Ryan's Pearl

2012-01-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

Source: elledecor.com

Gold

2012-01-24T11:24:00.002-05:00

Source: gracie-senseandsimplicity.blogspot.com

Source: livingathome.de

I wish Jim would let me spray paint his deer head gold....

Source: etsy.com

Source: bario-neal.com

Source: jcrew.com

Source: google.com

Source: thesweetestoccasion.com

Source: beckdesignblog.blogspot.com

I Love Lions

2012-01-18T11:50:00.002-05:00

Here are some lions I have around my house. I have always loved Lions but now that I have BEAR he reminds me of a lion and I love them even more. I think any lion decor is timeless. What do you think?

Lion door knocker that I found at a estate sale

Lawn ornament found at Tuesday Morning

My favorite piece of jewelry. My mom found this necklace on EBAY 4 years ago.

Close-up

Brass lion

My Weekend and Meet Betsy

2012-01-17T13:27:00.006-05:00

First let me start of with this picture of Rox, I took this from my Iphone yesterday morning. She has the cutest run :) and who knew Iphones did action shots??

Last week I found a JD Gator off of Craiglist. She was born in 2004 and we've named her Betsy. She's a little rusty but she's in good hands now that's she's in retirement. She'll never have to go hunting again. I think I'll keep her camo skin...unless they make purple ones. (We actually found out why she was such a good price...she doesn't like to start, hopefully that will be fixed soon)

The dogs love her, well Harley doesn't.

This weekend I took the dogs on a long ride :) They loved it

I made Wok broccoli chicken this weekend...I followed this recipe below but added different ingredients and it still turned out great. I suggest you use a STEEEL wok.

INGREDIENTS
STEAMED RICE:
1 3/4 cups jasmine rice
CHICKEN:
1 tablespoon peanut oil
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup light soy
1/4 cup Shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil (see Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 small handful Thai basil leaves, or Italian basil, plus extra for garnish
SPINACH:
1 tablespoon peanut oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Two 6-ounce bags baby spinach leaves
Pinch sea salt
GARNISH:
1 medium red Fresno chile, seeded and sliced into rings, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Cook's Note: It's important to use toasted sesame oil, which reduces as it cooks, and not pure sesame oil, which will continue to cook and not reduce or thicken. The final dish should be slightly sticky.

For the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear, to remove excess starch. Place the rinsed rice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and add 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, keep covered and set aside until ready to serve.

For the chicken: Meanwhile, heat a wok over high heat and add the peanut oil. When it begins to smoke, add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry quickly for a few seconds. Then add the chicken and let it settle in the pan for 30 seconds before stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until it browns.

Add the soy sauce, rice wine and toasted sesame oil; reduce the heat to medium and cook for 6 minutes. Stir well and add the brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce is reduced to a thick, sticky consistency and the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, stir in the basil leaves and allow them to wilt slightly.

For the spinach: In a separate pan or another wok, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Add the spinach leaves and toss with tongs, or chopsticks until wilted (adding a splash of water to facilitate cooking if desired), 2 to 3 minutes.

When ready to serve, uncover the pan of steamed rice. Using a fork, fluff up the rice and divide among 4 plates. Serve with a generous portion of the chicken, garnish with chile rings and more basil leaves, if desired. Serve the spinach on the side.

Saturday night we celebrated Lenee's 31st Birthday. It was a nice time out with some girls :)

HAPPY 31st!

Lenee and I

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

Around the World Dinner Club

2012-01-13T15:45:00.006-05:00

Does this look good?

Bangladesh

Let me introduce my friend Kim. Kim has lived only 7 miles away from my home the entire time I've lived here in the sticks. This past year we were finally introduced by our husbands. Do any of you play golf? I finally found a golfing girlfriend! She also likes to cook and garden. Her garden blows mine away, I'll have to post some pictures of hers soon. I'm so happy to have found her and having her right around the corner is even better. Kim's the one that got me into planting olive tree's.

Kim and I last Tuesday

Since we both share a passion for foreign food and cooking, we are starting a dinner club that will be held quarterly. We will have a map and use "the pin the tail on the donkey scenario" to choose the cuisine. If anyone is interested email me!! We only have 4 girls so far. The hostess will be in charge of the main course and the others will be in charge of bringing a side dish. Our first country will be Bangladesh! I think this will be fun :) The dinner will be held sometime in late FEB or early March. Let me know if you would like to join! Until then I'll be researching the Bangladesh cuisine :)

Bedroom Idea

2012-01-12T11:12:00.002-05:00

Cabo Azul Resort

I think it's such a great idea to use window panels like this in a bedroom. Who needs windows?

DIY: Gold Glitter Earrings

2012-01-10T13:35:00.002-05:00

Link to project

What a great idea!! AND SO EASY!!! You could make them in ALL colors :)

My WEEKEND

2012-01-03T13:41:00.004-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEARS! I've had an action packed break. We had a great Christmas and traveled to Alabama to visit Jim's side of the family. I hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas.

This past weekend we had Bryan and Brandi come into town. It was a great weekend :) What did you for New Years?

Friday night Brandi and I went to Akina :)

Here is a picture of my favorite roll, the TEMPTATION ROLL.

Saturday we relaxed in the sun! It was in the 80's this weekend. Now it's cold again and we get down in the 30's tonight! BURRRR!!!

Here is Brandi enjoying her Blissjito :)

I combined the mojito and citrus bliss and created a blissijto.

Recipe: 1 shot of RUM, sparkling water, mint, and a splash of OJ.

While at Milliania mall last weekend I found some Jimmy Choo multi colored glitter shoes and fell in love. They were $700 and you know my ass would NEVER pay that for a shoe, but guess what?? I found some similar ones at JC PENNYS for $19 :)

I'm really into this multi-colored glitter so I painted my nails to match my shoes.

We rang in the New Year at Bella Collina. It's one of the best New Years I've ever had filled with lots of champagne, dancing, and food :) 3 of my favorites.

The holidays were packed full of calories and now I'm back on the weight watchers train. I made some tuna tar tar and wanted to share this healthy recipe!! It's SO DELISH and EASY!

You can ask your grocery store to give you some sushi grade tuna at the sushi counter.

Dice tuna, cucumber, avocado into tiny pieces. Mix soy sauce, a dash of sugar, sesame seed oil, and rice vinegar. (I also use garlic and ginger) pour over your tuna and serve. It's better than any sushi restaurant.

Yesterday the dogs went to the groomer and got new haircuts for the New Year!

Now it's back to work! I'm going to get organized this year and my first step is color categorizing all my christmas decor. WISH ME LUCK!

Traditional OR Different??

2011-12-21T15:02:00.000-05:00

When you decorate for Christmas do you stick with traditional??? or do you have a wild color scheme??? ME! I'm both :) Every year I have a traditional tree. I have so many sentimental ornaments I've gotten from all the years I cherish...but I also have little tree's with my favorite colors. To have a fabulous tree it doesn't have to be red and green, look these non-traditional tree's!! Aren't they beautiful?

I'm already planning for next year :) I'm sticking my traditional tree in the formal and having a purple, silver, and white tree in my family room :) I'm looking forward to all the after christmas sales and hope to find a cheap white Christmas tree.

Source: houzz.com via Leah on Pinterest

Source: redbubble.com via Roxanne on Pinterest

Source: theardentsparrow.blogspot.com via Shirl on Pinterest

Source: glamoursplash.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Sterling on Pinterest

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Joyce on Pinterest

Source: roomenvy.wordpress.com via Jay on Pinterest

Source: howaboutorange.blogspot.com via JoAnn on Pinterest

Source: pinkplusorange.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: blog.styleestate.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Eva on Pinterest

Source: shelterness.com via M on Pinterest

THANK YOU!

2011-12-20T19:44:00.003-05:00

Sweet Annabelle sent me this stocking in the mail that she HAND MADE! Thank you so much, it's beautiful! That was very sweet!!! She has a darling blog, The Carloina Country Girl . Thank you Anna :) Hope you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My TJ MAXX CHAIRS :)

2011-12-20T11:15:00.002-05:00

I've been looking for the perfect purple chair FOREVER!! and found them yesterday at or local TJ MAXX! They had some scuffs on the legs so I got them for $119!! They are beautiful in person :) I really thought that was a great deal and the fabric is REAL VELVET :)

I LOVE Purple

2011-12-15T14:04:00.004-05:00

I got these pillows a couple of months ago at Pier 1 for my bedroom. I've done my room in deep purples with a splash of turquoise and a goldish green. Is goldish a word?

I would love to have these bed sheets...

Source: ralphlauren.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: delish.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I saw these Steve Madden shoes on Pinterest. I've looked everywhere including Zappos but haven't had any luck. Anyone seen these anywhere?? Aren't they beautiful!

Source: pose.com via Pose on Pinterest

Source: thedailytelecraft.com via Alex on Pinterest

Beautiful chair...

Source: acottageinthewoods.tumblr.com via Madame on Pinterest

I love purple and turquoise together

Source: downandoutchic.blogspot.com via Mallory on Pinterest

Source: pinterest.com via Mariaelena on Pinterest

Source: moonlightrainbow.tumblr.com via Mariaelena on Pinterest

Mirrored Doors

2011-12-14T13:32:00.002-05:00

I would love to make all my doors in my house mirrored, so beautiful!

Source: houzz.com

Source: theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

Source: houzz.com

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com

Beautiful Christmas Decor

2011-12-13T10:57:00.003-05:00

I'm so in love with Pinterest :) Everything you see came from their website.

Thai Salad Shooters

2011-12-06T13:11:00.004-05:00

I made these Sunday for our dinner guests. These are delicious and SIMPLE! I got the glass shooters from IKEA.

3 cucumbers, peeled and seeded

2 tsp salt

1/2 rice vinegar (My favorite is the roasted garlic flavor)

1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

2 or 3 shallots (you can use any mild onion)

1 red chili (seeded if your not into spicy)

2 tlb cilantro

Cut the cucumbers into half moons thinly, I sprinkled them with salt and let them drain for 30 minutes. In a sauce pan over med heat combine sugar, remainder 1 tsp salt and the vinegar and dissolve. I just heated it for a couple of minutes, it doesn't take long to dissolve sugar. Combine all the ingrediants and pour vinegar over the salad. The longer it soaks the better it tastes.

Serve in shooters or small bowls.

I love this wall color

2011-12-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

Source: trendey.com via Jenni on Pinterest

GREAT IDEAS!! Wine Boxes & CORKS

2011-12-05T19:00:00.009-05:00

I love my raised garden, my plants have done so much better :) What a cheap simple way to

have one of your own.

wine boxes - free at any local liquor store...such a great idea for a raised garden!

Source: llhdesignsblog.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

Use your leftover corks for garden markers

Source: recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com via Megan A on Pinterest

Recycled wine bottles used as edging

Source: hubpages.com via Daphne on Pinterest

DIY Solar Lamps:)

2011-12-03T12:34:00.000-05:00

I can picture these around the patio!! You could make them for Christmas!

http://www.moredesignplease.com/moredesignplease/2011/9/6/diy-mason-solar-jars.html

Mac and Cheese with Roasted Chicken, Goat Cheese, and Rosemary

2011-12-02T11:32:00.002-05:00

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound dried rigatoni
1 quart heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 clove fresh garlic, crushed
8 ounces goat cheese
2 cups shredded roasted chicken
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a rapid boil. Add the oil and rigatoni to the water and cook according to the directions on the package, 10-12 minutes.
2. While you are waiting for the water to boil, pour the cream into a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the rosemary and garlic to the cream and bring it to a simmer - take care not to let it boil over. Allow the cream to reduce by about half.
3. Stir in the goat cheese and chicken and continue cooking cooking it till the cream coats the back of a spoon.
4. Thoroughly drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the sauce. Coat the pasta in the sauce and simmer over low heat for a few minutes. Serve hot.

LINK TO RECIPE: http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/mac-and-cheese-roasted-chicken-and-goat-cheese/print/

What a great idea! :) LOVE

2011-12-01T14:26:00.001-05:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Jennea on Pinterest

Zesty Chile Tiger Prawns

2011-12-01T12:41:00.005-05:00

I've been watching Easy Chinese on the Cooking Channel and it's made me in the mood to use my wok. Today for lunch I made this easy recipe and it turned out DELISH! Of course I added some other stuff for extra flavor. It took me no less than 10 minutes and it turned out tasty.

___

This stir-fry is full of flavour and can be served up in a matter of minutes. The dish was inspired by all the cheap and cheerful seafood places in Hong Kong that I visited, where some of the most amazing seafood was served! I was particularly taken with a garlic prawn dish I ate - the prawns were butterflied (cut in half down the middle of the spine), topped with generous amounts of butter, garlic and spring onions and steamed. My tangy chilli and garlic prawns is inspired by that memorable dish. Make sure you buy raw tiger prawns because if you buy cooked, they will be too chewy when cooked again in this dish.

Recipe courtesy Ching-He Huang, 2008

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons groundnut oil
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium red chile, finely chopped
7 ounces raw Tiger (jumbo shrimp) or King prawns (langoustines), shelled and deveined
1 tablespoon Shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry

Juice of 1 lime
3 ounces French beans (green beans), chopped into 1/2-inch lengths
Pinch sea salt
1 teaspoon dried chile flakes

DIRECTIONS

Heat a wok or pan over a high heat, and add the groundnut oil. Add the garlic, and chiles, and stir-fry for a few seconds. Then, add the prawns, rice wine or sherry, and the lime juice, and stir-fry until the prawns start to turn pink.

Add the French beans, and mix together. When the prawns have all turned pink, season with the salt, and chile flakes, and serve immediately.

My Christmas is Slowly Coming Up :)

2011-11-30T13:49:00.005-05:00

Dining room buffet table done in gold

Roxy HATES wearing things including reindeer antlers

I've been collecting glass ornaments since childhood so my tree is very traditional and sentimental. I also have TONS of glitter on it :) I'll take better pictures of the tree with my nice camera when everything is done :)

I love this blown glass old ornament from mom...

Do you have your Christmas tree up? Do you have a tradition or theme tree?

I Love Glitter

2011-11-29T13:42:00.003-05:00

These glitter birds are from Crate and Barrel, but for a cheaper alternative go to Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart and glitter your own birds :) You can find buckets of glitter online for a fraction of the price.

Best Friends

2011-11-28T12:05:00.003-05:00

Roxy is still on Bear every day, this never gets old :) I love them so much. The other dogs wont let her perch. Her birthday is next week, she'll be one year old :)

My Crystal Tree

2011-11-18T15:07:00.003-05:00

I made one :)

I made a crystal tree out of my glitter branch for Christmas. I want my formal to be icy...

Turkey Brine

2011-11-18T14:46:00.003-05:00

Here is last years Thanksgiving. I tried to find a picture of my turkey but couldn't find one :(

If you haven't brined a turkey you should try it this year. IT really does make a difference. This will be my 3rd year to do it. The bird turns out juicy and delish! Who wants a dry turkey???

MY BRINE

1 cup of kosher salt

1/2 cup brown sugar or molasses (maple syrup works)

1 tlb black peppercorns

garlic

herbs (whatever you want to use)

1 gallon of water, or enough to cover your turkey

Heat everything so it dissolves and the flavors relax and after your water is cooled submerge your turkey and soak it for 2 to 3 days.

Make sure you rinse your turkey after you take it out of it's brine bath.

Lit Mercury Glass Balls

2011-11-15T14:47:00.002-05:00

I was at Pottery Barn last week and saw these lit mercury balls and fell in love with them. They have them as Christmas decor but I would keep them out all year. If your at the mall I suggest you go take a look at them :) The price for all 3 isn't to bad but still high. I'm so cheap and want to find them for less. I think the small goes for $24.50, med: $36.50, and the large is $54.50.

Aren't they cute??? :)

Win a Tacori Ring!

2011-11-14T10:25:00.006-05:00

I never repost giveaways but to have an extra chance to win a Tacori ring...I had to :) This beauty retails in at $2000. I would love to win this :)

You can enter a chance to win on Mara's blog, M loves M. Good luck!

I love the smokey quartz!

I've been looking for a good blazer for 4 months. I've returned everyone of them and here is my last chance to have one. I found this one below at J Crew Online. Hope it fits and looks good!!! Does anyone have a blazer they love and if so where did you get it?? My shoulders are very broad.

Friday night we had the opening night gala. We had a good time :) I'm glad to be done and now I get to look forward on taking this tree down in 2 weeks.

This picture below is horrible of J and I but it's the only one we got together in front of my tree. Hopefully mom got some good ones.

How was your weekend?

Orlando Museum of Arts Festival of Tree's 2011

2011-11-10T11:45:00.002-05:00

This year’s theme 'Hip Holidays!' describes the cool 50's and 60’s retro flavor of design.

We were sponsored by Montverde Academy this year and were able to borrow these vintage 1950's Santa's from a private collector. Here are some pictures from the good o Iphone. Hope to get some better pictures Friday night. Our tree was 12 foot this year, which is HUGE in person.

I also stuck all my knee hugger elves in the tree :)

Tree topper

A nice woman let us borrow two of her peddle cars for the Santa's

They will have raffles for sale and I'm hoping to win this necklace below :)

If you live in Orlando the festival goes for 2 weeks. General admission is $10, so if you get some time you should check it out.

Happy EARLY Holidays! :)

The New Jawbone UP

2011-11-03T10:43:00.001-04:00

Have you guys heard of the new UP wristband?? Click on the link below to learn about it. It tracks everything from calories, movement, your sleep, to what your eating. I'm thinking about getting one :) I'll let you know.

LINK

UP™ is a revolutionary system (wristband + iPhone® app) that tracks your ac

tivity and sleep and inspires you to move more, sleep better and eat smarter. UP gets to know you, tells you about yourself and connects you with friends to compete & collaborate on health goals.

Mario Batali's Spaghettini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Arugula

2011-11-02T11:02:00.004-04:00

Who's been watching The Chew talk show??? I HAVE! I made my first recipe from the show last night and had to share. I added a few things which I'll explain in a bit. Here is what you'll need.

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 Garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
10 Oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup Dry white wine
2 tablespoons Salt
1 1/2 pound Spaghettini Pasta
4 Cups Baby Arugula (trimmed) you could use baby spinach
8 quarts Water
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Breadcrumbs for garnish

I suggest you watch the video on The Chews website for all the steps.

In the olive oil add your garlic and brown but don't over cook. I added some of the olive oil from the canned anchovies also. I use King Oscar anchovies, they seem to be the best. EVEN IF YOUR NOT A FAN of anchovies try it! They really have a wonderful flavor paired with other things. After the garlic add the sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh if you want...the sun-dried ones just have so much flavor. I diced up the anchovies in little pieces and added it to the oil and then added the wine. When your pasta is half way done add it to the pan and stir. Make sure you use some of the pasta water...Mario added the arugula at the very end. Make sure you taste it and add salt and pepper if needed. I also added some clams :) This was very simple and delish! Let me know if you try it and how you like it.

Mario's TIP: Once your pasta is halfway cooked move it to the pan with your wine and olive and let the pasta soak up all that flavor.

Turned out delish!

Grazie Mario!

Crystal Tree's

2011-11-01T11:36:00.003-04:00

You know I love crystals. Here is a picture of my last years tables-cape decorations for Christmas. Click here to go to the crystal decor.

I have found so many great ideas this year and wanted to share one. These crystal trees would be so easy to make. All you need is a branch, flower pot, spray paint, and crystal chandelier pieces (I find my crystals at garage sales from cheap chandeliers). You could also use clear glass Christmas ornaments, which are cheap and easy to find.

Aren't they beautiful!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T12:53:00.002-04:00

I love Halloween!! What are you guys doing tonight? Were grilling out at moms and handing out candy :) Can't wait to see all the costumes. Anyone dressing up? If so I would love to hear about it.

Very Hollywood

2011-10-27T11:46:00.006-04:00

If I lived in Hollywood this would be my dream home :) BEAUTIFUL STUFF! I found these pictures on the blog: http://www.paloma81.blogspot.com/. She has tons of inspiration posts.

How beautiful is this??

All images via Ralph Lauren Home

AMAZING :)

Don't you think these rooms are fabulous?

Last Week

2011-10-25T11:06:00.006-04:00

Last week Jaclyn, Wyatt, and Jason came into town. Jaclyn's been my best friend since grade school. I cherish her and Jason's friendship so much. We always have a great time and this time they brought their 4 month old baby boy Wyatt. He's the sweetest little thing and I'm happy to call myself Aunt Ry.

Jason mad BBQ for all of our friends last Sunday. He's the best cook!!! His food is always delish and I got some good recipes and tips on throwing a BBQ cook out. THANK YOU JASON!

This sweet little boy was a joy to be around. He was well behaved and sweet giving it was his first trip away from home.

J loved him :)

I think he really loved his Aunt Ry :)

We at TONS of great food!

Akina...

Pio Pio...this snapper was to DIE for!

Walt's Seafood market in Sarasota. They had crab claws fresh from the boat that morning.

Moonfish Happy Hour (If you live in Orlando this is a MUST! cheap and a great fresh seafood)

Look at the prices!

Jac and Wyatt in Columbia at St. Armands Circle

The boys got to go fishing...they got a variety of fish. Here is Jason and his snook.

Longboat Key has wild peacocks!! They were all over the street the morning I dropped the boys off for their fishing trip.

Jac, Wy, and I at Longboat Key

We only got to stay the night in Longboat but it was a nice trip. Jim and I celebrated our 4 year Anniversary. Funny thing is we were married at the Longboat Key Resort the 20th of October and we stayed with Jac and Jason the 20th at the same resort. It was a great time.

We have our new internet now so I'll be back to blogging. FINALLY FAST INTERNET!

Festival of Tree's 2011

2011-10-12T12:09:00.005-04:00

This years theme for the Orlando Museum of Arts Festival of Tree's is MAD MEN! Late 50's early 60's! This year I'm doing two, one for me and one for a sponsor. Our sponsor is letting us borrow his vintage antique santa clauses! Here are some pictures that take you back in time :)

I collect knickerbocker elves :) I have about 20 in my collection. Some of you call them tree hugger elves. You either hate them or love them :) They'll be going on our tree this year.

Anyone have any good ideas at ornaments I could make at home???

I Love The Lennoxx

2011-10-10T15:26:00.001-04:00

The Lennoxx always has great inspiration photos...http://www.thelennoxx.com

I love PURPLE

AND black and white stripes!

I WANT THIS :)

2011-10-03T15:33:00.001-04:00

Link

About This Book
The newest book from acclaimed designer Michael S. Smith showcases his exceptional take on kitchens and baths, the busiest yet most personal rooms in a home. Legendary designer Michael S. Smith has stories to tell about kitchens and bathrooms-those he has designed himself, and those that inspire him. In this fascinating and inspirational book, Smith, who has his own line of kitchen and bath fixtures for Kohler, explains how these rooms define a house.
Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most expensive and labor-intensive rooms to design. But they are also opposites, the most public and private zones of a house. In three in-depth case studies and dozens of supporting examples, Smith discusses his design process for these rooms, from big-picture issues such as the social engineering of the kitchen’s layout to details large and small, including the importance of choosing the right cabinet, which can be a crystallization of the architecture of the house, as well as countertops, fixtures, floors, hardware, and more.
Also including a sampling of dressing rooms and breakfast rooms, along with a comprehensive resource section, this is a uniquely sophisticated take on a subject of perennial interest.
About the Author

Michael S. Smith, one of Architectural Digest’s 100 Top Designers and the winner of Elle Decor’s Designer of the Year Award in 2003, is regularly featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful. Christine Pittel is a senior editor at House Beautiful whose writing has also appeared in the New York Times and House & Garden.

My Halloween Decor

2011-09-29T17:39:00.004-04:00

We finally have our internet back! For all of you that don't know me very well, I LOVE PUMPKINS! I've been collecting pumpkin men for a long time. I also have some growing in my garden (not going so well )

Here are a few pictures of my Pumpkin men :) Do you decorate for fall?

Roxy likes pumpkins also :)

Pumpkin patch

My Weekend

2011-09-19T14:28:00.003-04:00

This weekend we drove to Tallahassee to see Bryan and Brandi and attend the OU/FSU game. Do you remember Bobo? If not here is a quick recap: I rescued Bobo back in March, he was starved and sick, Bryan and Brandi gave him his forever home. I love this cat :) Here he is below, he's doing great and loving his new family.

Every Friday Bryan grills steaks so we were lucky to attend STEAK NIGHT.

Saturday we spent the day tailgating. I had a great time but next time I will tailgate for 1 hour instead of 4. I was glad to see OU fans walking around :) I love OKLAHOMA. It will always be home to me.

I truly wanted both teams to win :) I secretly was for OU! Poor Jim was really wanting his team to win. It was a good game filled with lots of die hard fans.

Brandi and I

What did you do this weekend?

I Love Leopard Print

2011-09-14T12:17:00.002-04:00

Everyone always thinks leopard print is wild and I've heard so many people say they aren't BRAVE enough to decorate with it, but it can be done tastefully! Look at this example below. I've been searching for some leopard flats and found some today on endless.com. They were on SALE :) Do you love or hate leopard print?

Cool art

Love her pink dress paired with the leopard flats!

(ABOVE) http://oneofeachblog.com/personal-style-summer-dont-go

Wild but fun to look at :)

My Weekend

2011-09-12T14:05:00.008-04:00

How was your weekend?

Look a sweet Roxy on my new rug, she loves it :)

I watched 9/11 documentaries all day yesterday and cried my eyes out. Wouldn't it be cool if everyone flew the American flag outside their home? I feel like I need to become a little more Patriotic. So many people would love to live in America. I found this American Flag kit including the pole online for $8!! Click here to get yours now

Saturday morning mom and I were headed out and drove by a tiny garage sale sign, I told her I had a good feeling about this one and BOY WAS I RIGHT! It probably was the best garage sale with the best prices that I had ever been to.

Here is some of the stuff I got :) We also bought buckets of stained glass pieces for mosaicing.

I found some really cool China. I love the gold rim with black and purple colors.

Close-up

1960's mirrored shelf. I'll be painting this black, gold, or silver :) I'll post some after pictures when I'm done. I love the modern lines.

silver wall art with Moroccan design

Cheap picture frame, better in person.

Old lanterns, I've painted these and will hang them in my office. WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE HOW GOOD THEY LOOK PAINTED!

Hard to see them below but they are a cluster of 3

Sheep skin rug...Look at the dogs checking it out

Candelabra

I also got some gold bamboo frames but forgot to take pictures :) They'll be going up in the new office. I can't get over how cheap she had everything priced. Do you like garage sales?

Hope you enjoyed your weekend.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T04:00:00.000-04:00

I still remember exactly what I was doing on the morning of 9/11. It was my junior year of high school, I was in my 2nd hour of history class and our substitute teacher turned on the TV for us to watch. Just a week earlier our history teacher Coach Stith dropped dead of a heart attack while walking into our room to teach us that morning. We were already in a state of sadness. Watching the second plane hit will always be engraved in my mind, it was a horrible day that will never be forgotten. I truly think 9/11 brought us Americans closer. I just can't believe it's been 10 years.

What were you doing the morning of 9/11?

WARNING: I teared up watching this video...so don't click play if your at work

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

What do you think?

2011-09-09T10:30:00.001-04:00

I love my new office and the black walls are great but something wasn't right...I stuck my old brown marshmallow chair up there and it didn't work, so i tried my chair that I got from Marvel from the Howey Mansion (long story but I got a great deal and I probably should do a blog post just about that). I think it looks good but I wanted more of a modern touch, what do you think? Is it too much with the old desk or should I find a more black modern chair??? I would love to have your opinion?

(I think a chair is an anchor to a room. You can change an entire space by switching chairs.)

ALSO has anyone ever tried adding wheels to a chair?? I'm sure they have kits at Lowes. If so let me know how well they held up. Thank you :)

Have a great WEEKEND :)

Costco Patio Furniture

2011-09-08T13:41:00.004-04:00

I got my Costco order in yesterday! Anytime I order something online I get nervous, I like to see things in person but after everything was out of the box it was even better than I expected! It also has subrella material cushions and pillows. If you haven't heard about Subrella google it, it's a must in the Florida sun. I give it 5 stars!

The reason why I love this set?? This sectional is stackable for easy storage, has an all weather resin wicker, and you can arrange it however you want. I took some pictures below of different ways you can arrange it, and yes I'm to lazy to use my nice camera so Iphone pictures are posted.

You can make two separate chaise loungers like this...and it came with that cute little tray!

You can make a day bed, this actually is the most comfortable way.

The basic sofa layout with a chaise lounger and ottoman coffee table

You can make a sofa with two separate chairs

...or a sofa with two chaises attached.

I really like it and if your looking for some patio furniture don't wait until next spring when everything is marked up, get your stuff now with the end of the summer sales. (Home Depot has tons of patio stuff on clearance right now)

Black Painted Walls with French Ormolu Writing Desk

2011-09-06T15:06:00.006-04:00

I love my new black walls. It was a pain to do but now that it's all finished the hard work paid off. I'm still not sure how I want to hang my pictures and the lamp situation isn't working out but slowly it will come together and I'll post the finished product very soon. I'm sorry about the poor quality photo's, these are from my Iphone. I promise when I'm finish I'll take some shots with my nice camera. Hope everyone had a fabulous Labor Day!

I took Jim's French ormolu writing desk even though the colors are not my favorite. I've always loved the ormolu look, and I really didn't have a choice since we have no room for it except for in my office and Jim said selling it isn't an option. (I wish it were dark wood, but it is a beautiful desk)

REMEMBER when I found the zebra print at Ross for $29!

I had these tiny lamps with gold shades on top but ended up taking them off....they were just to small. I'm on the look out for some larger scale cute lamps.

I haven't bought anything, all that you see is stuff we had around the house. I've painted so many things black over the weekend. I've went through 5 cans of spray paint.

I'm doing a collage of different mirrors on the smaller wall, I find so many of them at GOODWILL :) (Pic above)

I can not wait for it all to come together :)

I HEART Black and White Stripes

2011-09-02T10:08:00.000-04:00

I know this is totally off subject and has nothing to do with black and white stripes but have you guys seen the new Pitbull Dr. Pepper commercial? As I'm posting it's blaring in the back ground and I can't help but to get up and dance. I've already downloaded the song onto my IPOD. If you haven't watched it and you like that kind of music here is a link so you can see it :)

LINK TO PITBULLS DR. PEPPER COMMERCIAL

For some reason I'm over brown. I have brown drapes, brown tile, J's brown marshmallow chair, ok you get the point. I'm trying to incorporate more black into my home. (I love my new black wall I painted by the way!) Tonight while looking through the new Ballard Design catalog I came across black and white outdoor patio stuff!!! They even have a black and white strip patio umbrella! Click on the picture below to go to the info page. Black and white is classic and in my opinion will never go out of style.

Link to umbrella

Here are some inspiration looks!

End of The Summer Sales+Patio Furniture

2011-09-01T10:51:00.000-04:00

If your in need of patio furniture nows the time to go get it! I've been waiting for all the end of the summer sales. I finally purchased this outdoor sofa below. I found it on Costco.com. (JC Penny also has some that are 75% off)

I love that you can rearrange the seating over 5 ways! :) It's suppose to arrive next week.

The Moroccan Pouf

2011-08-31T11:53:00.004-04:00

Why are these Poufs so expensive! I have yet to find a reasonable priced one. Have you seen them anywhere? I'm looking for a metallic one, preferably gold. Keep your eyes out for me if you can and let me know if you run across any good deals.

The cool thing about these they can fit in with any decorating style, from elegant to modern. Here are some inspiration photos below.

Saturday's Cooking Class at Bella Collina with Recipes!

2011-08-30T19:10:00.006-04:00

Chef Ryan held a cooking class last Saturday night and believe it or not I got JIM TO GO! I'm still shocked he went...now he was in the dessert room 100% of the time but that's ok!!! I'm just happy I got him to go. (Don't tell anyone but he liked it)

Beautiful Bella below :)

Chef Ryan out did himself...he taught us the correct way to clean a filet tenderloin and sear it perfectly on the grill.

The Menu

Wedge Salad with homemade ranch

Steamed Mussels in White Wine

Grilled Filet Mignon with Truffle Smashed Potatoes

Creme Brulee

Here is the beautiful wedge salad...the dressing is by far the best homemade ranch I've ever had and it's pretty easy.

Ranch Dressing Recipe

2 3/4 cup buttermilk

3 3/4 cup mayo

2 garlic cloves

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

1/4 cup of chives

1/4 tsp Worcestershire, Tabasco, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper

MIX ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER, Adjust seasonings if need be

Cut your ice burg lettuce in wedges, sprinkle with grape tomatoes, smoked apple wood bacon, chopped chives and drizzle with dressing..SO GOOD!

Steamed Mussels in White Wine

In a hot pan add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup of minced garlic, and 1/2 cup of mined shallots...cook until golden.

add mussels and saute for 30 secs

deglaze with 2 cups of white wine, add 2 cups of diced tomatoes and cook the mussels until they open

finish with 1/4 cup of butter and one bunch of chopped parsley

The truffle potatoes were delish! Boil 8 idaho potatoes, when ready add 3 cups of heavy cream 3/4 cup of butter, 2-3 oz truffle oil, and salt & pepper to taste! SMASH the HELL Out oF THEM!

The steaks were grilled on very high heat with salt and pepper.

NOW I'm not going to post his creme brulee recipe because I think mine is easier and better! I hate saying that but Jim said the same thing. If your interested in it just write me an email and I'll write it out for you.

Weekend Finds

2011-08-29T12:49:00.005-04:00

How many of you decorate for Halloween? If so what's your favorite style?? Vintage, scary, or whimsical??? When do you start? I'm thinking about starting this week :)

Look what I found!

I LOVE MOSAIC MIRRORS! So I had to get this mirrored ball I found from Homegoods. I can do so many things with it, use it for Christmas or Halloween decor, or a chandelier pendant in my new office. I also love the size of it.

The rest is Halloween stuff!! I loved the curl on this witches boot

A cat with purple glowing lights

Candy corn witches hat, with cool glitter

Jim and I took a cooking class over the weekend. I'll post some great recipes this week! Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

Peacock Rug

2011-08-25T11:02:00.001-04:00

I would LOVE to have this rug!

DIY Lamp+Gold and black Paint

2011-08-24T06:02:00.000-04:00

I've had this lamp since high school, I got it at Freds for $5 back when mom lived in Missouri. For some reason I couldn't give it up in my garage sale last spring so today I decided to paint it. I used gold and black, since gold goes so well with my new wall in my office. Here are the before and after pictures! SORRY for the low quality pictures, I used my cell phone.

BEFORE

AFTER

(I used chandelier crystals, I'm thinking about adding more or taking these away...for some reason it looks unfinished. What do you think?

PAINTING

2011-08-23T10:49:00.002-04:00

I finally got my painting done! It took me 3 days to paint 3 walls! I HATED EVERY MINUTE OF IT, but all of my hard work paid off because the black turned out great. I know this isn't a great picture but I have nothing in that room yet. Still debating if the zebra print should hang on the black. I think it needs some more color...don't you? I could always hang it on the opposite wall since I left it white. I love gold on black so I'm thinking about painting some of my mirrors gold. I'll post those pictures when I'm finished.

I'm so upset that TJ MAXX, HomeGoods, and Marshalls HAVE NO PUMPKIN MEN! BUT I did find this cute little BOO light :) Maybe pumpkin man will come out in September.

I found this mirrored votive for $1 at my favorite thrift store! I also found an italian leather chair that's COMFORTABLE and GORGIOUS! I'll post those pictures later. I'm redoing my loft area and I stuck the chair up there.

Look at this sweet baby. She loves sleeping on my lap while I work. She has her liver test next week, please wish us luck!

Akina in Clermont, FL

2011-08-19T12:40:00.003-04:00

What would you want your last meal to be? Please leave me comments I would love to hear! Mine would be THIS!

Akina by far is the best sushi I've EVER had! I've been to a lot of sushi places and trust me, this one is AMAZING! We found them 4 years ago and we've been craving it ever-since. If you live in Orlando it's totally worth the drive. I PROMISE!

We always start off with the squid salad...it's to DIE for!

The squid is soaked in a rice wine vinegar bath, thinly sliced cucumbers and seaweed rests on top then crab and the special garlic sauce is drizzled for the perfect topping.

These are 2 ROLLS you HAVE to TRY!

First my favorite, the Hanabi Roll! White tuna with boiled shrimp on top drizzled with that special sauce! They have more things in it, I just can't remember the exact ingredients.

My 2nd favorite is called the Temptation Roll...tempura shrimp with sliced peaches on top. TO DIE FOR!

Anything you get will be good. They even have great asian food, I choose garlic shrimp every time. NOW I must get ready so I can go there tonight!

BAZAR FALL EDITION

2011-08-16T13:10:00.007-04:00

I subscribe to BAZAR Magazine and this months FALL edition is FABULOUS! They have so many great things coming out I can barely wait to wear long sleeves and leggings! NOW every piece I posted below is expensive but that doesn't mean you can't find a similar piece for LESS!

I will always love the nautical look!! Love this Michael Stars jacket, I found something similar at T J MAXX last year.

I love GOLD and this beautiful dress would be nice to have...but I would have no place to wear it. Love that ring!

I love tortoise shell

I'm loving anything with leopard print

This watch is BEAUTIFUL

LOVE THIS

LOVE

Nice....

Necklace love

I found a necklace similar to this one below at TJ MAXX, I'll have to post later :) and for 95% less, I would call that a good deal :)

DIY Zebra Rug

2011-08-14T14:53:00.001-04:00

This girl made the most amazing rug and it looks easy! Check it out.

http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-make-your-own-freaktasticly.html

http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-make-your-own-freaktasticly.html

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My Office

2011-08-03T16:18:00.006-04:00

Right now my office is down stairs but will soon be upstairs. I'm moving into the guest room upstairs, Jim's moving down stairs, and our new guest room will be bigger and better in Jim's old office. I'm loving BLACK walls and I've decided to paint one accent wall in my office Black and use Jim's antique gold table. I'm SO excited and will post before and after pictures soon!

Until then, look at these awesome black walls!

The PAST 2 Weeks

2011-08-01T15:36:00.006-04:00

My friend Kristin invited me to the Britney Spears concert. It was really good! We had a great time and it was nice to see her. Brit S had Nicki minaj opening for her so that was a fun surprise.

This is the best picture I could get :(

Last week we had some business meetings in Boca Raton. I LOVE the Boca Resort and Spa. We've been going down there since 2004. I hadn't been in over 2 years so it was a nice time, even though Jim was in tons of meetings most of the time. Robin and Jim were also down there so we got to enjoy dinner at the great seafood restaurants Bcca has to offer.

Boca sand and my favorite sandals :)

Over the weekend I did a photo collage up in the loft. I got most of them hung, now I need to print some pictures for all the blank frames. Pictures of the finished loft coming soon.

ROXY

Mom is back in town! (Her husband Joe has moved to Georgia for business reasons so she has been gone most of the month of July helping him)

Atlanta has a lot of outlet and warehouses packed full of good deals. She found this Christmas tree dress for Roxy :) HOW CUTE!

Mom also got a new green rug. I love how it turned out.

The crew at moms (Roxys best friend Tootie Jane)

THINGS YOU NEED TO TRY

2011-07-29T11:49:00.007-04:00

Canned octopus??? I know most of you are sickened but don't knock it until you try it! It's delish, it actually brings me back to Barcelona. You can eat it with crackers or eat it straight out of the can with a little rice wine vinegar. I've also made octopus salad with diced up red onions, red wine vinegar, avocado, tomato, and garlic.

This cilantro sauce is SO GOOD. I take a foil packet, toss chicken, onions, lime juice and this sauce and throw it in the oven, serve it over white rice...so easy and really good. The cilantro sauce is to die for with white rice.

This is the BEST hummus on the market if you don't have time to make it from scratch. So next time you go to pick up that Athenos, try this instead. It's great with triscuits, pita bread, carrots, well EVERYTHING. I even stick it on toasted english muffins :)

I'm trying to get off my diet coke addiction so a couple of months ago I tried this berry sparkling water that is ALL NATURAL. It's so refreshing and it has no sugar. (if you don't like sparkling water you probably wont like this, it's not sweet just has a hint of berry flavor in it)

This pickled okra is WICKED good! You pay a little more for it but it's worth it!

Homegoods FIND

2011-07-28T12:32:00.004-04:00

Here is my new console table made of SOLID wood that I found at Homegoods for a BARGAIN

I love the cut out legs and how the bottom is filled in with wood. Can't you just see tons of pumpkin men hanging out down there??? Or elves??

I've had this cheap ass target sofa table in the hallway ever since we moved in 2007. It just never looked right and you could tell it was cheap..this picture makes it look nice, don't let it fool you.

NOT only is it a console table! It also has 3 stools that hang out underneath! I can use it for extra seating for Thanksgiving or a dinner party...

OR the stools could be 3 beautiful end tables!!! For example, pumpkin man could hang out on them like below.

I also want to try something new on the table, I've had the horse and same flower/peacock feather arrangement 4 years now...how do you like the antique decanters??? I think I'll start collecting them. How cool would it be to have vintage decanters all over the table?? If you see any out let me know.

Here are the only two decanters I have that I'm using now.

HAPPY THURSDAY

Napa at The Peabody

2011-07-19T15:02:00.004-04:00

ORLANDO RESTAURANT REVEIW

Ry's Rating: 4 STARS

Jim and I decided to try out the new Peabody, which opened last September. We visited the spa before dinner and I give it 3 stars. I was thinking I would be blown away since it's brand new but I wasn't impressed. I think the Ritz and the Waldorf are the best spas in Orlando. (MY OPNION)

Now...back to food

I've been eyeing Napa since it opened. I love the concept that everything is local and organic, and I LOVE Californian cuisine. I was very impressed of the quality, portion size, and freshness of the food. I would give it 5 but I wasn't feeling the ambiance, I like to feel cozy in a nice restaurant.

ABOUT: Napa draws on inspiration from wine country, they've brought some of Northern California's most tantalizing tastes to the South. Their Orlando dining menu is comprised of organic, sustainable farm-to-fork selections complemented by wall-to-wall wine selections from Napa Valley and around the world. With its dark wood furnishings and modern appointments, Napa offers diners a quiet, understated elegance highlighted by magnificent views of the Grotto Pool.

___

We started with Ahi Tuna Tartar, which was layered tuna, avocado, pearl onions, and a purple causa (reminded me of potato salad) soaked in a citrus and soy dressing. It was delish and so fresh.

Jim chose braised beef short-ribs with winter park blue cheese and fennel pickles. It WAS HUGE! We took some home and I made him tacos for lunch this week. The meat was very moist and fell apart with your fork, only thing it was missing was some seasoning. The only reason why I'm being this picky is because I want you to feel how the food was.

For my main meal I got Alaskan halibut with crispy artichokes, spring pea veloute, and creme Fraiche. Which was halibut soaked in a pea soup.

Jim got chicken with fresh beans and spring onion ragout. The chicken was VERY good. I have to say it was better than my dish. He loved it. We went home with so many leftovers, which is shocking because usually you leave empty handed while dining at nice restaurants.

To be honest we probably wont go back for a while, we have so many more places we want to try, but if your looking for fresh good food, defiantly try it out.

P.S. I took pictures with my Iphone and they didn't turn out :( Wish I could have shown you some pictures.

DIY Zebra Pillow

2011-07-15T13:46:00.006-04:00

P.S. Quick IDEA: HOW CUTE WOULD THIS BE IF YOU USED TURQUOISE OR RED paint!

You will need:

One white pillow

magic marker

black acrylic paint

Draw your pattern with a black marker and fill it in with black paint. :) SIMPLE! The Lennoxx website says it looks better in person.

I give all the credit to The Lennoxx :) Find the link to the project below.

http://www.thelennoxx.com/thelennoxx/diy/my-diy-zebra-accent-pillow/

I LOVE THIS RING!

2011-07-14T13:52:00.004-04:00

I love this ring but would never pay the expensive price tag. Has anyone seen any CHEAP similar ones around, if so comment and let me know. Thank you!

LINK TO DREAM RING

Tuscan Bean soup with Chicken

2011-07-14T12:04:00.006-04:00

1 bag of navy beans (soaked over night)

2 onions

1 bag of spinach (2 would even be better)

4 garlic cloves

Adobo Chicken Bullion

salt and pepper to taste

wine

4 chicken leg quarters (I took skin off)

1) Sear chicken in your pot with some olive oil until brown (about 2 min a side)

2) Remove chicken and the onions and 2 mins later add the garlic

3) deglaze the pan with some white wine

4) add the beans and stir

5) add water, bullion, and chicken back to pot, water should cover all the beans and the chicken

6) boil chicken until it falls off the bone, I usually take it out so it doesn't over cook and dry out. I took the chicken off the bone and diced it into bite sized pieces.

7) boil beans on low until tender (I boiled them all day)

8)add the chicken, salt and pepper to taste, and spinach about 10 mins before you serve

This made enough for 10 people! ITS SO GOOD!

DELISH

Padrino's Cuban Bistro Restaurant Review

2011-07-13T13:24:00.002-04:00

Orlando Restaurant Review

RY'S RATING: 3.5 maybe 4 STARS

***

Hunters Creek

13586 Village Park, Suite 304, Orlando, FL 32837

I LOVE LATIN CUISINE! I've been seeing Padrino's in all the local magazines and had to try it out. The atmosphere is 5 stars! It's a beautiful restaurant and don't get me wrong, the food is GOOD but I can't say it's better than Pio Pio which is 5+ stars. Maybe it's their garlic sauce. If your looking for authentic cuban you should defiently try this place out. Here is what I got.

P.S. They had paella but I didn't get it :( I may need to go back and try it...here is a picture of what it looks like below.

They bring you plantain chips out with a oil parsley garlic sauce while your waiting on your main course. You can't go wrong with plantains. The sauce was good, but not blow your socks off good.

For my main meal I let the waiter choose his favorite dish, which was Bistec de Pollo. It was a

Boneless, skinless breast of chicken, grilled with onions. Topped with fresh chopped onions and parsley. It was seasoned well but was slightly dry, the rice and beans were good. Mom got Boliche, a Cuban Pot Roast - Cutlets of beef round cooked in a light tomato sauce. Now this I gave 4 stars! It was tender and the meat melted in your mouth. Like I said before, not sure if I'll go back but if I did I would defiantly try some of the seafood. My heart still belongs to PIO PIO.

Love

2011-07-11T16:21:00.003-04:00

I love this office...

I love navy blue...

I LOVE this floral arrangement! Simple.....

and this mirrored upholstered headboard...

I found all these inspiration photos on http://www.thelennoxx.com/

Past 2 weeks

2011-07-06T12:29:00.005-04:00

I've had a busy past two weeks. Last week mom and I spent the weekend in the Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort. It's only a 45 minute flight from Orlando so it's a nice quick getaway to paradise. We had a BLAST!

I was shocked to learn mom enjoyed dancing in their night club every night, here we are :)

I've never been a huge gambler until now. I was on a lucky streak and had so much fun playing TOP DOLLAR, Craps, and Roulette. My new favorite game is CRAPS! I spent most my nights gambling and I came home a winner :) (First time to win anything in my life) Mom also doubled her money on the roulette table.

These are just pictures from my Iphone, I still haven't downloaded any from my nice camera. I'm not sure why I can't get motivated to do so. SO To sum mom and I's trip up in one sentence. We ate conch out the wazoo, played in the pool and lazy river during the day, and gambled and danced at night. It was really a great trip and we can't wait to go back.

_____________

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July! We had Brandi, Bree, and Bryan in town over the weekend. We relaxed at the pool most of the time. It was my first time to really enjoy the pool with a girlfriend! FINALLY! :) It was so nice to float away the weekend. We had some friends over on Sunday and had a crab/shrimp/crawfish boil and then shot off fireworks. I love FIREWORKS! Other than one of our friends cars almost getting blown up it was a nice light show.

Branid and I did get a chance to break away and enjoy some sushi!!

We toped off the night with dessert and wine at Bella Collina.

Hope to post more pictures but I have so much work to get done I'll have to wait :) We leave for a fishing tournament in the morning to Panama City Beach. This is the first one I've got to go on this year, should be fun! HAPPY WEEK EVERYONE!

CHAIR

2011-06-30T13:10:00.002-04:00

I found a beautiful sequin scarf at TJ Maxx last week for $10 and used it on one of my extra outdoor chairs (I got for free..long story). I'm shocked how well it turned out :). All I used is push Pins and one scarf.

After

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I wanted to share this!

2011-06-28T12:28:00.003-04:00

I've searched for good eye liner for years and everything I tried would be flakey and not last all day until I found Urban Decay 27/7...I love it! BUT it's 17.99 a pencil and it only lasts for 2 months. Don't you think that's expensive?

Well I purchased Avon's waterproof glimmer sticks and tried it all weekend, I LOVE IT! It lasts all day, I was in the water all weekend and didn't have any raccoon eyes and guess what I paid for it?? $3.99!! I just thought I would share this important information.

P.S. Mom and I went to Atlantis in the Bahamas this past weekend and had a blast. I will share pictures later this week. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Check out this Beautiful Bathroom

2011-06-21T05:14:00.000-04:00

contemporary bathroom design by miami interior designer Pepe Calderin

I LOVE BODUM!

2011-06-20T11:52:00.006-04:00

Green Egg, WATCH OUT! Look at this grill!! I love Bodum products, they always have a sleek design and when I came across this grill I had to share it with you. It also turns into a rotisserie! They come in ALL different colors and it's yours for $179!!

READ ABOUT IT HERE!

Before the FYRKAT Cone Charcoal Grill the terms “barbecue” and “style” have never really earned the right to exist in the same sentence – they actually seemed mutually exclusive. On top of its striking conic design the newFYRKAT has many distinctive features and they come in pairs. First of all, you can grill or roast your meats with the FYRKAT – Chef’s choice. A T-bone steak will sizzle to perfection on the grill. But then you also have the option of easily and quickly transforming the FYRKAT into a battery-operated rotisserie with rotating spit and all – ideal for a golden, crispy chicken for instance. As otherwise seen only in gas grills the FYRKAT offers two grilling levels. The lower one is for meats that can take the heat; the upper level, a little further away from the fire, is ideal for e.g. vegetables – even imultaneously with a steak cooking underneath if you wish. A fresh trout, or a catfish filet, you would put those on the higher level with less heat exposure. Not only does the bottom end of the cone catch all the ashes perfectly, it’s also an adjustable airflow regulator. It’s removable for easy and clean disposal of the ashes. The FYRKAT opens a whole world of outdoor cooking without taking up much space. It’s compact (max. diameter: 37cm), stable, and its hook holds three grilling tools. Its body is made from enamel coated steel, the two grills are stainless steel, and the handles are all made from heat-resistant silicone. The FYRKAT comes in beautiful colors that accentuate any backyard or terrace nicely. Finally, the joy of cooking in a welldesigned environment is no longer restricted to the house – it’s free to move on to greener pastures.

You can find it on www.bodum.com

Aix, France

2011-06-12T11:44:00.000-04:00

I'm obessed....

2011-06-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

...with design right now. I keep looking for the perfect colors to paint my room and keep coming acrossed beautiful designs. Here are some more I found :) I love diffrent exotic looking stuff. Do you?

Inspiration

2011-06-09T17:06:00.004-04:00

I have a new favorite website, http://www.thelennoxx.com/. I found all my pictures on their website, what great inspiration.

I'm loving GREAY and BLUE together

Here are other fun color combos...I love ALL of these pictures below! :)

I love feeling cozy outside...I haven't accomplished that in my outdoor space yet.

I'll always be a fan of the Moroccan look!

Glass Bubble Chandelier

2011-06-08T11:08:00.005-04:00

I've been looking for a bubble chandelier for over a year and haven't found any that are cheap or reasonably priced. Does anyone know where to find a good one??

Here are some that I LOVE! Maybe I'll pull the trigger and get one since I found my table so cheap at Homegoods. I just think it would look great with the mirrored table because you would be able to see the bubbles in the reflection.

The two pictures below are from Jeffers Design Group

Weekend

2011-06-07T13:59:00.003-04:00

I had a great weekend while Jim was gone in Louisiana for his fishing tournament. Friday I went to my favorite nursery and picked out two new pots for the front door. I've had these faded cheap clay pots for the past 4 years and it was time to get some nice ones. I chose dark brown/black pots because I'm painting my red door glossy black VERY SOON!

Here they are! In the fall I'll have miniature oranges on these tiny citrus trees.

Sunday at 5 AM I received a text from Jason...for some reason I didn't believe him when he told me she was giving birth but around 6 AM I got my first picture of Mr. W. H. D. I can't tell you how excited I am for Jaclyn and Jason. I'm extremely happy for them and I cant wait to hold W in my arms. He's precious and each day the boy gets more handsome. I can't tell you how emotional I got when I saw his picture for the first time...I think of Jac and Jason as family and It was a surreal moment for me. Heres the little guy below!

Sunday mom and I went shopping and I found my mirrored table I've been searching for at Homegoods...this same table I've seen for triple the price on the Neiman Marcus website. I'm so happy I found it! (I actually had given up on finding a mirrored table and was going to make my own.)

Jim didn't get home until 11:oo PM on Sunday night. He surprised me with my favorite shrimp, RUBY REDS and fresh wahoo and mahi. I made ceviche and had to share the recipe...it's the best I've made and SUPER EASY! Recipe is below.

Ry's Ceviche Recipe

EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET GOYA SEASONING! I use the cumin variety.

Goya seasoning to taste (I used a lot)

6 limes

4 lemons

1 minced garlic clove

dash of vinegar

dash of sugar

1 seeded hot pepper (If you don't like the heat leave it out)

1 pound of halibut, mahi, wahoo, snapper or shrimp (I used wahoo and shrimp)

3 tomatoes (I seeded them and chopped them fine)

1 purple onion chopped fine

cilantro (I got a handful and chopped it fine also)

salt and pepper to taste (I didn't use salt bc I used the GOYA)

AND if you want to make it fancy dice up some avocado right before you serve...it goes perfect with the citrus juice.

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Dice the fish into cubes

pour the cirtus juice and the rest of the ingredients into a bowl and marinate for more than 3 hours...stir often.

Right before you serve dice some avocado if you have it on hand

On your first bite you'll think your on the beach in Mexico. ENJOY!

My Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T14:35:00.004-04:00

Thursday my friend Lenee dropped her black lab Reno off so she could attend a wedding in Napa Valley, NO I'm not jealous one bit :) Reno is a happy boy, he wants to be close to someone at ALL times :) He leaves tomorrow so his doggy vacation will end soon. Velvet will have to find a new boyfriend. Harley will have to find a new crush. Bear and Roxy will be glad to have the "new" dog gone. Bear isn't happy and thinks Reno is staying forever...he's such a jealous dog.

Saturday morning I got up early and painted some stuff...our door was weathered and turning a moldy white so I painted it to match the pool. Here is the before picture below. I also found these two white rusty chairs at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago for $5 each! With the paint it ended up being a $15 project!

I forgot to take pictures of the white rusty chairs before I started so here is the best one I could get.

BEFORE

INSPIRATION: Anthroplogie $248 chair!

Click here for inspiration pictures...

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=063222&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS&color=046

These chairs are $248 a piece, I think mine turned out just as good!

AFTER with the new door

Saturday night Jim and I wanted to try something new so we went to the Dolphin Resort and tried Kimonos, a sushi Japanese restaurant that supposedly has the freshest fish in town. After trying the sushi rolls and some tuna and grouper I believe them. DELISH!

Grouper

I've never eaten a shrimp head until Paris, now I'm a fan. They have to clean them right or you'll never want to try one again. Ask them to make sure the shell is removed and all the sharp shell bones are gone before you try :) It has the consistency of popcorn but the flavor of shrimp...such a delish treat. This below is a tuna roll with tempura shrimp head.

The Dolphin Resort is in walking distance to Disney's Boardwalk so we headed to Beaches and Creme for dessert. If you live in Orlando this is a MUST! The first time you go you have to order the "Everything including the Kitchen Sink" they really serve it in a metal sink :) If you go make sure you have an appetite. We didn't order the sink, Jim got the Milky Way Sundae :)

P.S. This place has wonderful hamburgers!

Sunday Jim's golfing bud invited us for a crab bake. It was DELISH!

Blue crab is one of my favs!

clams..

Yesterday we went to moms for burgers. It was nice and relaxing.

This next week will be busy. Jim leaves for Venice, LA for the Cajun Canyon fishing tournament. I'll be here busy with all the duties. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

APRIL-MAY 2011

2011-05-23T10:24:00.007-04:00

I started my blog April 8, 2008, which means last month was my 3 year anniversary. I love looking back at my first posts...my first blog post was about Jaclyn's bachelorette party in Dallas where I said we would make many memories and now when I look back those memories are clearer because I blogged about them and I can read each detail and view each picture. Lately I haven't blogged about everything that's going on in my life, so 5 years from now I will just see my design pictures or what I did new to the house or yard...I don't like that. SO this post is about APRIL & MAY, many huge things happened in the world and I want to remember how I felt about each one. I'll start in order....

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April 20..I think

Donald Trump made a HUGE deal for Obama to show his birth certificate. I'm sickened that our media gave him so much spotlight! Now we can look back and see Obama really had bigger and better things to worry about. I'm not a fan TRUMP so I'm not giving you anymore attention.

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April 28, 2011 deadly storms hit the south. The video and photo's were horrible. Hundreds of people lost their lives. My heart broke for everyone including the animals. I can't imagine going through something like that, you really never think that could happen to you and it can. I think we all need to prepare because I truly believe our storms are getting bigger and our weather is trying to compensate of the heating waters. (this is my opinion) What a horrible storm and I continue to send prayers to all the families.

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Friday 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey the Royal Wedding took place. I did NOT get up at 4:00 AM but at 8:00 I was glued to the TV all through the TODAY show...when that ended I turned it on the Direct TV Brittish channel and continued to watch it until 6:00 PM. I was hooked (BAD). At first sight I didn't love her dress but the more and more I saw the beautiful details I slowly fell in love with it. My favorite part of the dress was the V neck. I absolutely loved she did her on makeup and when she walked down the aisle I loved how Harry smiled and joked with his brother. WILL and KATE seemed so down to earth and you could tell Kate was soaking it all in and didn't take ANYTHING for granted. IT was beautiful!

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On May 1, 2011 I learned Osama Bin Laden had been shot and killed. I was in bed getting ready to fall asleep and I received a text from a friend saying to turn on the news!!!! So my sleepy eyes found the remote and from then on was glued to the box until 2:00 AM watching the latest developments come in. I'm going to confess I was obsessed about this for a good week. Jim would find me in bed reading article after article about how the Navy Seals went in, who was in the house, how they did it, learning what new helicopters we used...totally obsessed. I just think it's SO amazing.

So on that note I want to tell you how I feel about this, or really tell myself how I feel about it since I'm the one that will be reading it 5 years from now. THIS IS MY OPINION... 1) First I think it's totally ok to be happy nasty Osama is dead, but I think the jumping up and down in the streets over someone's death is to much. I think that's what Osama followers would do over US deaths, I don't think we should rub it in anyones face, it only makes the other side more mad. 2) I would NEVER want ANYONE including the Navy Seals to risk their lives and I understand they went in knowing he would be armed, but if he could have surrendered I would have liked to seen him captured...but the more I read I may be changing my mind soon. 3) While in bed that Sunday night I waited for Obama's speech, well I'm glad I did because it was well written and I truly think he did a wonderful job. All this being said, I'm happy he's gone, he's done so many HORRIBLE things to innocent children and people and he was truly a nasty dirty man.

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LAST NIGHT--Joplin, MO Tornado

This morning I called my dad to see if he was safe after all the devastating storms. He lives about 30 mins away from Joplin, MO. He said the tornado that hit last night was HORRIBLE. Everything including the hospital is demolished. I'm sure you guys are watching the same thing as me on TV and no words can describe what's going on. I pray for dad to be strong because his team of fire fighters are helping the survivors and rescue efforts. I can't imagine and I love you dad. Things like this make you realize that life is short. I guess one good thing that came out of this is I'm closer to my dad and I need to let go of the past and look towards the future.

Hope everyone enjoys their Monday. God Bless!

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

2011-05-13T13:37:00.004-04:00

I was blow away by Notre Dame. I'm going to be honest I told Jim I really didn't care to go in, seeing the outside was fine but he demanded we go so we did. It was one of those moments where your eyes fill up with tears and your overwhelmed by the feeling the minute you step in, it's hard to describe but I know some of you know what I'm talking about. It was amazing and THANK YOU JIM for making such a great decision :)

We actually picked a perfect time to go in because there was a service going on...this was amazing even though we didn't speak French and had no clue what he was saying, it was beautiful. Of course I teared up again.

Here are some of the pictures I took from the inside.

The Streets of Paris

2011-05-11T10:51:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures of Paris. This is a darling restaurant below. :) Wish I had some escargot and french onion soup!

The doors are amazing! I probably have over 100 pictures of just doors.

The sweets! Jim was in HEAVEN!

We had lunch up in the Eiffel Tower and it was quite a memorable meal :) Here are some pictures!

Shrimp and beans :)

Lobster Salad

White bean salad (looks like dessert doesn't it?)

Barcelona, Spain

2011-04-27T14:07:00.004-04:00

Barcelona was my favorite big city in Spain. The people were so inviting and sweet, much different than France...which I'll blog about France when I'm done with Spain :). In our travels we stayed in older European hotels but in Barcelona we switched it up a bit and stayed in the brand new W. It was right on the Mediterranean and we were lucky to get upgraded to the 20th floor and have surrounding view of the sea and city. Here are the views we had from our hotel.

While in France I fell in love with Rose' wine...it was popular in Spain also

PAELLA!! The Catalan version is made with vermicelli noodles instead of rice. The pasta is cooked in seafood juice and is preferred over the rice version that we have here in the states.

Tapas in Barcelona is on every street corner. We didn't have one bad meal while we were there. Here is what a typical tapas menu looks like.

octopus in paprika and garlic

They love their charred peppers...and so did I

Garlic shrimp and behind it is the potatoes with garlic mayo drizzled on top

Jim LOVES sweets so he tried some of their fresh ice cream

Our hotel was right on the beach so we would walk into town and catch our taxi from there...here below is the boardwalk along side the beach. I saw so many naked men I tried not to take many pictures of the beach.

I love this picture below. It reminds me of Morocco for some reason :) Which is only a 1 hour plane ride from Madrid. I hope to be going back soon so I can jump over to Morocco...YEAH RIGHT...maybe in my dreams.

Barcelona at night (This was the actual view from our table outside)

BEACH

Like I said, Jim loves his ice cream

Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi

He filled the park up with mosaics!!

OK...I can't load up anymore pictures :) Hopefully to post more this week

La Boqueria Market on La Rambla in Barcelona, SPAIN

2011-04-26T11:21:00.003-04:00

This was my favorite part of the trip. I'm going back to Barcelona just to experience La Boqueria Market again. ENTER NOW YOU WILL SEE WHY :)

I would call these the gates of heaven, but really it's only the entrance to the world famous market.

We decided to skip breakfast and save up for lunch for our market crawl. Everything I stuck in my mouth was AMAZING. I'm not exaggerating, it was the coolest place I've ever been.

They had EVERYTHING under the sun in this market! Each vendor specialized in a certain food. This one below was all smoothies packed on ice. I tried french melon and kiwi and Jim chose banana guava.

Any spice you would ever want...

The seafood was so fresh the lobsters, shrimp, and crabs were still moving around on the ice. You could try anything. I had so much fresh seafood I couldn't breath afterwards. They all had little pots in the back and would boil, fry, or pan sear and fresh catch you would like.

BEANS...some beans I didn't even know existed.

GUMMY BEARS, WORMS, ETC...

Fresh fruit and VEGI's

The Spaniards know how to use their ham

Fresh fried octopus :)

Of course I found me an Italian man that speicalized in pizza. It as GREAT and he had Spanish Rose' Cava for $2 EURO a glass!

Here I am focusing on my food :) I was so happy...

They had an asian side also...

Fish fritter

Chicken and Intestine..don't judge until you try it

The egg girl...fresh eggs from the farm hand picked that morning

More seafood...Barcelona by far has the best seafood I've ever had.

Jim's favorite, chocolate and sweet treats

This man below specialized in all different types of onions

AND the olives are wonderful!

I took over 1000 pictures and I had so many of the market..but I would be here all day loading pictures up. I also have a couple of video's from this market I want to post. Hope you aren't to hungry after these pics :) I haven't even blogged about the TAPAS yet!