My New Coffee Bar

More and more coffee lovers find it enjoyable to have a coffee bar set up at home because it provides convenience, allowing them to prepare their favorite coffee beverages at any time. It also creates a cozy and personalized space where they can experiment with different coffee recipes and enjoy the comfort of home while savoring their coffee.

Hubby and I recently decided to design a new coffee bar area in our kitchen/dining room. We found all the things we needed on line.  I think it came out nice. 

5 Things to Think About When Buying a Home Right Now

When you go to purchase a home, you might have a lot of questions. To save you hours upon hours of research, I wanted to give you a few quick tips on what to think about when buying a home. It’s a crazy market right now, so time is of the essence! Here are 5 things to think about when buying a home right now:

 

How much can you afford?

Heads up: right now, the housing market is expensive. You have to be prepared to offer above asking price + pay closing costs. This is why you need to consider how much you can actually afford. Look at homes that are well beyond the top of your budget, or consider waiting until homes are a bit less expensive and competitive. One thing that you want to make sure that you do not do is spend too much on your home.

Simple Ways To Update Any Room

Are you working on updating a room in your home? Maybe you are sprucing things up for spring while doing deep cleaning, or maybe you are revamping your home for a future sale. Either way, if you are updating a room and feel stuck, read through this short list of simple ways to update any room. These are easy (and fun) tips that can completely change any room in your home for the better:

Try a fresh coat of paint

Paint can make or break a room and when you update it to a fresh color, it can completely update and transform any room, no matter how outdated it is. If you want to make the room brighter, try a white, light grey, or crisp yellow. If you want to stay on-trend, try something different like a paint splattered wall, a stencil, or you could even add in some trendy wallpaper. Don’t think about wallpaper as that outdated material that you used to see in older homes. It is back in style and it’s better than ever, so don’t knock it until you try it!

Drying Cleaning at Home is Possible!

If you have followed me on social media, you know that I love to wear linen.  It's the perfect fabric for Florida. It's light and breathable, and has such a classic look.  I especially love to wear linen dresses and pants in the summer. 

But we all know there is a downside to linen--the wrinkles!!

I don’t mind an occasional trip to the dry cleaners, but let’s face it. It can get quite costly after awhile. And I also hate the chemical smell on my clothes once they are professionally dry cleaned.  I was excited when Dryel reached out and offered me complimentary products in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Top 5 Words & Phrases that I Wish People Would Stop Using in 2020

A couple of weeks ago, Merriam-Webster on Monday announced “pandemic” as its 2020 word of the year. I don't think any of us was surprised by this.  However, it had me thinking about the words and phrases that have come to be quite popular in 2020.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Here are the top five words and terms that have become popular to use -- and that personally make me want to scream -- in the year 2020!

1. “Sorry but...”  

No, just no. Folks, you cannot follow up an apology with a “but”. I'm really tired of hearing folks says things like, "I'm sorry that happened to you, but..." or "I'm sorry I said that but..." When did this phrase ever become acceptable?!  It immediately puts the receiver in fight mode. The word “but” negates what you said prior to it.

2.  “No matter what side you’re on...” 

Words I wish would go away because we all know that what is followed is still going to be a one-sided political comment. In my experience, there is always an angle.  This phrase doesn't make it less offensive.

3.  "Expert"  

The year 2020 has made us question everything and everyone. We (and by we, I mean me too, I’m guilty) questioned Dr Fauci and his handling of Covid.  But let's face it; is hard to trust any expert today because everyone claims to be an expert.  Political experts. Medical experts. Social media experts.  God, they’re everywhere. 

4. “Unprecedented”

Can I go one day without hearing the term “unprecedented” on the TV?  My hubby is so over this word and now I’m aware of it's overuse as well.  Unprecedented time.  Unprecedented election. Unprecedented protests. Unprecedented game.  

5. ”Friends” 

I think this term is used way too loosely in 2020.  So when social media, specifically Facebook, first came out we started “finding friends“.  But am I really “friends” with that neighbor three streets over who I’ve never met in person? Or what about the “friend” who ended up unfriending me on social media because we have different political views?  The term used to mean mutual admiration and trust, but yea, 2020. 

SimpleCoat multi-surface treatment is a new favorite!

I love that I inherited my great grandmother’s cedar chest. I’ve had the piece for many years and I hope to pass it on to my daughter one day.  Knowing that I can seal and protect the piece from liquid stains and fingerprints with SimpleCoat is a huge relief.

Six Tips To Keep Pets Safe During Storm Season

While no one is immune from the devastation of a natural disaster, preparing before a storm hits is key to keeping everyone in your family—including your pets—safe. It’s even more important now – in an era of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic – that pet parents have a plan to keep their furry family members out of harm’s way if forced to take shelter elsewhere.

My First Attempt at Chalk Painting: Bed Frame Refersh

About a year ago, I found this Valspar Chalk Paint and Sealer on clearance at Target. I grabbed it (along with the Magnolia Home sealant brush) but was always afraid to actually begin a project.

Once we were quarantined and boredom began to set in, I decided to try it on my this old trundle bed.  The bed used to be in my son's room, but we recently moved it to the upstairs loft. It looked old and I wanted to refresh the look.

Tips to help you celebrate Earth Day (April 22) without ever leaving home!

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is on April 22, but anyone can start celebrating today right in their very own backyard with tips from the TurfMutt Foundation and reap the health and de-stressing benefits of spending time in green space.

“You don’t need to leave home to celebrate Earth Day. Remember, nature starts at your back door,” says Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation. “Get outside, mow your lawn, trim bushes, plant a butterfly bush. By becoming  a steward of your yard, you are helping preserving your own corner of the overall ecosystem.”

Stress Less Through Fostering or Adopting a Pet, Says TurfMutt

Is the COVID-19 pandemic putting stress on you and your family? The TurfMutt Foundation, whose mission is to encourages outdoor learning experiences and stewardship of our green spaces, urges anyone who can to consider fostering or adopting a four-legged friend.

Enter the Fairytale Bathroom Sweepstakes

Kohler Co. And Disney Team Up On “Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil” Advertising Campaign

It's a bathroom makeover straight out of the pages of a fairy tale. Enter for the chance to win one of eight weekly prizes or the grand prize of a $20,500 bathroom redesign.

Kohler’s Fairytale Bathroom Sweepstakes opens today and runs through November 10, 2019. Interested participants can visit www.kohler.com/fairytale for official rules and the chance to win weekly prizes including Kohler’s Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror and a Grand Prize consisting of $499 towards a KOHLER Bathroom Design Service session, up to $10,000 in KOHLER bathroom products (value based on product list price) and up to $10,000 towards installation service and bathroom project fees for bathroom redesign.

Pinterest Win: Decorating my Teen Daughter's Bedroom

A few months ago my 13 year old daughter saw this picture (above) and asked me to recreate it for her. I think we did a fairly good job. In fact, I would call this a Pinterest Win. 

We found all the bedding at Target:

White Triple Diamond Comforter with Shams

Textured Faux Fur gray body pillow cover

Chenille yellow throw pillows

Textured Faux Fur Gray Throw Blanket 

Chenille gold chunky knit blanket

The black wire basket on the wall came from HomeGoods,
but similar products can be found on Amazon.

We found the White vanity with Mirror from Amazon (but didn't use the stool).
Instead we got a big gray fur ball chair ball from PB Teen.
Although it is hard to tell in these pics, the walls are painted a light gray.

We later added the PB Teen Chloe Double Bar Jewelry Stand -- A great place to keep her necklaces, scrunchies and bracelets.

(2023 update: no longer available but THIS new one Pottery Barn Teen Heirloom Necklace Stand is a great option too!)

NOTE: The above organizer is no longer available at Pottery Barn Teen, but I found a couple of similar ones on Amazon at a cheaper price.

(Affiliate links, no cost to you)

So what do you think? Personally, I am pleased with her new gray and yellow bedroom! 

(Theirs vs Mine)

5 Top Tips for Propane Grilling Safety

Grilling is popular this time of year, bringing family and friends together to enjoy the great outdoors, whether for a simple summer dinner or a holiday weekend picnic bash.

Backyard fun in the Summer!

Blossman Gas & Appliance has five top Safety Tips to prepare your propane grill for summer grilling to help you enjoy a safe and happy grilling season.

5 Top Tips for Propane Grilling Safety:

1. Always keep the top open when lighting a grill until you are sure that it is lit.
2. Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
3. Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
4. When finished grilling, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
5. Make sure the grill is clean. When finished grilling and the grill is turned off but hot, clean off the grates. Once the grill cools, clean out the collection tray.

For more guidelines regarding handling a propane cylinder for your gas grill and the proper sequence for starting your gas grill go to: http://www.blossmangas.com/content/propane/safety.

Mickey and Minnie Stainless Tervis cups

I love the Tervis brand and have many of the tumblers in my kitchen cabinet.  I didn't think I could love Tervis more...but they went and did this: Mickey and Minnie stainless cups with lids! 

The tumbler is BPA free and offers a lifetime guarantee; and better yet, the stainless will keep your drink ice cold for 24 hours or piping hot for hours. This tumbler is a must for any Disney fan!

Craving salty and sweet? Nutter Puffs are a hit!

Are you a fan of peanut butter?

The maker of popchips has a new product, Nutter Puffs, rolling out nationwide on National Peanut Butter Day, March 1st. I was sent a sample of each flavor: Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter + Chocolate, and Peanut Butter + Honey.

They are fantastic.  My son is already in love with the new snack. The light and airy puff melts in your mouth, leaving a nice peanut butter flavor but not overwhelming.  

Better yet each serving has 5 grams of protein. Plus they are GMO-free and Gluten-free! 

Keep an eye out...you won't want to miss this snack!

Preparing for July 4th Weekend: Treats, Outfits and Decor

For some reason, I am really "in" to July 4th this year. 

A couple of days ago, I went to Pinterest to print out July 4th water bottle wrappers. I then ran to Target and JoAnn Fabrics for a few other items (straws, plates, napkins, banners, etc). I put all the fun supplies on my dining room table to give the main living area a festive vibe.

Speaking of Pinterest, I found this great recipe for Strawberry Shortcake (simple and quick!). It made for a nice brunch and we even had leftovers. The kids loved the shortcake, as it is sweeter than many recipes.

The kids wanted to "make" something as well, so I let them dip pretzel rods in white chocolate and decorate with candy and sprinkles.

It's no secret that my family loves cupcakes! We baked our cupcakes inside ice cream cones for an extra touch of summer!

Here is another treat that kids love. Using Gimbal’s Fine Candies’ Gourmet Jelly Beans, Sprite and a popsicle mold, you can make some sweet popsicles that are festive and fun!

With all this great food, I SHOULD be worried about my weight (ha)...but I can concentrate on that after the long weekend!!  So, what am I wearing this weekend? I purchased a pair of red Chino shorts last year and let me tell you, I wear them all the time! In fact, I got a second pair this year! (My favorite shorts, by the way are Liz Claiborne shorts from JCPenney.).  Here are a few outfits I put together:

Old Navy Tank and Liz Claiborne Chino shorts

Old Navy striped tunic, Liz Claiborne shorts, Converse sneakers 

Mickey Shirt from Etsy/The Magical Feather. Bracelets from Charming Charlie. Phone case by Kate Spade NY.

This last outfit is a little bit more basic, but still very festive for an outside barbecue at the lake.

Navy tee with ruffle shoulders from TJMaxx and yet again (ha!) my Red shorts.

One last thing I must mention, my family loves Tervis tumblers. I was pleased to find two USA/Disney themed tervis cups at Epcot this past week. The perfect accessory, in my opinion!

So, how are you celebrating this July 4th weekend!?

--God Bless the USA--

A return visit to Fanta Sea

I was excited to return to Fanta Sea in Sarasota today! It's my favorite store for coastal decor!

Tween Room makeover: Black, White, and Purple

My daughter said NO MORE PINK. She is almost ten and wanted a TWEEN room.  This was the color palette my daughter chose. This was our FIRST step of the makeover.

Finished room PICS here (minus the drapes!):

Paint color: Sherwin Wlliams HGTV at Lowe's Voilet Cache

My daughter says "no more pink"! I love her current Pink Beach room, but she's ready for a bedroom makeover. Here are a few inspiration pics we found on Pinterest--notice they all have a black and white theme:

AND NOW TIME TO SHOP!! ... and make our own custom bedroom...

I was fortunate--I found this great duvet cover and shams on clearance!!

Most tweens are opting for teal this season but we are going purple!  I found this throw pillow (JCPenney) and sheets (Macy's) at the mall.

To blend in the lighter and darker shades of purple, I ordered a monogrammed pillowcase from Etsy. 

Drawer knobs from Etsy (replaced top two knobs on chest):

Light switch plate and outlet covers also from Etsy:

To soften the room, I am going with white  ruffled drapes from Target:

Purple jewelry box from PBTeen:

Fabric storage bins that match her comforter:

And a great black and white bath towel with her name in a purple font:

Check out this super cute garbage can I found at Walmart!  It's black with white polka dots, with a silver rim!

Also from Walmart, a hook shelf to hang her towel and jewelry along with a picture frame.

I've been picking up accessories at a   variety of places, such as Old-Tyme Pottery and Marshall's!

WHEN I HAVE MORE TIME...

My shopping list:

• Duvet cover (PB Teen)
• Fabric storage bins (PB Teen)
• Throw pillows (JCP and Etsy)
• Monogrammed bath towel (PB Teen)
• New sheets (Macy's)
• Drapes (Target)
• Light switch cover/outlet covers (Etsy)
• Drawer knobs (Etsy)
• Picture frames (Marshall's and Walmart)
• Wall hook (Walmart)
• Mirror behind the door (Walmart)
• Garbage can (Walmart)
• Lampshade (Walmart)
• Jewelry box (PB Teen)
• Vanity mirror (Marshall's)