Monday, May 16, 2011

Simple Revamping

I love, love, love to decorate! Here are some pics of my house that hopefully contain some small helpful tips.


Change candleholders throughout the seasons:



A rug gives a room a face lift:



Picking out kitchen backsplash is difficult, but gives the kitchen an entirely new look:






A chandelier can dress up any room including a hallway:


Simple bath sponges in a hurricane glass adds elegance and eliminates clutter:


Add old pics to antique looking frames:

(My parents in the 60's)



Click on an image to enlarge

Monday, March 28, 2011

SPRING BREAK!!!

You can sense my enthusiasm by quickly glancing at my title. I am officially on break and although we opted for a "staycation" this year, I do not dread being housebound! I plan to do the things I don't get to do as much as I'd like to.

Such as:

Finally finish my book..




Sleep
in..
Wear pj's all day if I want to..
Shop..
Mani/Pedi..
Decorate my house..
New blog entry..
Download new music..

Get my "behind" to the gym..
Bake..
Relax with my hubby..
(he took the week off)
Watch movies at home and go to the theatre..
And just be a lazy girl!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Feeling Good Again

Our Master Bath

No matter what type of career you have, if you are a full time mom or (of course I have to use) a teacher...you need a place that looks very serene. My peaceful place that restores my energy is pictured above. If I have an exhausting day at work or just in general, I light these candles, add my L'Occitane lavender foaming bath, turn on the jets, and feel like I've drifted to a whole new place. What do you do to relieve stress after having "one of those" days?


Sunday, February 27, 2011

Wise Words

Just copied and pasted-had to share!

An old man once said ........There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it..You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good..So love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't..Life is too short to be anything but happy..Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Chicken Vesuvio

Tired of that boring chicken dish that you've made way too many times?! I usually despise chicken unless it has a ton of flavor so try this recipe that I fell in love with!

What you will need:
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive, 4 chicken thighs (skin on and bone in),
salt, pepper, 1 1/2 pounds of small red-skinned potatoes (halved), 4 large garlic cloves (minced), 3/4 cup of dry white wine, 3/4 cup of chicken stock, 1 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of thyme, optional: 1 cup of artichoke hearts (quartered), and two tablespoons of butter

Directions:
1. Heat heavy pot over medium heat and add the oil.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add the chicken to the pot.
3. Sear the chicken until golden brown and set aside. (Don't sear chicken for too long)
4. Deglaze: reduce heat to medium low and add the garlic to the empty pot. Gently saute for one minute or until aromatic. Then add the wine, salt and pepper, and stir.
5. Carefully add the potatoes to the same pot and cook until they are a shade of golden brown, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
6. Add the stock, oregano, thyme, and stir.
7. Return the chicken to the pot (with potatoes)and bring to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer the chicken until it is tender. (About 40 mins).
8. Squeeze some lemon if you wish.
9. Remove the pan from the heat, add the artichokes and butter.
10. Transfer the chicken to a platter, arrange the potatoes around the chicken, pour the sauce over the chicken and voila!!