"Utter {Decorating} Confusion"

This is an area in my kitchen that has given me "utter confusion" since the day I have moved in!! Here it is in the beginning.





Four years later, I added this loveseat!



Four years and 26 days (just in time to return it) I got rid of the loveseat and decided to paint the moldings and mantle shelf black, as suggested when I posted on Rate My Space.







I added two chairs and a table, hoping to capture a "french" look ~ although I liked the black paint on the fireplace surround, I still felt like something was not right............so I reposted on RMS.


It was suggested that I paint the wall between the mantle shelf and the molding black to make it appear as one big mantle, instead of a "floating shelf". So I did....


This is the final look (FOR NOW). I am sure that those chairs will be moving into my master bedroom one of these days, but I am pretty happy for now......except I would like to change out that greyish white builders tile..........

Purple Cast

This is my niece Sophia ~ isn't she the cutest? Poor little thing broke her arm for the second time..............gotta love the cast!

Chicken Squares {you must try}

1 can low sodium cream soup (Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Celery or Cream of Chicken)
6 tablespoons butter (melt, then cool) (okay to reduce to 4 tablespoons)
8 oz. cream cheese (low fat is okay)
dash of milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

4+ cups chopped, cooked chicken
Optional: chives, parsley

Crescent dinner rolls (each package makes 4 Chicken Squares)

(okay to double or triple recipe.)

Mix first six ingredients in mixer.
By hand, mix in chicken (and chives or parsley, if desired).

Unroll Crescent roll package; divide into four rectangles.
Roll out each rectangle into a square (use fingers to pinch together perforated diagonal line).
Drop a large spoonful of chicken mixture into center of square.
Fold over corners to create the “square.”

* At this point, you can put Chicken Squares on cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer into a zip lock bag. Take out of the freezer for about 1 hour (or ½ hour is okay) before baking.

When ready to bake Chicken Squares:

Spray baking sheet with cooking oil. Place Chicken Squares on cooking sheet.
Add dot of butter on top of each Chicken Square and sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes.

Happy Birthday Michael!!!

Today is my son Michael's birthday............Happy Birthday Michael!!

The Lambs Tail

I discovered this wonderful slice of antique heaven on my way home from a flea market - it is a quaint little shop nestled inside of an old barn. I love this place.

Ohhh.......I love these fall photos!!

Saw this one on this blog that I could spend hours on!

I HAVE EUROPEAN ENVY...SO I AM RE DECORATING

MY NEW SIDE ENTRANCE ~ INSPIRATION GREECE





MY NEW ENTRY HALL~ INSPIRATION SPAIN




MY NEW KITCHEN, COMPLETE WITH AGA ~ INSPIRATION GREAT BRITAIN





THE PLANS FOR MY DINING ROOM..........ITALIAN, OF COURSE




MY LUXURIOUS BEDROOM ~ INSPIRATION ITALY



A TINY LITTLE GUEST ROOM ~ INSPIRATION FRANCE



A WONDERFUL PLACE TO GATHER ~ INSPIRATION FRANCE



ITALIAN POWDER ROOM



MY "SCREENED IN, VERY CHIC" BACK PORCH WILL LEAD OUT ON TO THIS FAB TERRACE.




AND OF COURSE.........MY NEW VIEW!



I guess I need to wake up now....

High School Homecoming!

My oldest daughter Brianna poses for a shot with little sister Katie before she leaves for her homecoming dance.


This is my son Michael (the one pointing). He was selected along with three others to be on his high school freshman homecoming court - how cute!!!

GIRLFRIEND GETAWAY

PICKLE CHIX IN TRAVERSE CITY

Click here to view this photo book.