with my sister again I will be relying on all my girlies to get me through this hard transition period. So as I sit here and post this I raise my glass of vino up to "SISTERS" they ROCK!!! I love you sister ~

Sisters are always there for you no matter when you need them. A sister never judges she just listens and comforts. A sister is kind and caring and forever thoughtful. A sister is there for you when you just need a hug, or a shoulder to cry on. A sister is encouraging and always lifts you up. That is my sister.

Shabby To Cottage Chic

2010-07-28T08:02:00.011-04:00

So my husband recently took out some garage windows and I decided to do a little craft project. All I did was clean them up and sand them down , that's it. Then I just attached some fun beachy pics and wired a hanger on the back. So simple and I love how it turned out! I just love giving something old new life. So next time you are thinking about getting rid of something consider recycling it into a fun craft project. I think it looks kind of cottagey, looks weathered and worn .
And the turquoise star was something I found at this awesome antique place called Green Oak Antiques . I just painted my favorite color Turquoise. Think it looks cute hanging in the flower garden. The Black eyed susans are in full bloom and are as happy as can be!

So go take a peek around your house and see what you can recycle into something new. I bet you will be surprised at what you find. Hope you have a good rest of the week. It's gonna be a hot one here today in the midwest 90 degrees. I love S*U*M*M*E*R bring on the sunshine! Have a happy day today !!!

S~

Photo Friday

2010-07-16T07:23:00.009-04:00

TGIF!!! I have to say we have had a pretty nice summer here in the midwest. It's been one of the nicest summers I can remember in a very long time, lots of thunderstorms but we do need a little rain every now and then. So I L*O*V*E the ocean and dream of it daily so I came across this happy little starfish while looking through my vaca pics. And how cute are these little guys they were still alive when I found them which is kind of rare. You usually find these little guys already expired and washed up on the beach. These starfish were actually found at low tide clustered in the oyster beds.Too cute !!!
So it is going to be another hot day here and that makes me HAPPY!
I hope you do something fun and creative this weekend. I am off with some great friends of ours to stay on the boat this weekend. I am so excited to sleep on the boat. I have never slept on a boat but somehow I think it will be calm and soothing. I just love being on the water. I think we are going to have fantastic weather to be up at the beach this weekend!I will check back with you later and tell you all about our weekend at the BEACH.

CIAO ~
But before I go here is a little recipe I found in the July issue of Southern Living Magazine.

In Season : BLUEBERRIES

Blueberry Salsa

You can't get a much simpler summer salsa....

Toss together 2 cups chopped fresh blueberries
1 cup whole blueberries
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
3 tbs chopped cilantro
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 seeded and minced jalapeno
1/3 cup diced red peppers
pinch of sea salt

Chill and serve with blue corn chips or toasted pita chips

Enjoy Summer's bounty.

"Soak up the sun, and have some fun, Summer really is the happiest season"

2010 25 mile late ride Chicago

2010-07-11T15:07:00.009-04:00

This is what 10,000 people on bikes looks like on the streets of Chicago! So we did the 25 mile late ride last night and it ROCKED! I did it last year but this year was such a better experience. We were in the first wave of people so we got to go first right behind the v.i.p. people. It was a beautiful summer night for a ride through the city. It is kind of crazy because you ride right along with traffic so you have to be on your toes. We went through all kinds of neighborhoods including Greek town, and let me tell you that is where it's at. A lot of the bars are open to the outside. It's really a neat way to see the city and a great way to find new places to eat and drink. Lots of really cool places to be discovered.
Riding through the city at night has a way of making you feel alive. The city has it's own vibe and a lot of great energy even at 2 am!!!! I was really surprised at all the people out at that hour who use the bike/running path along lakeshore Dr. The last part of the ride takes you along about 10 miles of the lakeshore bike/running path, very cool lots of sailboats in the harbor for the night. there are even a few cool little places to stop and have a cocktail along the path. All in all we had a fabulous night. I am surprised I have the energy I have today after being up all night, the adrenaline must still be running through my veins! I hope you got to get out this weekend and do something active. I really enjoying riding my bike and feeling the wind through my hair , riding gives you lots of time to think... So no matter how much you ride your bike just get out and do it and ENJOY every minute of it!!! My next big ride will be the 75 mile apple cider ride this fall, I have lots of long rides to get in wish me luck!
S~
"Ride to live, Live to ride"

Photo Friday

2010-07-09T15:39:00.009-04:00

Happy Friday everyone!!! yippee I am so ready for the weekend, looks like it is going to be a gorgeous night tonight. Looking forward to date night with the hubby... It's been a long week and I am ready for some yummy vino! So I have been wanting to make stuffed portabella mushrooms and finally got around to it the other night. This is so easy it is ridiculous!

portabella mushroom with pesto & goat cheese

clean the gills from one large mushroom drizzle a little e.v.o.o on the bottom of the mushroom , fill the inside with pesto, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes,goat cheese, pine nuts and top with fresh chopped basil. this was AWESOME!!!! bake the mushroom at 375 for about 30 min or until goat cheese starts to melt.

Pour yourself a little summer white wine and enjoy~

Doesn't Mr. Seagull look happy as can be ???? I know I have said it a million times but I L.O.V.E the ocean I wish I was there now...

I hope you have a super weekend I am off for cocktails on the Urban Patio with my hubby !!!

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces- just good food from fresh ingredients" Julia Child

4 th of July and Sara's b-day

2010-07-05T09:14:00.018-04:00

Well I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th. I know I had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect, finally a warm midwest 4th of July !!! I just love summer and everything summer means... friends, family ,grill outs, white wine, warm summer nights, the bats and night hawks. I could go on and on about summer. So my friend Sara's birthday just happens to be on the 4th how cool is that! She had everyone over for a b-day grill out/b-day party. Now all the girls had no idea the theme for her b-day was daisies, which by the way are my favorite! She is such the party planner, we always joke with each other and say it's all about the details and I think it really is!
So she made us these cute daisy flips flops...

She even made these adorable daisy cupcakes, too cute!!!! even the daisy candies were edible

And how cute is this flower box? she grew some grass and arranged the daisies in the box. I think that is so adorable....

And you can't really see them but if you look up a the ceiling she even made those adorable tissue paper daisies and hung them all from the ceiling of her back porch. Great job Sara everything was super cute! I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend, I am off to the beach today to enjoy every last bit of the weekend... Have a fabulous day !
S~

There are friends who pass like ships in the night,
Who meet for a moment then sail out of sight,
With never a backwards glance of regret,
Friends we know briefly, then quickly forget.

Then there are friends that sail together,
Through quiet waters and stormy weather.
Helping each other through joy and strife,
These are the friends who bring meaning to life

A mid west girl who dreams of the ocean often...

2010-07-02T19:17:00.025-04:00

HaPpY fRiDay!!! And happy 4TH of july weekend. So summer is in full swing here in the mid west and I find myself dreaming about the ocean. I say I am a mid west girl with a southern heart who was born in the wrong state. I can't explain it but there is something about the ocean that instantly calms my soul. Have you ever visited a place and instantly you knew that is where you had to live??? It happened to me when my husband first took me to South Carolina and we camped on the ocean at Edisto Beach State park. We also visit Charleston while we are there. I simply adore Charleston and all it's southern charm. Horse drawn carriages take people through the old historic town. As you pass by the old historic homes you can feel how old this town really is. This city is oozing with history , culture, good food and drink and lots of Art. There is something in Charleston for everyone. As you walk through all the old neighborhoods you can see the spanish moss blowing in the warm southern breeze, the trees are simply alive!! The trees are amazing you can feel the life in them.So enough talk of that ... enter Seaglass wine!!! My friend happened upon this fabulous wine at a lawn and garden center, which mind you this is no run of the mill garden center. This place is amazing they have a little bit of everything. So while I was vacationing on the ocean this past june I came across this very wine at the tiniest liquor store on the beach!!! I stopped dead in my tracks and said to my husband look they have seaglass wine. Now before this I have never even heard of seaglass wine until my friend found it.let me tell you it ROCKS!!! and isn't the bottle adorable? it's a keeper for sure. If you love white wine and ever come across this it is a must try.
Now check out this beach house. I simply LOVE~ LOVE ~ LOVE this beach house. I would live in this beach house in a heart beat and it is in my favorite color Turquoise!!!. Every time we drive past this house it puts a big smile on my face. How could you not be happy living there ???

So now we come to a healthy eats part of this post, all this blogging has made me hungry.

Let me introduce you to the mung bean noodle... My same friend who found the fabulous wine also found these awesome noodles. You can find these at your local health food store... usually. They are so healthy and a great alternative to traditional pasta noodles . The only ingredients in them are mung beans and water. kind of crazy. We have been eating them like mad. You can really add about anything to them and they are great. Oh and check out the place mats aren't they cute. All I did was buy the turquoise place mats and I just hot glued the star fish on them. I think they are super cute and they took all of about 10 min to make. So for this recipe ~

I just made the noodles and infused some olive oil with about 5 garlic gloves, snipped some basil,parsley, and mint from my garden and sauteed some shrimp with a little white wine, olive oil and crushed red pepper. I also added artichokes, sun dried tomatoes and topped it all off with some fresh grated parmesan YUMO-O !!!!

Every once in awhile, a casual stroll on the beach yields an unexpected treasure–an unbroken shell, an unusually shaped stone, a piece of sea glass. Occasionally, the same thing happens with wine

What's going on in your back yard ?

2010-06-28T19:47:00.009-04:00

So have you ever taken a stroll around your own back yard? My friend and I like to do that and see what is happening in our own backyards. My pond is in full swing and it is starting to shape up rather well I must say. So I love to tinker around my yard and pond. I recently got back from vacationing on the ocean and I picked up some nice big shells and thought they might be cute nestled around my pond. I LOVE the ocean and summertime, it makes me crazy with all kinds of craft project ideas.
So recently I have had quite a busy little wren in my yard and I think he has been busy looking for some real estate to settle down and have another summer brood. Now I have not had wrens in my yard as regular visitors until this summer. So I thought I better get a wren box... Now I couldn't just put up a plain old wren box. I had to bedazzle it. I purchased the wren box and bought some sea glass and glued the pieces to the roof . I think it turned out adorable. I hope Mrs. Wren likes it! I even made a little sign to advertise "for Wrent" I hope I get a taker!!!
My friend gave me some frogs and I think they have decided to take up permanent residency. I just love my pond . It is so relaxing to sit out and listen to the waterfall and watch all the animals that visit your pond, so HAPPY ! So you need to get out into your yard and do some investigating you may be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

I hope you have a great week and get to get out and enjoy summer.

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

Photo Friday & Dinner Oceanside

2010-06-18T07:25:00.011-04:00

Happy Friday everyone wooo hoooo, it's gonna be a hot one today in the midwest. Right now it looks we are going to get a little summer thunderstorm. Any who my fresh friday recipe is Shrimp tacos with corn and black bean slaw.

Shrimp Tacos With Corn & Black Bean Slaw

So my husband and I decided to go down to the local shrimper and purchase some fresh shrimp of the day. I have to say there is nothing better than fresh seafood !!!! So we got out our little grill and grilled the shrimp with a little olive oil, white wine and the secret ingredient Old Bay Seasoning. You can't live in the south without this little ingredient. So we grilled our shrimp and I made a corn and black bean slaw. I just bought a bag of pre cut cabbage with shredded carrots added a little vinegar, a little greek yogurt, a titch of olive oil, fresh cilantro, garlic, fresh lime juice and a little crushed red pepper. Yum-o . I then toasted the tortillas and that was it so completely simple and so DELICIOUS!!!!
And for a little side dish I went down to the local farmers market and bought some vine ripe tomatoes and drizzled a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar , fresh basil. I sliced up some watermelon and there you have it one fabulous dinner ocean side. It was a beautiful evening on the ocean, oh and of course it would not be dinner without a little white wine. Just perfect. After we finished dinner we took a few beach pics and just sat and listened to the ocean. I was in pure bliss. I am a very simple girl at heart. Just give me the ocean, a little vino, warm ocean breezes and of course my husband AKA best friend !!! What more could a girl ask for ????

Me and my flops enjoying the view..............

I hope you have a super weekend.My friend and I are off to one of our favorite beachy towns, hope the rain holds off !

"A meal without wine is called breakfast"

Feeling crafty and inspired

2010-06-16T21:34:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone, so I just got back from a fabulous vaca in Edisto Beach South Carolina and I am feeling ocean and beach inspired. So I decided to do a little craft project. I just bought a bag of seaglass and just simply hot glued them onto a picture frame I already had, so simple and I think it turned out really cute. I have to say it was like putting together a puzzle trying to get the seaglass to fit the frame. I had fun doing it. I poured myself a little white wine and starting crafting away. It took me right back to the ocean. AHHHH I could smell the salty sea air and I could see the pelican parade fly over, I just LOVE summer and the ocean !!! I know I have said it a million times but my heart is truly at the ocean. Hope you get inspired to do a little crafting, I know I am. There is something about summer that makes my mind go in a million directions with craft ideas. Hope you have a fun filled week. See you on Photo Friday! I got a lot of great pics from my vaca , can't wait to share them.
S~

"Be Inspired and let your imagination run wild"

Beach Cruiser Love

2010-05-31T13:38:00.009-04:00

Hello everyone, so I was busy all last week putting together this beach cruiser for my sister's b-day/going away gift. Now I can't take all the credit , all my girlies and even some of our husbands had a hand in the putting together of the beach cruiser! Whether it was monetarily or having a hand in crafting something for it we all played a part. I think it turned out just adorable. Pink is my sister's favorite color and I think it is just so happy. Now my sister is getting ready to move to Bluffton South Carolina, if you don't know where that is it is just over the bridge from Hilton Head Island. So I had been wanting to find an old beach cruiser and do it up from scratch but since she is moving soon I had to go to plan B. So if you ask me, you can't move to the ocean and not have a super cute little beach cruiser to go tooling around on.

So we all went in on the purchase of the the bike, basket, bell and stickers for it.My friend Sara sewed a super cute fabric basket liner for the basket and even laminated a little sentimental note about friendship on it and attached it to the inside of the basket. I hot glued on some daisies to the basket and put on some really cute flower stickers. I also bought her a bouquet of pink daisies and a bottle of wine and placed them in the basket.It was as simple as that !!! She was so shocked, All my friends including our husbands had been keeping this surprise under wraps all week and let me tell you I was a little stressed that we would not pull it off in time for the big surprise but we Did !!! Thank you friends and husbands you ROCK!!!!
So that's my sister happy to do a little photo opp on her new Bike. She looks ready to roll. I hope you feel the wind in your hair and smell the salty sea air as you cruise on your new bike. Enjoy !!!

And last but not least my girls and even my dog Molly posed so cute for the picture. I have to say I have an awesome group of girlfriends who I love dearly. We are so crazy when we all get together. We call our selves the real housewives of Michiana, minus the money LOL .... We always have a blast no matter what we do. It's so nice having an awesome group of friends, they are so laid back and easy. That is the way all friendships should be simple and easy!
Love you girlies.
S~

"We will be friends... As long as stars twinkle in the sky... As long as angels are there up high...til' oceans run dry, and til the day I die "

Photo Friday

2010-05-21T19:55:00.006-04:00

Happy friday fellow bloggers! well it's raining again in the midwest. Can we just catch a little break and get a little sunshine??? is that too much to ask. So the rain has chased me back in the house darn rain. I was happily sitting out on my deck enjoying a little vino and then here came the rain again. We have had a really cold and rainy spring. So I decided for my photo friday I would post a pic of my favorite place Charleston South Carolina. This pic is what they call rainbow row otherwise known as the painted ladies. I absolutely love this part of town. I am always in sheer bliss when I am walking around this neighborhood, I can wander around for hours and just get lost in all the beauty that surrounds me. Walking through these neighborhoods is like walking through pages of coastal living or southern living. So BEAUTIFUL!Two more weeks and I head on down to Charleston for vaca WOO HOO!!! So I leave you with my fresh friday recipe...
Grilled veggie pizza with goat cheese and pine nuts. Yumo-o !

All I did was buy a pre-made wheat pizza crust,I usually make my own dough but sometimes you just want something quick and easy but still healthy. I just threw the dough on a pre-heated pizza stone on the grill. I topped the pizza with pesto, baby bella mushrooms, asparagus, artichokes,goat cheese and pine nuts, and fresh basil from my garden.Of course I had to have a little white wine with my pizza. Well I think the rain has stopped Yippee. I am off to try and start a little fire. Have a wonderful weekend.
S~

"Be inspired to be creative"

DREAMS

2010-05-17T17:43:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wanted something so bad it hurt??? So if you don't know by now my dream is to live near the ocean.I eat sleep and breathe the ocean in my dreams.... I long for that day that I actually move there.I will not, I repeat not EVER give up on this dream. Sometimes in life you feel so beat down and that your dreams will never come true.But I am a firm believer that if you want something bad enough you will make it happen. Where there is a will there is a way right??? My poor friends have heard me talk about moving to the ocean forever and sometimes I think will it ever happen??? I just know in my heart that the ocean is where I have to be and I can't and refuse to ever give up on that DREAM !!!

We are on this earth for a very short blip on the radar so why not be the happiest you can be. I believe we create our own happiness, well at least some of it anyway. So until I can move to the ocean I will continue to hold that dream close to my heart and hopefully some day soon I can share with you my new cottage near the ocean.That is one thing I can promise, I don't know when but when I do make that move to the ocean you can bet your bottom dollar I will be here blogging at the top of my lungs about it . So just remember we are partly responsible for making our dreams come true!

Have a great week...
S~

“Never, never, never, never give up.” Winston Churchill

Photo Friday

2010-05-07T07:46:00.006-04:00

Happy Friday everyone!!! Looks like it is going to be a rainy weekend. I had high hopes of working in the pond and yard, darn rain. Maybe we will catch a break and be able to get outside. So as you know I love photography and I am just a regular girl who loves to be outdoors, especially at the beach. So I am constantly trying to see the world from different angles. I love photography that is slightly off center not perfect. I think you have to think outside the box when taking pictures. I think there is always a photo opp where ever you may be. Sometimes you have to get down to ground level or look up. I think we get so focused on taking photos head on that we miss out on some really interesting things.It really is amazing what is going on all around us, you just have to be willing to see things from a different perspective or angle. So I leave you with my friday photo. This pic was taken on the beach at the Isle of Palms in South Carolina.
Enjoy ~

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, Drink wild air"

Friday Photo of the Day

2010-04-23T18:44:00.006-04:00

So I am saving for a new camera but in the meantime I am taking my camera with me where ever I go (when I can remember) LOL...I recently met two amazing photographers who have so inspired me to just start taking photos and not to be afraid. They take some rockin photos. They have a very similar styling to their photogtaphy that I love and try to achieve. I sometimes get really frustrated while taking photos because I have a vision in my head of how I want the photo to turn out but sometimes I just can't capture my idea. My husband is constantly telling me to just take photos and that even the best photographers don't always get the best shot every time. I guess I never thought of that before.He is so supportive and encouraging. It is so nice to have friends and family who support your creativity. So until I get my new camera which I have been talking about for about the last I don't know how many years I will continue to just get out there and take pictures.I am going to try and post a photo every friday and see what I can capture. So stay tuned, let's just see what my camera see's!

Hope you have a creative weekend!
S~

"A mad, keen photographer needs to get out into the world and work and make mistakes." - Sam Abell

Spring Break April 2010

2010-04-18T18:55:00.064-04:00

Ok so I am so excited about this post. My sister and I and my niece and nephew went to North and South Carolina for spring and I have to say it was FABULOUS! my soul needed it so bad especially after our brutal midwest winter. I was in in sheer bliss the entire week we had amazing weather, we had 8 days straight of sunny beautiful weather. So the little wine shop we stumbled across in Charleston did the cutest dog wine labels and some of the sales went towards dog charity. I am a huge dog lover and guess what they even had a airedale one so naturally that was my wine of choice the one with the Airedale label. So cute .
So this is one of many reasons why I love Charleston , check out this inn how cute is that! One of the reasons I love Charleston all the history and architecture.
So meet my niece and nephew: ~Haley and Noah~ wow they are growing up right before my eyes. The cool thing is that I have been able to introduce them to South Carolina, they have spent most of their lives vacationing there! Now this fountain is one of our annual traditions,we always take our picture there every year then we go to the Godiva Chocolate shop and get some super yummy chocolate. Don't you just love traditions. Anyone who knows me knows this about me I love traditions !!!
Haley and I sharing a grown up moment...
So now meet my sister aka best friend Carrie . We are in sheer bliss relaxing poolside while reading our favorite magazines while sipping vino. I couldn't have been happier that day... well unless our husbands were there! sorry husbands we missed you badly , really we did !
So here we are at our hotel sitting outside enjoying a little vino oh and a dirty martini for my sister.
Now we decided to head over to the Isle of Palms which is a little island just a hop skip and a jump from Charleston. I had to go to the ocean and put my toes in the sand my heart and soul was aching for the ocean.
So I did a little internet research and found a restaurant on the Isle of Palms that was on the water and had outdoor seating. It was super cute and right on the marina.
What a cute little outside bar they had...
So we had a great day on the ocean , and I got a little inspired to be a little creative and drew this little saying in the sand I know it's kind of hard to read but is says " best friends" and yes those are our toes ! We had a picture perfect relaxing day at the ocean. I was so blissfully happy !
Now how cute is this little beach house it is even blue my favorite color!!! I could so live there it is just across from the beach access . Lucky themSpeaking of cute check out my niece and nephew they look like locals! Haley plays volleyball so naturally she wanted to bring her volleyball and get a little beach practice in !
So this was a pleasant new find of a restaurant back in Charleston. Coast how cute is that. I had local fresh caught grouper and it was amazing, I can't wait to go back this June. Yum-0
Ah beautiful sea grass just blowing in the wind.... I just love the ocean.
Check out this pic do you notice something??? yup that is my reflection in the window kind of cool that doesn't happen very often. Love all the window boxes in charleston. So happy .
Check out this place wowzers this is true Charleston charm big historic houses with a lot of southern charm.
I can so see me drinking a glass of vino on this porch. Love it . How cozy .
This is something you see a lot of in Charleston , wrought iron and actually it is a lost art such a shame. This kind of craftsmenship is past down from generation to generation.
What an adorable little yard , more southern charm.
This is a bed and breakfast I would so stay there.... how inviting.
Another inviting porch ....
This set of homes is called Rainbow row because of all the bright colors and these are considered row houses, you see a lot of that in England. I just love rainbow row, I never get tired of photographing it.
While walking around the streets of charleston we were greeted with these little cuties. They were so well behaved we were taking pictures of their house and they quietly walked right up to the fence to greet us without even barking, too cute!
More of that wrought iron that I just love.
Let me introduce you to wisteria if you have never seen it in bloom. This is a first for me it is a spring bloomer and I have never been to Charleston in the spring. Wow was it beautiful, it was hanging from everything .
Me and my sister at one of our favorite pubs Tommy Condons it is a definite must while in Charleston sorry guys wish you were there....
Now for our hotel in Charleston ... what a beautiful historic boutique hotel. I read that Edgar Allen Poe once stayed there how cool is that ???
This was our pool ... super cute and guess what they played jazz all day . I was one happy girl! And check it out the outdoor patio ceiling was aqua my favorite color!

This here is where we had breakfast and after dinner cocktails at out hotel patio, we really enjoyed that.

I highly recommend this hotel to anyone who visits Charleston South Carolina . It is the best western king charles hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown charleston, no need to ever drive anywhere it is so close to everything. We really love this place and highly recommend it. I hope you enjoyed out pics as much as we enjoyed the trip. I can't wait until we go back this June! I raise up my glass to Charleston I LOVE that city .
Cheers!
S~

Long Day at Work

2010-04-14T20:00:00.014-04:00

Ok so when I got home from work today I decided I wanted to do a little yard work and look what I found!!!! The Airedale decided to dig a huge hole in my garden!!! UGG darn dog she is quite the hole digger as you can see, oh well what can you do

How can you be mad at a face like that. The funny thing is when I went over to fill the hole in she went right over by the hole and sat up against the fence and just looked at me. She knew what she did she is so smart !!!
So after I did all the damage control I decided to break open a bottle of vino and start on some yard and pond work.
So as you can see it's early spring and the pond doesn't look that great so I am taking before and after pictures this year... stayed tuned I will be posting pics of the pond when it is in full swing. I just love my pond, it has brought me a lot of joy. I just love the sound of the waterfall while I am out sitting on my deck. The sound of water trickling is so calming to your soul.
So you know how earlier I was saying that I came home to a huge hole in my garden well I also came home to my tulips blooming yippee! that put a instant smile on my face.
Happy little tulips, I planted 50 bulbs last fall and I was kind of bummed when I saw them come up it didn't look like the were going to have buds on them. I guess they just needed a little more coaxing for some reason. None the less they all opened and that made my day.

I also came home and saw the lilacs, now I was so excited to cut some and bring them in that I didn't even notice they were not completely opened. Oh well there will be more to cut in the next few days when they open. So after a long day at work and all the negatives I focused on the positive things that my own backyard had to offer me. I guess the lesson here is that even when you have a stressful day and you feel all the negatives, there truly is always something positive to appreciate. I guess You just have to be open to discovering it. So thank you happy little tulips and lilacs you made my day brighter. Have a super day tomorrow and remember to look for something positive in your day!
S~

Fresh Friday

2010-04-01T19:26:00.005-04:00

So here we are another fresh friday and today's recipe is a little different than usual. My recipe is for ...

~ A FABULOUS DAY ~

You will need to mix

A whole lot of sunshine.....

A little antiquing....

A little vino...

Some yummy food..

Mix all ingredients and

ENJOY!!!

p.s. I am heading South for spring break see you all in a week!

Have a Fabulous weekend, can't wait to put my toes in the sand :-)

Birthday Winter Beach Party!

2010-03-28T19:41:00.013-04:00

So I had my 38th b-day on march 14th and my girles threw me very thoughtful winter beach party ! Girls you are the best love you! You made my day. Now as you can see by the looks on our faces we are all very serious about our photo taking abilities LOl... I can only imagine what our husbands are saying at this point! Knowing my hubby he is probably just shaking his head, oh well we had a great time.
Look they even went as far as dying the water blue to look like the ocean! They know me all to well... everything was just so happy, I feel so lucky to have such awesome girls in my life.

They even did a little collage of some of our fun times together they really thought of everything. They really made me feel special.

And yes that is what it looks like in the background a dark chocolate fondue with fruit ! So sweet ....
and of course you can't have a beach party without little umbrellas and cute little drink stirrers...

What a great birthday and I just want to thank everyone who was a part of it and for going out of your way, I can't thank you all enough. It's so nice having people in your life who really know and support you for who you are ! Thank you friends and family you "ROCK"
S~

Happy Friday!

2010-03-26T15:24:00.008-04:00

Well happy friday everyone.... hope you had a great week! my fresh friday recipe is

Feta and Pea Salad

Super easy and so yummy
Blanch 2 cups shelled peas about 2-3 min

drain peas rinse in cold water.
Whisk together 2 Tbs olive oil, 1 tbs honey
2 tbs dijon mustard
1 tbs red wine vinegar

add peas,3 radishes thinly sliced
throw in some diced fennel if you like
and sprinkle with feta
yumo-o!!!

Oh and just a little happy photo of the day. I am getting really inspired to get out and start taking some photos, I think I will start posting a photo of the day or maybe a photo on fridays with my fresh friday recipe. I am saving for a new camera I can't wait to get it. Just have to finish a few projects and pay of my braces!!! I really love photography it get's you outdoors and in touch with all of natures natural elements. So I leave you with this happy little pot of poppies.
Hope you have an inspiring weekend....
S~

" In order to succeed we must believe we are capable of success"

Boutique Chic

2010-03-21T18:46:00.009-04:00

So the weather turned out better than what was originally called for and it pepped me up so I decided to do a little mini bedroom make over. I like to call it Boutique Chic! Just by changing a few little accessories you can achieve a completely different look. I always forget to do a before and after when I do a little project oh well...I get to involved that I forget to take the before pictures! Now almost every other room in my houses has a beach theme so I thought I would do something different and I love it. This bench used to have a tan striped fabric on it and all I did is re cover it so easy and looks brand new. I love being able to use something I already have and just re do it, plus it saves you $$$ so that is a bonus. I even found a wine that had this damask pattern on it, plus the wine is great too, bonus! I love this pattern I think it has a boutique chic feel to it and it is super HAPPY !!!

Now I can't take credit for making the pillows kudos to my sister. She is going to teach me how to make pillows so I won't have to keep having her make them for me. Now all the room needs is a cute little boutique chandelier and a couple of white fuzzy rugs. I will have to do some looking!!! I think that will make it perfectly charming .

I am so happy the weather is starting to shape up now I am ready to start doing some outdoor projects. It is so amazing what a little sunshine will do for your spirit!

"Happiness... it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort."
Vincent Van Gogh

Fresh Friday

2010-03-18T19:55:00.020-04:00

Welcome Friday!!! so I thought I would share of few pics from a recent sister day I had. That's me enjoying a little vino at one of my favorite places The Stray Dog . This place is so fun in the summer, they have a really awesome rooftop deck that overlooks lake michigan. So my sister and I did some shopping at the outlet mall and then headed over to the Stray Dog for some pizza and wine.
And then over to another one of my favorite places Brewster's ... for some more vino!!! What more could a girl ask for in a day shopping, pizza and vino with your best friend!!! We had great sister time, I cherish every minute we get to spend together. Sisters "rock" You can always depend on your sister, she is the one person who knows exactly what I am always thinking, even sometimes before I do!!! There is a special connection sisters have, and there is no other bond like it. I can't say enough how much my sister means to me we have been through good times and bad, cried together, laughed together, talked about our hopes and dreams together and most importantly we spend a lot of time together. I think having a sister that is also your best friend is kind of a rare thing, some siblings don't even get along or talk to each other, so for that I am most grateful.
So now on to my fresh friday post. I am super excited to share this one it totally ROCKED MY WORLD
So here you have it PEA AND FETA SPREAD

This was so stinking easy and so so yummy
all you do is bring a pot of water to boil and add 2 cups of peas and blanch for about 3 min then toss in the blender and add 1 cup of feta, pinch of roasted garlic, 1 tbs EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) in case you are wondering :-) 2 tbs mint leaves and some salt and pepper to taste, pulse everything until slightly chunky, serve on your favorite toasted bread. This recipe called for ricotta but I am not a fan so I switched it up and used feta , I love feta and it worked great! This was so incredibly easy and so so yummy! I think it is my new favorite spring bruschetta. I had this with a really yummy shrimp mango salad with lemon grass chille vinaigrette. I will be posting that next fresh friday recipe. I hope you give this one a try , if you love peas you will love this spread! Hope you have a fun and creative weekend, I think I will make a new spring beachy inspired wreath!
S~

"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself" Zen Proverb

Getting Crafty

2010-03-13T11:22:00.013-05:00

So you have to forgive me I missed my fresh friday post yesterday... busy week. Anyway I know we are all tired of soups and winter comfort food but I made this awesome Coconut curry sweet potato soup and let me say it ROCKED!!! We had a similar soup in Saugatuck at his awesome place called the Wild Dog Bar and Grill so I thought to myself how can I duplicate this soup. So here is my take on the coconut curry sweet potato soup.

Coconut Curry Sweet Potato Soup

I used 1 large sweet potato
1/2 cup of coconut milk
2-3 cups vegetable broth the sweet potato is thick so you may have to tweak the broth to get the consistency you like your soup to be
curry powder to taste
1/2 tbs roasted garlic
1/2 tbs or so of ginger in the jar

Cook sweet potato in the microwave, usually a large sweet potato takes about 10 min or so to cook
after the potato is cooked scoop out all the sweet goodness into a blender add all the above ingredients and blend until desired thickness

That is it! So I think this will be the last soup recipe I post until next fall. I just had to get one more in because it was soooo yummy.
Enjoy~
I am already thinking about some fresh spring yummies!
Hope you have a Happy weekend. The birds are telling me spring is here now we just need to talk mother nature into it :-)
S~

So seeing that spring has been rapidly approaching and winter has been so brutal I have been inspired to get crafty. So here is my latest little project.... I bought a canvas painted it aqua blue then found some letters on the computer. I then printed the letters out and traced them on the canvas. Next I found these cute little sparkly sequins at my local fabric store and used clear glue to adhere them to the canvas. That's it ! so simple and I think it turned out super cute. Now the blue jars above I found at an antique shop at one of my favorite beach towns Saugatuck Michigan. They are old mason jars and they are a really pretty blue, I never knew mason jars came in blue. So while in Saugatuck for the weekend we went down to the beach to take some photos and I collected a bunch of beach rocks and drift wood. I simply placed them in the mason jars and voila a super cute and inexpensive way to display your beach finds.

~Fresh Friday~

2010-03-05T08:52:00.012-05:00

Well here we are another Fresh Friday and I think spring is finally deciding to come around. Let me tell you it has been a brutal winter, but if you ask me they are all brutal!!! I just can't fall in love with winter. As much as I try to get along with winter, winter always get's the best of me. So now that we are moving into spring my taste buds start to ask for lighter fare.Isn't it funny how suddenly one day you decide you are done with soups and heavy comfort food ??? So I have been trying to eat fish at least twice a week not only because it is so good for you but I really love a nice delicate mild fish. So for my fresh friday recipe I have chosen Mahi tacos yumo-o !!!

Mahi fish tacos with adobo seasoning

now you can buy adobo seasoning but I hve found it hard to find so I got on the internet and found a few variations for this seasoning.If you are not familiar with this seasoning it is a Mexican inspired seasoning.

For the seasoning you will need:

1/4 cup paprika
3tbs black pepper
2tbs onion powder
2tbs mexican oregano I used reg oregano (what I had on hand)
2tbs cumin
1tbs chili powder or chipotle powder
1tbs garlic powder.

Now mind you this makes a large batch so just store it in a empty spice jar you have on hand.

For the Tacos :
I used mahi fillets
rub seasoning all over mahi with a little olive oil

meanwhile make a red cabbage slaw :
Shred 1/2 cup red cabbage dice 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup of diced cucumber
dice a little red onion
a 1/4 teaspoon of fresh garlic
a little fresh cilantro and a touch of white wine vinegar
Mix all ingredients
then grill or bake mahi according to package
I used organic whole grain spelt tortillas but use your favorite tortillas I always warm my tortillas first.
dollop a little red cabbage slaw a little shredded organic jack cheese and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Enjoy with some organic blue corn chips and salsa oh and don't forget the vino !!!

So I leave you with this happy little spring picture taken at one of our local county parks last spring.It was such a beautiful day for a spring hike in the woods that day. It was so refreshing, there is nothing better than that first warm spring day. You can just BREATHE a sigh of happiness!
Hope you have a fabulous weekend the sun is supposed to shine all weekend wooo hoooo !!!

Thoughts of Spring !!!

2010-02-28T18:08:00.014-05:00

Ok so I am so tired of boots I could scream!!! So as I am sitting here posting this it has started to snow like crazy again yuck yuck and more yuck. This is the time of year when I start taking inventory in my closet. I start pulling out all my spring clothes and shoes and start getting excited for cute spring things! What girl doesn't ??? So I came across these happy little sandals so I put them on and they made me smile , Daisies are so happy they just smiled right back at me. Thanks little daisies you just brightened my day , what else can you do on a snowy cold day but dream about spring and all the good things to come. I am trying to find one positive thing every day and be thankful for it, despite all the negatives in life you can always at least find one thing to be thankful for each day. So today I am thankful that I have an amazing husband who puts up with all my crazy ideas and is so supportive and encouraging in everything I do !

Thanks Honey for an awesome weekend out of town you are too good to me! that is just what I needed. Stay tuned I will be posting about the weekend trip next .... I'm off to go take inventory in my closet with positive thoughts of spring and good things!!!

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Happy Frozen Friday!!!

2010-02-25T16:01:00.013-05:00

Let me introduce you to the Island Girl Cocktail...

Island Girl

Stir together 8 ounces (1 cup) cranberry juice cocktail, 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka, 4 ounces (½ cup) ginger ale, and 2 ounces (¼ cup) fresh lime juice in a large pitcher. Pour into ice-filled glasses, and garnish with lime wedges. Makes 4 servings.
So winter still has it's nasty little grip on us but.... 22 more days to spring!!! I know we need to stay positive but... it is really hard when the sun doesn't shine for days on end. So I will just keep dreaming about warm beachy places. What I wouldn't give to be lounging in that lounger while reading a good book. I think I am there now in my mind .AHHHH yes I can feel the warm salty sea air blowing through my hair while I sip the Island Girl cocktail. I long for the day when my toes hit the sand.
So for now I will light some candles, pour some vino , put on some jazz and start some spring crafting! So I bought this letter S painted it turquoise then simply glued tiny little sea shells to it. Voila you have a cute little beach inspired project.

Then for the daisy wreath I just bought a simple wreath and hot glued on the daisies and the cute little turquoise butterflies, yes turquoise again I LOVE turquoise. So since the weather is crummy get to crafting it will lift your spirits.

Well I am off to start another craft project... I will keep you posted!
S~
Have a Fabulous Friday !

Photography Love

2010-02-14T14:47:00.016-05:00

So all this sunshine we have had all weekend has really inspired me. Now I am no professional photographer but I think I have an eye for it. My husband is so supportive of my photography and always encourages me. I am always looking for a great photo opp. I try to take my camera with me everywhere I go. You never know when your eye will catch something special.
I have been thinking about taking a photography class for a long time, I just need to do it! Life get's so busy that sometimes your passions and dreams go by the wayside. I guess the saying "get busy living or get busy dying " really rings true. So I thought I would share a few of my photos.... I can't wait until spring so I can get out there with my camera and start snapping photos !

I hope you had a chance this weekend to do something creative and fun !

I can't wait to take some more photos and share them. I think am starting to come out of my winter depression, funny how a little sunshine will do that to you!
Be Inspired, Be Creative, Be Free To Dream

"If you can imagine it you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it."
Ward, William Arthur

Happy Crafting

2010-02-13T13:17:00.010-05:00

Wow the sun has been shinning for two days now and I couldn't be happier or more inspired! This winter has really been hard. When the sun shines I get a little crazy and want to do a million things, sometimes I get anxiety and I can't decided what project I want to do! Since the sun has been shining I have suddenly been re inspired to be creative. So the other might we had craft night at my friend Sara's house. We made an awesome salad with a mango dressing and some olive tapenade bruschetta, it was YUMMY!
Then we poured some vino and got busy crafting.....
We pulled out the paint and bedazzles and got to crafting!

Now we didn't finish our projects that night but we made a good start, we did however laugh a lot, we laughed so much it hurt! It is so nice to be around such inspiring and crafty girls. When I get this project done I will post it so stay tuned for more craft nights with the girls...

I hope you are inspired I think my creative juices are flowing, must be all the sunshine! I have to say our first craft night was a success. Hope you find something crafty to do this weekend. Check back for more craft nights. Today I am a Happy Crafter! Now get to crafting.
S~

Fresh Friday

2010-02-12T17:28:00.005-05:00

Wooo Hooo it's Friday and the sun was shining all day! Wow maybe there is hope for spring to come just yet. The birds have been warming up there vocal chords the last few days, they will have a lot to sing about once spring announces it's arrival. Now I don't know about you but I have spring fever so bad, I need to do a little retail therapy shopping. These next few weeks I will be feverishly making to do lists of spring projects. Spring is such an exciting time of year, it's such a re birth of our planet. Flowers start to poke their sleepy little heads up and the birds start to practice their spring serenade. The buds on the trees start to swell, I get so excited just thinking about it. Now you all know how I feel about winter in the midwest , it almost kills me emotionally. So today I am celebrating the anticipation of spring and I am Happy Today. So with that I leave you with a fresh and tasty fresh Friday recipe....

Pasta With Shrimp And Fresh Herbs

I used I box of low carb pasta, or if you like you can use whole wheat pasta

Make pasta according to directions.
Meanwhile saute shrimp with white wine, garlic pinch crushed red pepper,and olive oil

In a seperate pan measure 1/2 cup of oil and infuse 5 cloves of garlic and a pinch of red pepper about 3 minutes, careful not to overcook the garlic it will burn. Remove garlic cloves and discard, keep infused oil to add to pasta.

Once pasta is finished drain and add shrimp and fresh herbs.
Chop fresh basil, parsley and mint toss all ingredients together including infused oil, top with fresh grated parmesan. This dish pairs really well with nice glass of riesling.

Oh and for desert a little dark chocolate

Enjoy~

Bella-Fleur

Vacation Edisto Beach

Sheryl Crow Concert

Asian Sesame Ginger Noodles

Beach House Bliss Studio latest happenings...

Random Summer Fun

Girlogik tanks and a simple ball jar vase project

Happy 4th!

What I've been working on in the Beach House Bliss Studio

What I'm loving today... all things white and boho

Simple Beachy Garden Crafts

Beach House Bliss Etsy Shop Is Officially Open !!!

Cottage L*O*V*E and All things Old Town Bluffton SC

Beach House Bliss Etsy Shop Coming Soon!

Sea Glass Belt Buckle

Beachy Photo Project

Springtime Happiness

The Art Of Pmc Clay

“In art the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Turquosie Pillows and Driftwood Beach Sign

Drift Wood Candle Holder & Spring

I've Been Featured

Veggie Spring Rolls and Thoughts Of Spring !

Mung bean noodle stir fry & Spring wardrobe

Dark Chocolate Chili Truffles & Saugatuck Weekend

Spring Wreath & Wine Drive

Beachy State of Mind

Beachy Photo Project

Finding Winter Happiness

Dreams

Welcome Fall

Preparation:

Simple Beachy Craft

Poblano White Bean Chilli

Photo Friday

Photo Friday And Greek Inspired Pizza

Gone Backpacking ...

Shabby Chic Cottage Rooms and A Simple Summer Salad

Summer Always On My Mind

Just Be... A simple thought

Sisters

Shabby To Cottage Chic

Photo Friday

2010 25 mile late ride Chicago

Photo Friday

4 th of July and Sara's b-day

A mid west girl who dreams of the ocean often...

What's going on in your back yard ?

Photo Friday & Dinner Oceanside

Feeling crafty and inspired

Beach Cruiser Love

Photo Friday

DREAMS

“Never, never, never, never give up.” Winston Churchill

Photo Friday

Friday Photo of the Day

Spring Break April 2010

Long Day at Work

Fresh Friday

Birthday Winter Beach Party!

Happy Friday!

Boutique Chic

Fresh Friday

Getting Crafty

~Fresh Friday~

Thoughts of Spring !!!

Happy Frozen Friday!!!

Island Girl

Photography Love

Happy Crafting

Fresh Friday

Cottage LOV*E and All things Old Town Bluffton SC