Productivity!

My vacation last week was very relaxing and productive!  After spending those few days at the beach, we settled in for a week at home.  I did get EVERYTHING crossed off my to-do list!  Asides from having great meals, resting, and generally having a good time, I was able to plant my herb garden, plant new flowers in my pots, get my patio set up (except for the table), create my gallery wall, Spring clean the house, golf, and went to the farmer's market a couple of times for those fresh veggies.

Gallery wall on the upstairs staircase

  

At the top of that staircase (finally got my map framed and hung).  I love the colors in the map and will take an up close picture soon.  I'm not settled on the table decor though... any ideas for it?

The start of my herb garden.  So far we have dill, Italian oregano, mint, and cilantro in the first basket.  

They were selling these geraniums at Lowe's.  I couldn't pass up on the pink one.  

One of two potted plants out in front.   My snapdragons, which were in the pots, didn't live through the Winter.

Table Decor for Spring

These bright, cheerful and elegant tables will make any room feel welcoming to guests.

via Southern Living

via Better Homes and Gardens

via Country Living

via Better Homes and Gardens

via HGTV

via HGTV

via Martha Stewart

via Country Living

Easter Eggs

Easter is once again upon us and one of the fun things Easter celebrations include is egg decorating and egg hunts.  I would have never thought of some of these egg decorating ideas. I think they're great and  I love the simplicity of some of these.  There are so many great ideas out there but these were among my favorites.  Click on the links below each picture to get the directions on how to create them yourselves!

via Better Homes and Gardens

via Country Living

via Country Living.  These remind me of cotton candy!

via Country Living

via Better Homes and Gardens

via Parents

via Martha Stewart

via Martha Stewart

Shrimp sandwiches!

The shrimp obsession continues...  this time with shrimp sandwiches or my version of a shrimp po-boy. I used a Paula Deen cole-slaw recipe which can be found here.  I left out the bell pepper, used less mayo and added more vinegar since I am not a mayonnaise fan.  We sautéed the shrimp with a little butter and added some cajun spices.  My husband put the tomatoes on his sandwich but I opted for them on the side with some salt and pepper.  This meal wasn't that expensive and was soooo easy to make!  Just follow the coleslaw recipe and tweak it as you'd like, add some shrimp and a hoagie roll then you are done!

Spring Break

My husband and I are both off work this week. We started off the week with a beach trip this past weekend, I finally got there!  We stayed on Bald Head Island and enjoyed a quiet, relaxing couple of days.  Now that we're back, I still want to relax this week but I also want to get some things done I've haven't had the time to.

The to-do list includes going to the farmer's market for some fresh produce, spring cleaning in the house, golfing... since we haven't had the time or the proper weather when we did have the time, working on our dining chairs, visiting with family and friends, planting an herb garden and some Spring plants, and then a few other things I'm sure.

Picture I took of the BHI lighthouse

Another of a welcome sign

While we were down at the coast on Saturday, some devastating tornadoes and storms swept across NC.  Some of those tornadoes affected my area and we count ourselves very lucky to not have damage at our home or to have any other losses.  Please keep those affected in your thoughts during these tough times.

Anniversaries

Two years ago today I married my best friend.  I can't believe where time is going.  I want us to start an anniversary tradition but not sure what that'll be.  One things for sure though, on our wedding day, on our first anniversary, and now today, it has been absolutely beautiful outside!  Do you have any anniversary traditions?

Some photos of our wedding day by the amazing photographer, Dana Hawley.

A girl can dream

Lately, I've been dreaming of the beach.  I want to pack a bag and get away for a little while.  The weather was nice here and I thought we were having an early, early Spring but then it turned nasty again this week with rain and cold temperatures.  I had already broken out my shorts and sandals and then, bam, it's 40 degrees again.  Luckily, it will be in the 80's again by Monday.  Gotta love North Carolina! 

Here are some of my favorite pictures from past beach experiences that I will reminisce with for now.

From a trip to Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach

From a trip to Bald Head Island

From a trip to Southport