Keeping it in the family

My grandmother and great aunt are both artists.  Over the years I have trid to collect all the artwork I can from them because I knew at some point it would stop.  Growing up, my grandmother painted our Christmas, Valentines and Easter cards.  I can honestly say I wish I had all those cards now.  As I hung my last two framed pictures yesterday, I was reminded once again, of how lucky I am to have such talented and wonderful people as my family.

Sureal birds

My window decal becomes a play-on for our wonderful yard covered in snow... hard to believe it will be in the high 50's this weekend.  Love NC weather.

Off the hook

Its not that I don't care or that I don't want to blog.  I have to find the balance between blogging, posting to pinterest, cooking, taking pictures and every day life... it's a work in progress...

Fresh paint

It is amazing how a fresh coat of paint can put a new perspective on things.  We painted our front door and Napa screen door a glossy black this weekend.  We updated the shutters this summer the same shade but were unsure if the door should be the same color.  It just looks classic and will go with any decor I put on it.  See what you think.

Mums

The idea is to make summer last and to show off the beautiful colors of fall.  We hold on to summer with the mums and we welcome in fall with the changing foliage and cool weather.  I shopped around and found a wonderful gardener who made me an incredible deal on mums.  When they open later this next week, I will post a picture.  My point is to shop around and look beyond the big stores...great deals can abound!

Good use for old stuff

Old tooth brushes are great for a lot of different things:
1. Cleaning grout.
2. Cleaning the corners of any cabinet or molding
3. Cleaning jewelry
4. Scrubbing the garbage disposal ring
5. Scrubbing drains
6. Cleaning play dough off of casts...

For number 6, just go with it...but it works.  The point is, old tooth brushes work great to get into all the places a big brush can't. 

To make life easier...

As I was putting out new pillows today I was reminded about the purpose of my blog.  The reason I set up this blog was for the real working people of the world who, like me have kids, animals and are busy.  Its not just about short cuts but about short cuts that can still make it possible to have a beautiful home and garden.  Easy recipes for when, like me, you have 30 minutes to fix dinner between soccer and cheer leading practice as an example.  I will post tips and tricks I have learned over last twenty years.  I would love posts from people who also have great tricks and tips they have found to make their busy life easier.  I go out and am asked all the time about different things, whether it is style, decorating or how to put what I have in my hands together.  My blog is my way to share what I have learned with you.