Merry Christmas Eve

Dreaming of a white Christmas here on this rainy Christmas Eve!

View of entry/foyer today and also last night's view below!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

 

Beautiful Treasured Gifts

"Oh Christmas Tree!"

This beautiful golden Christmas tree is a sweet early Christmas gift from my daughter Sara. I love it and all its golden glory with beautiful teardrop rhinestones and gold glitter!

A beautiful addition to my collection of mini Christmas trees.

Enjoying these last days before Christmas!

I was also recently gifted this beautiful angel from my daughter Crystal, on my birthday.  I love it and its simplicity, the heart and the touches of gold too!

I’ve collected several angels over the years and this is a sweet and beautiful addition to my collection, and my holiday decor.

I am blessed with such wonderful daughters and appreciate their thoughtfulness, who know me so well and what I love!

~ Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Holiday Tablescape

A simple touch of Christmas here in our dining room.

Green and gold are my favorites!

 A close-up of my little tiered tray from above.

I always enjoy setting a pretty table!  And, I also enjoy styling tiered trays!

~ Merry Christmas!

Interchangeable Centerpiece

This Interchangeable Centerpiece is a great home decor item!  I enjoy changing it for the seasons and holidays.  It comes with different seasonal signs to add to the front (one for each side), it's so easy to change, and there are endless options for styling it.

Here I've used candleholders and candles, tucked in some greenery, winter picks, roses and buffalo plaid ribbon and used the "Merry Christmas" sign.

***You can find the direct link to this “Interchangeable Centerpiece” and more at my LIKEtoKNOW.it link!

Holiday Decor ~ Our Family Room

Ready for the Holidays!  I fell in love with Buffalo plaid this year.  So I got creative with some ribbon and fun pillow covers.

Feeling "Merry & Bright" on this bright and beautiful day!

 

There's no place like "HOME" for the holidays!

HOME sweet cozy home!

From our home to yours Merry Christmas!

Feeling Grateful~Grateful Pillow Cover

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

We certainly did, and even though it was not the usual gathering I’m feeling very “Grateful” today!

Oh, and leftovers are definitely on the menu today and I’m not sad about it!  Turkey & pickle sandwiches are the best!  Our favorite after Thanksgiving leftover treat!

YUM!

***You can find the direct link to this pillow cover and more at my liketoknow.it link!

Thanksgiving Themed Tiered Tray

Tomorrow we give thanks and count our blessings!

~ Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

This is my pretty tiered tray I styled for Thanksgiving!   

Enjoy!

Fall Golden Retriever Kitchen Towels

That smile says our boy Aeon approves of my cute new kitchen towels!

I just had to order the adorable “Fall Golden Retriever Kitchen Towels” a 2-pk set from @kohls

Hurry and get yours at a great price! Use TREAT20 at checkout, offer ends November 01 !!!

You can find the direct link to these Fall Golden Retriever Kitchen Towels and more at my liketoknow.it link!  Just look for this image!

:)

Individual Banana Pudding Treats

I love banana pudding!

But having a huge amount here for just hubby and I would not prove a lesson in good self control!

So I made these little individual banana pudding treats and they were so good!

I like that I can put together a single serving (or two for us) when I’m having the craving for this yummy treat! And, aren’t they so cute?!

Hubby really likes this because I can add the mini nilla wafer cookies before serving and they aren’t soft/soggy, I’m fine either way!

These are the ingredients used for my simple and quick version of banana pudding!  Mini Nilla wafers, Vanilla pudding cups and fresh banana.

~ For each Individual Banana Pudding I used two vanilla pudding cups, added banana slices and mini Nilla wafers.  That's it!  So easy and so good!

Note: To prevent bananas from browning dip banana slices in equal parts lemon & water mixture!

Enjoy!

 

"Autumn... the year's last, loveliest smile."

This Autumn/Pumpkin pillow is a pillow cover.  I enjoy using pillow covers!

They’re so easy to use and make it so simple to change your decor, also they are easy to store and very affordable!

I purchased this one as a four pack with three other different pillow covers at a great price on Amazon!

Are you taking advantage of Amazon prime day today and tomorrow?!

You can find the direct link to this pillow cover and more at my liketoknow.it link!

Happy Shopping!

Hello October

Fall feels with this cute sweater pumpkin.

It sure feels like I could use a sweater here today, there’s a little chill in the air.

We have sunshine, a bright blue sky and it’s a beautiful Fall day!

Fall is here!

October, is the official mark of fall for me!  More so since I've been living in the south.  It's hard to think it's fall when it is still blazing hot outside.  I don't hate fall, I just dislike what follows it!  

There's much to love about Fall!  I think I love the change of colors the most in the Fall. Oh, and the comforts like delicious comfort foods such as soups, stews and yummy chili!  And also the feel of cozy blankets and warm sweaters.

 ~ Wishing you a beautiful October!...

Thrifty Fall Decor

Well, September sure passed in a about minute didn’t it?!

I’m usually slow to “fall” but getting the fall feels now over here!  Since October arrives tomorrow I am officially letting go of summer.  Me the summer lovin' gal!

While anticipating adding more fall decor I've been thinking that less is more this year or taking a simplistic approach.  Maybe it's due to this whole situation of life we've all been experiencing.  

We will see if that less is more simplicity holds true in the weeks ahead.*wink*  

This sweet little sunflowers picture is a found treasure while thrifting last winter, something about it spoke to me and I loved the gold frame! I got it and then tucked it away.

I was delighted to find it among my fall decor stash so out it came and I’ve placed it here in this vignette to enjoy and welcome fall!

Hey look at me, I think I'm doing the simplistic, less is more thing here!*smiles*

Enjoy!...

My Magnolia Journal

It’s been a wet and cloudy afternoon. It feels like fall and I just want to get cozy, and I’ve needed extra cups of ambition today!!!

Now I’m calling it a day and simply enjoying this latest issue of Magnolia Journal...

I’ve loved each issue I’ve received in my subscription. (A lovely gift from a friend! ) It’s filled with lots of ideas and inspiration, stories from the heart, beautiful images, delicious recipes and so much more.

I highly recommend it!

And who doesn’t love all things Magnolia, along with Chip and Joanna Gaines?! I know I do all the more after reading each Magnolia Journal!

I hope you’ll pick up a copy {or try a subscription} and enjoy it as much as I do!

~ My Tip of the day! ~

Hello FALL~Adding a touch of fall

It’s a beautiful first day of fall here in Georgia. We have fall temps today with lots of sunshine.  It's still very green outdoors and we're seeing only a slight change in color of the leaves.

I’m enjoying this lovely view today and these pretty maple leaves.  I used them to create this simple arrangement with a nod to fall.

Lovin’ their neutral vibe!

You can find the direct link to this cream maple leaf bush and more at my liketoknow.it link!

I hope you’re having a wonderful first day of fall, and as it’s said here in the south...

Happy Fall Y’all!

September~Late Summer Decor in our Foyer Area

September brought us lots of sunshine and blue skies.  I'm hanging onto summer while being inspired by all the fall inspiration.  This is a current view of a little late summer decor in our foyer area.

A sweet floral arrangement for the door is perfect for this time!  Sharing a close up below as I was creating it.  A wicker hand bag with sunflowers and greenery tucked into it, added a simple bow and voila!

~ Happy Labor Day weekend!

Our Family Room Fireplace Area Decor~ "HOME" decor piece

HOME, it is where I’m most comfortable and it’s my favorite place to be. When I’m not at home you can bet I’m probably wishing I was.

This is the current look of our fireplace area in the family room.

I got this sweet HOME sign from my daughter as a gift, it has extra pieces to change for the seasons. 

You can find it in my Amazon Favorites in my profile link if interested.

If you're interested in one of these HOME signs visit the link below Shop - My Amazon Favorites/Seasonal.

~ From our HOME to yours I wish you a home filled with much love and happiness!

Shop - My Amazon Favorites

Apple Slaw

I made this delicious no-mayo coleslaw that’s so good!  I prepared a huge bowl of it for my hubby and I a couple weeks ago and enjoyed it most of that week.  It gets better next day or more.

I just had to make it again this weekend and also wanted to share my recipe.  It’s so basic and so easy to make.

Cabbage, apple, carrot and red onion, dressed with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and salt & pepper.  I love it!  It tastes good and it looks good, it’s so colorful too!

Hubby named it...”Tam’s Apple Slaw.”  I hope you’ll give it a try and love it as much as we do!

~*~

~ Apple Slaw ~

- Ingredients:

1 small head Cabbage - shredded

1 Apple - cored, shredded (I used Gala)

1 Carrot shredded

1/2 red Onion - shredded

3 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

3 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp Lemon juice or from 1/2 Lemon

1 Tbsp White Balsamic vinegar

Salt & Pepper

- Instructions:

Shred the cabbage, apple, carrot and onion, I carefully used my mandoline or simply use a grater/shredder or food processor.

Combine all ingredients and mix well, adjust to taste. (If it seems too dry add more oil and vinegar, etc.)

~*~

I love the combo of the the main ingredients and the tang of the vinegars and lemon juice.

If you don’t like onion, leave it out. And, take an easy short-cut by using a prepared coleslaw mix. I made it without carrots before since I didn’t have any, but I prefer the sweetness and color that the carrots add!

This dish is perfect for any picnic, bbq, pitch-in or take-a-long, especially due to no-mayo!

I like getting extra veggies and fruits into my daily meals. This is a great way to do it!

Enjoy!

Thrifty Painted Medallion Transformation~ Simple makeover using paint & wax!

I transformed this beautiful medallion with a makeover using paint.

~*~

I picked up this medallion for two dollars at GW.

I knew I wanted to paint this the second I saw it! I’ve added a few images of the process. And isn’t it lovely with its new look?!

~*~

I gave this a layer of white chalk paint then after dry, distressed it using an emery board nail file.  Next I gave it some clear and dark wax and then did some buffing with a soft cloth.

~*~

It’s now the piece I envisioned it to be! I love the details and how the distressing and wax make them pop! I’ve seen similar pieces for twenty-five dollars and up!

Using chalk paint and wax is the easiest way to transform a piece!  Don’t be afraid to give it a try!

  

Beautiful Eucalyptus & Rose Garland~ Summer Decor Ideas

Sharing a little summer decor in our living room, where I did a little restyling of my ladder using this beautiful eucalyptus & rose garland I just received!  A pinterest inspired idea had me on the hunt for the perfect garland.

Well this one is it, it’s full and has several roses and tiny flowers on it with a nice color variation of the greenery.  It’s great quality and very affordable too. 

I know I’ll enjoy using this lovely garland throughout the seasons!

If you're interested in one of these beautiful garlands visit the link below Shop My Amazon Favorites/Home Decor.

~ I hope you’ve all had a beautiful weekend!

Shop My Amazon Favorites

Tiered Tray - Summer style

I dressed up my little tiered tray today!

Just a little something I put together with a summer feel using some greens, white flowers and the sweetest picture frame I found at GW for 1$ sometime ago. I simply used an image from a sales brochure to create the picture in the frame!

- My Tip of the day! -

Patriotic Decor

Happy 4th of July!

A little patriotic decor in our upstairs hallway.

Wishing everyone a happy Independence Day! And even though it may be different this year, I hope we all can enjoy a wonderful celebration of this beautiful country and our home sweet home!

“Happy Independence Day & Happy Birthday America!”

Our Golden boy Aeon isn’t so sure about all of the noise associated with this holiday, but we keep reassuring him that it’s all good and everything is fine, that he’s safe here with us, has our love and protection, and extra hugs!
We celebrate our flag, our independence and this great country today. It’s a great day to celebrate, a great day for America!

God bless us all and God bless America!

Be safe!

XOXO ~ Tammy

Patriotic Red White & Blue Salad

Serve up some patriotic food with this beautiful and delicious salad!

This salad is perfect for the Fourth of July holiday, or anytime!  A perfect summer salad too!

~ Red, White & Blue Salad ~

Salad greens, fresh Strawberries and Blueberries, Feta Cheese, and Walnuts

Serve with a salad dressing of your choice. We like a lite-Italian or Vinaigrette.

Wishing everyone a fun, safe and spectacular Fourth of July celebration!

~ God Bless AMERICA!...

Hello JULY

And, then it was July!

::: A new day, a new month and new beginnings...And, a patriotic welcome in our foyer.

I love this beautiful heart shaped tin flag, a Cracker Barrel find from a few years back.

It's perfect for the month of July displayed on our door.

We’ve had a beautiful first day of July. A lovely summer’s day. 

I look forward to many more ahead!...

Thrifty Centerpiece~Styled Four Ways

I’ve truly gotten my money’s worth from this thrifty decor piece I scored last spring for a couple of dollars!  I’ve changed it with the seasons.  It’s back to the look I gave it originally last spring, except I’ve added some pretty roses.

It began as a simple candelabra that I found at a thrift store.  My original post shows how it looked when I found it and what I did to it after I got it home, pictured below.  I was so pleased with my new treasure, and the minimal price paid for it.

Centerpiece Makeover

I enjoyed the look for Spring and right into Summer!  

Fall Centerpiece

A little trip to the dollar store and I had some new items to change it up for Fall!

Christmas/Holiday Centerpiece

When the holidays were approaching I used different candle holders and candles, along with some holly with berries, pine cones and red tulle bows tucked in for a new look!

Our Garden Perinnials

Sunshine and blue skies always makes me happy!

And, some of my favorite perennials in my garden.

This Privet has been blooming beautifully and so fragrantly for a couple of weeks.
I look forward to it’s white blooms every year, and it’s one of my favorite things in the Spring!
The sun was just popping up and casting a golden glow behind and to the left.

I’m happy to have this beautiful view to enjoy!

Liriope Big Blue, Liriope Variegated, and Hostas. These are easy low maintenance plants that keep on giving! And, they flower in the Summer, the Liriope blooms pretty purple-ish spikes and the Hostas tall white & lavender flowers.
In the Spring I trim the Liriope as the new foliage appears, the Hostas simply pop through the ground and look gorgeous.

My fun tip of the day!

Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips

Snacking happy!  I’m always looking for new ways to eat healthy, lighter or cut calories.  Snacks are important to help one stay satisfied between meals, but they can throw the balance way off if not careful!

We’ve been enjoying these guilt free Air fryer corn tortilla chips and salsa!  Two whole corn tortillas are only 100 calories, and Salsa is almost no-calorie at only about 10 calories per 2 TBSP!

These air fryer chips are so simple to prepare and so delicious!

To prepare:  I cut the whole soft corn tortillas into chips, put them in a single layer, spray lightly with olive oil spray, place them into the Air fryer and cook at 400° for approximately 8-10 minutes, then serve with some tasty salsa.

~*~

Happy “Cinco de Mayo!”

Today we are enjoying this!  We always love my homemade Guacamole with Salsa and fresh Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips!

~ Happy Hour goodness today!

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Mmm!...Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

If you’ve never had zucchini bread, this is one to start with because you won’t believe there’s zucchini in it!  And, if you already like zucchini bread, and if you like chocolate too, you’re gonna love this!

I used a recipe I found awhile back and tweaked a bit to make it my own.  The double dose of chocolate from cocoa & chocolate chips makes this taste more like cake or brownies.  It’s so delicious!

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 + 2/3 cups all purpose flour 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cocoa

2 cups finely shredded zucchini, (peeled-optional) gently pressed

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Lightly grease an 8 or 9 inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, honey, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

In a separate bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cocoa, mix well then combine with eggs and sugar mixture.  Mix until well combined. 

Stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips.    

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle walnuts on top.(optional)

Bake the bread for 65 to 75 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the bread from the oven, and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing from the pan onto a rack.

Cool completely before slicing; store well wrapped and at room temperature.

Enjoy!...

And then it was APRIL

I’ve often said “shop your home before buying new!” Well, I’m certainly practicing what I preach even more so during these unfamiliar days! Aren’t we all?!

I shopped my home for some change of scenery. I created a little something sweet and cheerful to celebrate Easter and Spring! It’s making me smile!

I hope you’re doing well and finding much to smile about!

~ Stay safe, stay healthy!

xoxo ~ Tammy

Bye-bye winter! Hello SPRING!

Hello Everyone...I hope you’re all doing well and staying healthy!

“Home” is even more precious these days, isn’t it?! Our safe spot, shelter, a place of hope shared with family.  We are all facing this covid-19 pandemic and unsure about how long we will be sheltering at home, alone together!

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” – Confucius

I’m staying busy and finding things to focus on that bring joy and peace to my mind. What better time to “shop my home” and do some redecorating?!

Oh, and it’s the last day of winter, that makes me smile! And, we are expecting temps to reach 80° tomorrow, as we welcome spring!

~ Bye-bye winter! Hello SPRING!...