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monday at the beach



When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn't always get a chance to go) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…
‘Monday at the Beach’
Let’s go...



Cape Cod Charmer




Warm Gathering Space

The family room features a charmingly rustic vibe, thanks to its white painted wooden ceiling and walls and mix-and-match furnishings.




Breezy Kitchen

The previously cramped kitchen is opened up to allow for entertaining.




Light-Filled Retreat

In the bedroom, the darker wood furnishings and accessories pop against the light, exposed walls.



Open-Air Office

The office loft is the perfect place to enjoy the scenery, a cup of coffee, or even the occasional bit of paperwork.
What do you think of this cute little cottage?
Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.


church on sunday



Whether a church is
simple or ornate, large or small,
old or new, wooden or stone...
it is most likely always a beautiful site to behold.


Today, I share this beautiful image of a church with you
in hopes that it brings
a little peace, a little joy
and a lot of love.



Lord, as I walk through this World,
Let Your Grace Light my Path,
Your Mercy Shelter my Soul
and Your Love Heal my Heart.


recipe friday

COLONEL SAUNDERS FRIED CHICKEN 
ssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh...  
I've got the secret recipe and I am sharing it here with you, my special readers.   


Ingredients

2 pkg Good Seasons Italian Salad dressing
¼ C lemon juice or vinegar
2 T oil or butter

2 C milk or club soda or beer
3 lbs chicken pieces 
- small pieces fry quicker/
- so does white meat

Aunt Jemima Pancake Flour (or other good brand)

Deep fryer with oil


Directions

Make paste of:
Salad dressing, lemon juice, and oil or butter

Spread paste evenly over chicken pieces
Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours

One hour before serving:
Heat deep fryer to 40 degrees

Put milk in deep bowl and dip chicken, letting excess drip off

Dust lightly but evenly with flour.  Do not over coat.  Without letting pieces touch, lay each piece on a paper towel to dry for a few minutes

Fry a few pieces at a time in the deep fryer

Place fried chicken on a cookie sheet without letting them touch each other and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes


quick tip: top loading washer drink cooler





Fill it with ice to keep canned or bottled drinks cool at your next party! When the drinks are gone, let the ice melt; run the spin cycle to empty the tub.

monday at the beach



When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get the chance to go!) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…
‘Monday at the Beach’
Let’s go...


Colorful Carolina Cottage

Over the course of a decade, this getaway on the marsh in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, had seen it all: kids growing up, graduating, moving away, getting married, having kids of their own. But while things changed and evolved for the family who lived there, the house stayed the same.

Interior designer Liz Carroll was brought on board to oversee a remodel after a simple consultation.

So out went aged teal carpeting and dark green walls; in their place, Carroll installed warm hardwoods and paired crisp whites with bright hues for a fresh, modern look. Here's how color can bring a past-its-prime home back to prominence.




Nurture Your Nature

Carroll didn't have to look far to find the color inspiration that would define the living room; she just had to glance out the windows. To keep things from getting too overwhelming, she made sure to ground the space with soothing neutrals.




Room with a View

Because the dining room is open to the main living area, Carroll continued the green-and-lavender palette, but in softer, more subdued color ways to keep the focus on food, friends, and family.




Pick a Starting Point

When Carroll laid eyes on a bolt of look-at-me, indoor/outdoor TrinaTurk fabric, she didn't think twice about using it to upholster the guest room's custom headboard; she knew the fun, bold print was exactly what the homeowners had in mind.





Sea-Worthy Guest Room

The unexpected color combinations in the guest room's charming KatieRidder wallpaper inspired Carroll to think outside the box. She borrowed the poppy red color from the tiny flag atop the illustrated ships and used it for the Greek key motif on the pillows and custom twin headboards, and again for the wide trim on the curtains.
What do you think of this cute little cottage?
Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.


church on sunday



Whether a church is
simple or ornate, large or small,
old or new, wooden or stone...
it is most likely always a beautiful site to behold.



Today, I share this beautiful image of a church with you
in hopes that it brings
a little peace, a little joy
and a lot of love.



Lord, as I walk through this World,
Let Your Grace Light my Path,
Your Mercy Shelter my Soul
and Your Love Heal my Heart.


recipe friday

WEIRD SPAGHETTI
Some may know this as Cincinnati Sky Line Chili
...so if you grew up in Ohio, you know this is good!

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, finely diced
2 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 ½ tsp ground cloves
2 ½ tsp ground cumin
2 ½ tsp powdered ginger
2 ½ tsp dry mustard
1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
½ tsp kosher salt
¾ tsp cocoa powder
1 ½ C tomato sauce
4 C low-sodium beef stock
2 T apple cider vinegar
2 T Worcestershire sauce
1 lb bucatini noodles, boiled in salted water, drained
¼ C freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Cheddar Cheese
1 onion, finely diced


Directions

In a large saute pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking the mass into smaller pieces.  While the meat is cooking and still a little pink, add the onion and saute until the beef is fully cooked and the onion turns translucent. Drain all of the fat from the pan.

Add all the dry spices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, then stir in the tomato sauce.  Once combined, incorporate the beef stock, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 hour.

Put the cooked bucatini in a serving bowl and add the meat sauce.


Garnish with Parmigiano-Reggiano or Cheddar Cheese (2 way), Diced Onion (3 way), and serve.  Can also add Canned Kidney Beans (4 way) and Jalapeños (5 way).

quick tip: shower cap packing sneakers





Snag those hotel-freebie shower caps to cover shoes before packing them in a suitcase. The plastic keeps dirty soles from sullying clothes.

monday at the beach



When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get the chance to go) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…
‘Monday at the Beach’
Let’s go...


Charleston South Carolina Island Living

For many, the choice to pack up and move to an island paradise happens only after lifelong dreaming and years of searching. But for this home, it was an instant decision.




Warm and Cozy Living Room

The home's open floor plan, original parquet floors, and West Indies-style vaulted ceilings stained dark brown are more than just appealing, they are absolutely beautiful.




Tropical Punch

The family room—with its slipcovered sofa, bold coffee table, and patterned pillows—exemplifies a simple design trick: Start with neutral sofas, because you can do anything with them, you can change out the pillows, side chairs, or tables in the room and the sofa still works.




Soothing Master Bedroom

In the master bedroom, the existing headboard was given a makeover with soothing blue fabric. The natural vibe of the home is reflected in the warm wood furniture, bamboo blinds, and seagrass rug.




Outfitted Outdoor Space

The porch accommodates a family's daily activities, including seaside siestas in a quilted hammock.
What do you think of this cute little cottage?
Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.


church on sunday



Whether a church is
simple or ornate, large or small,
old or new, wooden or stone...
it is most likely always a beautiful site to behold.



Today, I share this beautiful image of a church with you
in hopes that it brings
a little peace, a little joy
and a lot of love.


Lord, as I walk through this World,
Let Your Grace Light my Path,
Your Mercy Shelter my Soul
and Your Love Heal my Heart.


recipe friday

Chicken Salad Sandwich


Ingredients
4 split (2 whole) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin on
Good olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
¾ C good mayonnaise, more on bread
1 ½ T chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1 C small-diced celery (2 stalks)
8 to 10 slices seven-grain bread
1 pkg fresh green salad mix


Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the chicken breasts, skin side up, on a sheet pan and rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside to cool.

When the chicken is cool, remove and discard the skin and bones and cut the chicken into 3/4-inch dice.
Place the chicken in a bowl and add the mayonnaise, tarragon, celery, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and toss well.

To assemble, spread a little mayonnaise on half the bread slices, top with the chicken salad and salad mix, and cover with the remaining slices of bread.
Cut in half and serve.



quick tip: kneadable eraser scuff remover





This art-class must-have does more than zap errant pencil marks. Use it to rub out scuffs on hardwood or tile floors, as well as smudges on light-colored leather bags and shoes. Once the eraser is dirty, knead to reveal a clean spot.

monday at the beach



When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get the chance to go) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…
‘Monday at the Beach’
Let’s go...



New England Style Beach Cottage

This 100-year-old cottage on Bailey Island, Maine, required some simple touch-ups to turn it into a cozy hideaway with thrilling views. The cottage’s quirky character and celebrated its aged-to-perfection charm makes this spot a true dream getaway.




Traditional Beach Room

A hodgepodge of 20th century furniture came with the house, so a lot of time was spent rearranging and incorporating some of the homeowners’ own pieces while still preserving the Old Maine feel.




Typical Cottage Bedroom

Wood-planked floors and cozy quilts made of light, sea-colored pastels honor the rustic feel of the century-old cottage, embracing the charm of the setting and the house.




Kitchen with a View

The small breakfast table placed square in front of the windows provides the best view of the waves crashing off Casco Bay. A collection of enamelware in the kitchen’s open cabinets came with the house and was—surprisingly—in the homeowner’s favorite shades of blue.




Simple Sunroom

The enclosed sunroom offers an ideal spot to sit and watch the bay while still protected from the elements. Even on stormy evenings, the room offers thrilling views.
What do you think of this cute little cottage?
Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.


church on sunday



Whether a church is
simple or ornate, large or small,
old or new, wooden or stone...
it is most likely always a beautiful site to behold.



Today, I share this beautiful image of a church with you
in hopes that it brings
a little peace, a little joy
and a lot of love.
  

Lord, as I walk through this World,
Let Your Grace Light my Path,
Your Mercy Shelter my Soul
and Your Love Heal my Heart.


recipe friday

CHICKEN POT PIE


Ingredients

3 whole (6 split) chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
5 C chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 chicken bouillon cubes
12 T unsalted butter
2 yellow onions, chopped
¾ C all-purpose flour
¼ C heavy cream
1 (10-ounce) package of frozen baby carrots, cut in half
1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas
1 (10-ounce) package frozen califlower
1 ½ C frozen small whole onions
½ C cup minced fresh parsley leaves
1½ C Water
2 pkgs of frozen puff pastry - Thaw Puff Pastry in refrigerator overnight.


Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and rub them with olive oil.

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cooked through   Set aside until cool enough to handle, then remove the meat from the bones and discard the skin. Cut the chicken into large dice. You will have 4 to 6 cups of cubed chicken.

In a small saucepan, heat the chicken stock and dissolve the bouillon cubes in the stock. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and sauté the onions over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent. Add the flour and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add the hot chicken stock to the sauce. Simmer over low heat for 1 more minute, stirring, until thick. Add 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and heavy cream. Add the cubed chicken, carrots, peas, onions, water, and parsley. Mix well.


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Divide the filling equally among 4 ovenproof bowls. Cut thawed puff pastry to size to cover and fit generously over top of bowls.  Brush the outside edges of each bowl with the egg wash, then place the dough on top. Trim the circle to 1/2-inch larger than the top of the bowl. Crimp the dough to fold over the side, pressing it to make it stick. Brush the dough with egg wash and make 3 slits in the top. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot. 

quick tip: eyeglass case





Snag a spare one to stow jewelry when packing a suitcase. Another great use? For your MP3 player and earbuds.

monday at the beach



When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get the chance to go) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…
‘Monday at the Beach’
Let’s go...



Key West Cottage

This clapboard getaway cottage in Key West was built at the end of the 19th century. A 1980s addition gave it the sawtooth roofline, with parallel gables that create a zigzag appearance. On the inside, it’s clear that laid-back is the attitude of choice in this home.




Tennessee Meets Key West

When selecting furnishings, the homeowner searched for antiques at their favorite shops back home in Tennessee, and combed Memphis designer Shelley Miller’s studio for fabrics. The Southern touches, such as skirted tables, pleated lamp shades, and floral patterns, seem at home with the Key West signatures of horizontal-slat walls, brightly colored accents, and nautical accents.




Casual Kitchen

In the kitchen, a farm table and cherry cabinetry underscore the home’s casual feel. Doors and windows open to the pool area, making it an ideal home for outdoor entertaining.




Poolside Cottage

One of the best features of this cottage is the pool, which shares a wall with the home’s foundation. With two statuesque Spanish lime trees (a protected species) in the backyard, fitting a pool in was a bit of a challenge. But with the pool directly beside the house it becomes an extension of the living space.




Poolside Bar

A poolside bar invites guests outside. A painting by Key West artist Rick Worth, created with automobile paint, can withstand the elements.
What do you think of this cute little cottage?
Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.