Lovely Autumn

photo courtesy of wstryder

"In the other gardens

And all up the vale,

From the autumn bonfies

See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over

And all the summer flowers,

The red fire blazes,

the grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!

Something bright in all,

Flowers in the summer

Fires in the fall! "

- Robert Louis Stevenson, Autumn Fires

courtesy of Wolfgang Staudt

courtesy of aunt owwee

courtesy of basykes

courtesy of ciccioetneo

courtesy of daily picture

courtesy of paul (dex)

I haven't forgotten about you dear friends- as soon as this busyness is over (tile laying, wall painting, wood floor installing etc), I will have alot of new pictures and tidbits of decorating advice.

Love you all,

beautiful bargains

As we've started doing our part of this fabulous home build, we've been searching for the best deals in town, and then doing as much labor as we can to save even more.  Check out the Travertine tiles we got for way below cost at the local Builders Warehouse.  I love this pattern, and they are very easy to lay,  I'll be sure to post pics after I grout.

dining room floor

Fireplace waiting stacked stone treatment and timber mantel



another view of the dining room



love my little square windows:)

Next week our engineered wood flooring will be arriving- and believe me, it will knock your socks off-  I'll give you info on the flooring and the store that we've purchased from.  I can't wait for you to see. Well, I'm off to a 4 day tile-o-rama weekend.  See you soon kiddos

Chicken Scallopini makes my heart sing



Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond


A couple of weeks ago I made a new family favorite, Ree Drummond’s Chicken Scallopini. The kids and Mr. Homemaker have been raving about it ever since, so it’s gotta be a once a month thing now:) The bright flavor of lemons, white wine and capers make this dish a winner. Believe it or not- it’s so easy. Not mac n cheese easy, but close. Give it a try and tell me what you think- and if it doesn’t turn out so good, come see me when I make it next, and I’ll fix you a plate.  And by the way Ree if your lookin, I just love ya girl, you are one of my heros, right up there with Amy Matthews, Paula Deen & Ina Garten:) 
Check out her recipe here