A Room With A View

Good Afternoon!

I love the feeling of courtyards.  

It makes you feel like your on a vacation and I am all about that :)

Your home should be a sanctuary where you can get away from all the busyness.  Even if you have little kids there should be a place where it's your own getaway and creating a courtyard experience can do just that.

Source: form9.tumblr.com via Jas. on Pinterest

Having a tree in a home brings calm

Source: tumblr.com via Tap on Pinterest

lighted path / courtyard

Source: favim.com via Susan on Pinterest

romantic getaway

Tropical Patio by Orange County Media and Bloggers Shelley Gardea

bring the tropics to you

Are these courtyards calling you?

Summer Grilling

Good Afternoon!

Several days ago I was preparing for a lunch meeting and wanted to wow my guest with my grilling skills.  I found this recipe from my Weber Grilling Book.  It was so simple and delicious!

(pictures are mine..recipe not)

Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts

(or just get them already chopped in a bag)

Recipe calls for 2 medium garlic cloves.. I added 3 (love garlic)

1 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems

1/2 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley leaves and tender stems

(add salt and pepper)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Blend all in food processor.

Place 2lbs of chicken breast tenders (I use organic) in a plastic bag with the pesto.

Let marinade in fridge for 2hr minimum.

Grill over Direct high heat until meat is firm and juices run

clear.

Here is the finished product!  I made a baked potato with some side salad.  Healthy and easy.

Btw..you can even sprinkle with a little lime juice.

Hoping you're enjoying the summer so far : )

First Day of Summer

Happy First Day of Summer!

Pass through window for serving guests

Gathering spots for conversation..

Pinterest

 

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

I don't know about you guys but I am loving that farmhouse table above...swoon!

May your summer be filled with family, friends, laughter, bonding and joy!

Some Nostalgia

Good afternoon!

I love the weekends for many reasons but one is.. Garage Sales!

I am helping a friend with their home and while we were out I came upon this that brought up so many memories of growing up.

I remember walking around with the phone and ahem..walking too far and getting yanked.  I remember my parents trying to listen in on my conversations. Oh, the memories.

Being at the sale and seeing this relic I knew I had to have it.  Now every time I walk by it brings a smile to my face.

Check out some garage sales this weekend it just might bring back good memories.

Serenity Sunday

Source: songofstyle.blogspot.ca via Julie on Pinterest

Library, Large Windows, and a Piano.. perfect.

Have a peaceful Sunday all.

Dining Room Reveal

Good Afternoon!

 

I am so happy that I have finished giving our dining room a fresh update.

You can see what it looked like before here. 

 

 Changed the placement of the mirror and the space feels so much bigger.  Paint colors add to the space being able to breathe.

 

 The art is actually vintage tv trays.  I love the pattern and how it adds life (I don't have a green thumb at all)

 

These chairs I got for $10.  LOVE!  The fur is from Ikea.

 

 A Mexican blanket on table makes it feel inviting like you're on a picnic.

 

 

 

 

Changed curtains to simple and white.  

 

And our view to outside.

Little changes can make a big difference.  

What updates are you doing?  What changes have you done in your home to welcome in the summer season?

Blankets.. Not Just For Keeping You Cozy

 Good Morning!

I am so happy to say I am 97% done with my living / dining room space.  The 3% is stuff only I will notice that needs to get finished and a couple of new items I would like to get for the space.

Yesterday I finally finished painting.  Yes!!!  It took me quite some time but I love the colors that I have chosen thanks to Benjamin Moore.

I thought I would give you sneak peaks around the space with little tips here and there.

A couple of months ago I went to an estate sale where I found some Mexican throws and I knew I just had to have them.

The dining room needed to be lightened up and the blanket would do the trick.

The dining room table is dark and to break it up and lighten it for the warmer weather the throw would be the perfect "table cloth".  Instead of going with a store bought table cover use something that wouldn't be typical like a blanket. 

 It's casual and welcoming.

Have a Wonderful Monday :)