Posts

Showing posts from June, 2010

Laundry Closet Re-do

Image
My laundry closet has been the biggest disaster for months....laundry soap sitting on the floor, swiffers piled in the corner! I finally found a shelf and got organized. BEFORE AFTER Shelf found here . Rug found in my attic Hand-me-down bin leftover from my grandmother's move. 3M Hooks for wet bathing suits and other items 3M Hooks for Grocery Recyle Bags MUCH BETTER!

Tea Collection

Image
SHOES! BABY! BOY! GIRL! Tea Collection has recently launched a new website and now their products typically found in specialty stores are available directly to consumers. Their clothing is inspired by cultures around the world and it's stylish and is always changing. Tea Collection has clothes and shoes for babies up to eight years old. Click the link above or to the right for summer or back-to-school shopping. Select items are 50% off right now. Cute and comfy stuff!

Menu Planner

Sunday - Zatarain's Jambalaya with Turkey Kielbasa and Chicken, Sliced Tomatoes Monday - Tacos Tuesday - Balsamic-Garlic Chicken Breasts , Wild Rice and Broccoli Wednesday - 5 Ingredient Pork with Rice (Note...I am substituting pork for chicken and peach preserves for apricot because I already have in the fridge). Thursday - Kickin' Chicken with Crunch , Sweet Corn & Zucchini

Two Great Homes! Open This Sunday!

Image
Don't miss seeing these great listings. Both will be open this Sunday, June 27 from 2-4 pm. 5215 W Grace Street. Adorable Cape Cod. Well-maintained by owners. New HVAC in 2008, New Hot Water Heater in 2008, New Windows in 2006, Updated Lighting & Electrical Sockets, Updated Kitchen with New Appliances & Gas Cooking, Updated Bathrooms, New Washer/Dryer in 2007, Huge Master with Two Closets, Gas Fireplace, Security System in 2006. $264,900. 504 Greene Ridge Road in Whitehall Subdivision. HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathroom, new windows, new and refinished hardwood floors, new carpet, expandable attic, granite eat-in kitchen that opens to the vaulted family room. $430,000.

Catalog Living

Image
I just ran across the blog, Catalog Living , through a post on Young House Love . I think it's hilarious! The writer takes rooms out of catalogs and creates conversations that might go on in that setting. Here is a sample...visit the blog for more. I’ve only set out personalized towels for Margaret and Patrick, but I see three people arriving on horseback…if they’re bringing a friend I wish they had told me ahead of time. The embroider is fast but not that fast. Happy Friday!

Samoan Sand

Image
I have long been a fan of OPI's Bubble Bath nail color for toes and hands. Last weekend, I redeemed my mother's day pedicure and tried OPI's Samoan Sand. I love the way it looks against tan feet. I think I may have a new color.

Arts & Crafts

Image
School is out and between visits to the beach and pool, Camille and I have been working on a few art projects. I found a lot of the supplies around the house and at the dollar store so it hasn't been too pricey. 3 for $1 Bags & Iron-on Letters from the Dollar Tree with Iron-on Letters All Set Up & Ready to Decorate Finished Product! Note...I haven't introduced the blogging world to Mimi, Camille's stuffed elephant and what sometimes seems like my third child. More to come on that subject.Mimi really requires her own blog post. Fluffy Dog made from a toilet paper holder, cotton balls, pipe cleaners, pink ball nose and googly eyes. I did most of the work on this one but Camille had fun helping. Art Display in Camille's Room I bought grosgrain ribbon and painted clothes pins pink then hung on the large wall in Camille's room.

Menu Planner

Saturday - Father's Day Surf and Turf , Twice Baked Potatoes & Asparagus Sunday - Vichyssoise with Sour Cream & Chives , Salad, Bread Monday - Oven Chicken Risotto Tuesday - Mexican Lasagne Wednesday - Chicken Rollatini Thursday - Night out at Wine Club

Mirror Before & After

Image
BEFORE I have had this mirror for years and I have always liked the shape of it but started to be bored with the finish. So after a few coats of black spray paint...it looks like this. AFTER

Zulily

Image
For those that like smocked items...Zulily is having a Vive Le Fete sale. I am considering getting the below for Clyde. Zulily is a great discount site has lots of great designer items (clothes, kids shoes, strollers, maternity clothes) in all styles (not just fancy smocked items). If you would like an invitation, email me at astoakley@gmail.com.

Quality over Price!

Image
So in March, I blogged about a deal I found at Urban Outfitters on some JCrew-like flip flops . Read the post here . Well soon after the purchase, one of the straps of the flip flops broke while I was outside cleaning up some toys. I thought it was just a freak occurrence so I took them back and got another pair. Last week, as I was putting a sign in the yard of one of my listings, the strap broke on the 2nd pair. So I guess the moral here is sometimes it is worth spending the extra dollars if the quality is better. I am currently wearing a pair of JCrew ones from two summers ago.

Menu Planner

Monday - Crockpot Chili-Orange Chicken served with rice and brocoli Tuesday - Zucchini Wrapped Pork Tenderloin served with Zucchini & Red Skin Potatoes or Risotto Wednesday - Committee Meeting. Pizza for Michael & the Kids. Thursday - Cheese Ravoli with Jarred Sauce Camille & I have gotten really into crafts. Stay tuned for a post on some of our creations.

Big Daddy Clyde

Image
Three years ago this Friday my dad passed away after an 18 year battle with a rare cancer. He was a true Southern gentleman with a great sense of style. Below I have copied the words my sisters and I wrote about him that were read at his funeral. Dad...I miss you and wish you could see my precious Camille and your name-sake, Clyde. I hope you are enjoying them from heaven. We are proud to say our father was Clyde Blanton. He was our hero. He lived 18 years with a horrible disease, had to do so much to live day to day and he never complained. Recently, mom asked him “do you ever say why me” and his response was “why not me?” This is a reflection of how Dad chose to live his life. There is not a person he met who did not like him. He loved golfing on Sunday afternoons with the Clydesdales and was so proud that his friends named the group after him. We also can’t forget his love of clothes. His style was straight out of the preppy handbook…round tortoise shell glasses, madras sport coats

Mooreland Commons Condo!

Image
Fresh, Bright and Open this unit is one not to miss. Hardwood throughout most of the downstairs and granite in the kitchen, updated baths plus the private rear deck make this a very inviting property. Offered at $299,000. Brokered by: Virginia Realty & Relocation.

Menu Planner

Sunday - Turkey Burgers, French Fries, Southwestern Pasta Salad Monday - Simple Baked Crusty Chicken (recipe below), egg noodles and asparagus Tuesday - Tacos with Ground Chicken Wednesday - Pizza (I have a committee meeting) Thursday - Off to the beach! Simple Baked Crusty Chicken 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts 2/3 cup biscuit baking mix 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp minced garlic 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 (14 oz) can chicken broth Coat the chicken in baking mix. Place in casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile in a saucepan, mix together the olive oil and garlic and add the flour. Whisk in the chicken broth, cooking over medium-high heat until thickened. Pour over the chicken, baking covered, for an additional 20 minutes, or until chicken is done. Serve.

Grandmother's Treasures

Image
My grandmother is moving to a retirement community and cleaning out her current home. She has passed over some of her treasures that I am quite excited about. I love these old-fashioned water or ice tea glasses. Very fond of these champagne glasses with short stems. Cute pitcher. I am not sure why I am so attracted to this bowl. I put it on our bathroom counter as a catch all for the eye glasses, toothpaste etc. Drinking glasses with stems. Ice cream bowls which Camille loves And my favorite...the silver chest. Now I am just trying to find the best home for it in our house...it may be the living room.