I'm ready for a vacay....

When the season turns warm and delicious, depending on my mood, I'm in serious need of a time out.

Whether it's the beach, 

 

Image via HERE

the mountains,

Image via The Ardilaun Hotel

an evening walk or bike, 

Image via Welcome To Stratford

a swim,

Image via Surfing Tips

a canoe or kayak ride,

Image via Outdoor Tours

A relaxing day at the pool

 Image via HERE

or just a night in the backyard with the fire pit,

Image via HGTV

I need and love that time!

Image via Trendir.com

When you need a vacation, what do you choose to do?  Outdoor activities or relax?  Where would you choose to go?  Mountains or beach?  Please let me know! My sister and I have a daily battle on whether people choose to go to the beach and relax, or the mountains to have a physically rigorous time-out! I can't decide which one I choose!

Get ready for some kitchen pics!!!!!

In any room, I love to see and appreciate unique qualities.  Big "Captain Obvious" sized uniqueness or teeny-tiny treasures that capture my eye in a sudden double-take of recognition.  Kitchens are the ultimate get-together room in a home where everyone tends to plant themselves.  It doesn't matter whose kitchen I'm in or what style of picture of a kitchen I'm perusing over, I'm looking for that "something" that catches my oh-so-curious eye.  Thank heavens for Homes and Gardens kitchen gallery.  I might have spent some time there obsessing over every...single...kitchen....image.  Here, let me show you:

The conservatory-like style in this kitchen is so bright and inviting.

This country style kitchen is offset beautifully by turquoise accents.

I love the freestanding look of this kitchen.  The island is so casual and I love the butcher block!

Who wouldn't love this french country kitchen with butcher block counter tops and church arched style cabinets?

The green cabinets and floral patterns in this kitchen are so visually attractive.  The slipcovers over these chairs are a particular love of mine!

 I'm totally traditional, so this kitchen is probably my numero uno pick! I love the mantle over the stove in place of a hood.  AWESOME!!!

Modern shelving and seating make this kitchen unique!

Vintage kitchens are always so cute and quaint.  I love the bistro style chairs that were chosen.  Too cute for words.

Here's another darling vintage kitchen with an old stove to prove it!

As always, I'm predictable in my choice of country styles.  I heart these white washed floors!

What's unique in your kitchen?

   I have  roosters and chickens in mine......

Happy Father's Day!

To all you rugged, loyal, sexy, and loving men out there, I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day. Maybe you'll enjoy today with the U.S. Open as my husband, dad, brothers, and uncles are!

 Image via Syracuse.com

Oh, The Musically Talented....

   As a person who enjoys music and has made it a big part of my life, I'm elated when I find a genuinely talented musician.  I had vocal scholarships for college, played the piano, weakly learned guitar, and had weekly and, at times, daily vocal lessons.  That said, I know and love music.  If you've ever heard Jim Gaffigan's comedic skit on ugly people he said, "If you see a beautiful singer, you listen and enjoy the act, so to speak.  If you see an ugly performer, your first thought is, 'wow, they must be talented!'"  Isn't this so true!!!!  

   Well, I was complaining about the Britney Spears' production-like society we've come to obsess over versus real talent and an appreciation for music.  Whilst I was complaining, my husband asked if I'd actually ever seen Lady Gaga play the piano. My answer was,  "No, I'm sure it's all recorded anyways."  Was I wrong folks!  This "Lady" who I didn't especially care for or dislike prior to watching this youtube video now has my respect.

I love finding the Real McCoy and she can play and sing....WELL!!!!  I know shocker.  She said in an interview that she appreciates music, fashion, and art in all it's forms.  I think this is part of her love of unusual costumes and controversial videos with her sexual dances and lyrics.  I've got to hand it to her, she's fun to watch and she's good at what she does!

Here's some fun fashion choices of Lady Gaga:

Image via Bitten and Bound

Image via ezoox.com

Image via Graphics Hunt

Image via Follow the Fashion

Image via Stuff Queer People Need To Know

Image via Tech UV

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with music, art, fashion, food, and most importantly, shopping. 

ADIEU!

What's Your Style In One Picture Challenge!

As I'm sure all of you know, Ally, from From the Right Bank, has issued this challenge I think three times.  This was so hard for me but, I think I found the perfect room.  It's a beautiful living room in San Francisco.

Why is it my style you ask?  Well, It's somewhat traditional which I love but, has touches of femininity and elegance that I think makes a room unique.  So I guess you could say this room screams of traditional elegance. I love the couches in that you could literally use them for any room in your house.  But, the chandelier, crystal lamps, and accessories glitz the room up to a more formal setting.  The fireplace is focal piece yet doesn't take away from the other lovelies in the room.  I love the mirror and darn it I love that zebra bench!  Truly I love this whole room.  What's your style in one picture?  Go join the challenge here!

Image via House Beautiful

Swimsuit Trama

Every year I go through the "I can never find the right suit" phase.  Even though my baby is almost a year, and even though I have lost the baby weight and then some, I find that I'm so much more comfortable in a tankini versus a bikini!  I love them!  Problem number 1 arises when I can't find time to go shopping.  Problem number two would definitely have to be budget issues.  I mean, who the hello wants to pay $120 for a smokin hot tankini top excluding the bottoms!  It's insane!  Believe it or not, Victoria's Secret had awesomely affordable prices in their clearance and sale items.  I bought this:

in green mind you, and this:

in a delicious plum color.  You know when you haven't tried something on and you order online, you're in constant buyer's remorse!  Is it going to fit?  What if my boobs are too big?...Or worse, too small?!!  What if it's too short?  Yada, yada, yada! Anywho, I'm awaiting their arrival and I'll let you know if those darn sizing charts are truly  honest representations of their products!

If budget wasn't an option, these would be my wishes:

This is actually my pick!

Next year, I'm going to remember to put aside my swimsuit money to avoid this annual self-hatred and loathing!  What kind of swimsuit do you get and where?  I'm seriously curious!

World Cup Weekend

For the World Cup this weekend, my husband invited about a million people over.  I decided to try a new CC cookie because there are so many good ones!  I found this recipe for Grandma's Cookies from Jamie Cooks It Up Blog. My only change was that I wish it was a little bit saltier and I used less butter.  It was perfect!   Let me tell you, I halved this and it was plenty.  I got about 3 and 1/2 dozen and it was gone between 8 people in two hours.  Oh yeah, that good!

Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield: 72 cookies

Time: 1 1/2 hours

Recipe from Jill Eskelson

1 1/2 C butter, softened

1 1/2 C sugar

1 1/2 C brown sugar

4 eggs

1 t salt

2 t baking soda

1 t baking powder

2 t vanilla

5 C flour

2 bags Guittard Milk Chocolate Chips

1. Cream butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla together for about 3 minutes. You want the mixture to be well incorporated.

2. In a separate medium sized bowl mix the dry ingredients.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed ingredients and mix until all the flour is incorporated.

4. Add the chocolate chips and mix.

5. Roll into balls and place on a cookie sheet.

6. Bake at 350 for about 8 minutes. Do not over bake. You'll want to take the cookies out of the oven when they start to crack, then let them stay on the hot cookie sheet to continue cooking for about 5 minutes.

My other recipe this weekend is roasted potatoes to go along with my mom's greek yogurt chicken shish-ka-bobs.  Since I have six siblings, and almost all of us have children and spouses, I always have a recipe to feed a crowd.  Since this is my own recipe, I'm guessing at measurements for "normal" sized families!

 Lila's Roasted Potatoes

2 lbs unpeeled potatoes

2 T. dried Onion

2 tsp. dried Rosemary

2 tsp. dried Thyme

1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder

Olive Oil 

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut potatoes in uniform chunks. Place in shallow baking dish.  Pour olive oil, salt and pepper just enough to cover the potatoes.  Add other ingredients and bake uncovered for 45 mins or until fork tender. Stir occasionally.

Easy as pie!  Hopefully you enjoyed your weekend eating!

Images via Jamie Cooks It Up and Food Network