Happy PEEPS Easter!

This Easter while scouring the Internet for egg-decorating ideas I actually stumbled upon the PEEPS web site. You know what I am talking about. Those gooey little yellow baby chick sponge-like candies that you would get in your Easter basket every year. Of course I would eat the hollow chocolate bunny first, than the cellophane wrapped chocolate eggs and any other candy laying around in my basket, but those PEEPS were always the last thing left. To a kid that usually ate chocolate trying this peculiar marshmallow-like morsel was more of a curiosity factor than anything. Kind of like those pastel colored almonds that are wrapped in tulle (netting) and given as favor's at weddings. Okay now I am really dating myself and who actually does that anymore? Who ate them? Not me, not even as a kid attending a wedding, but the curiosity was always there. What did they taste like? Were they in my basket merely for decoration? I had to know. But a little yellow spongy chick, could I really eat it and like it? If my memory serves me correctly (hey! I am old) those little bite-sized candies were pretty sugary, and to a kid (and some adults) that is not a bad thing. I believe I did try the curious little yellow creature on one occasion. It was like eating a marshmallow with enough sugar to have any kid ricocheting off the walls in the event he or she ate too many of them.

PEEPS are not just a candy anymore that you see at Easter, and they do not just come in yellow chicks, PEEPS has become an institution! There are recipes, contests they even have a PEEPS event calendar for Pete's sake! PEEPS are now celebrated for Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas. They come in shapes like: hearts, stars, gingerbread men, reindeer, teddy bears, pumpkins, ghosts and cats. PEEPS are chocolate covered, chocolate dipped come in vanilla creme flavored, peppermint flavored, gingerbread and chocolate mousse! So please do not forget the PEEPS this Easter, they will bring back childhood memories in no time and have you smiling!

HAPPY EASTER!

thanks for taking a peek ~

Restful Reading Retreats

Whether it's in a corner of a room or in front of a window, we would all love to have that one space where we could relax and read a good book. These spaces are unique in where they were placed not to mention that most of them could be created in a weekend with pre-made cabinets and some ingenuity.

thanks for taking a peek ~

Colorful Accent Wall - Behind Shelves

Last summer we finished an area in our entry hall that required a much needed boost with a built-in. I knew I wanted to paint the back wall an accent color to make all my personal items pop not to mention add a little drama to this otherwise boring area of the house, but what color? Whether you have a bookcase, nook or hutch with shelves, try painting the back wall an accent color and see how a once ho-hum space can be a real show-off one instead!

                                                                                                                         thanks for taking a peek ~

I chose Aqua for my white cabinets and shelves and my Nautical treasures look fabulous.

Against the Royal Blue, heirloom blue & white dishes and pottery really stand out.

Kelly Green gets a standing ovation in this dining area.

Yellow always makes me smile :-)

Calming Blue so you get a little work done.

Different shades of Rose Pink play well with it's Pink Sofa companion.

Celandon Green looks great as a backdrop for this eclectic mix of items with the White Oak.

Hard-Working Spaces / Laundry Room

It's not often we're blown away by a laundry room. It’s usually the area of your house you don’t want anyone to see. Whether your washer and dryer are tucked away in a tiny nook or in a spacious basement or garage, utilizing every square inch counts. There are many elements that can make your laundry room more efficient.

keep in mind......

Pre-made cabinets from a home store are not only inexpensive they come in many sizes and can easily be installed to create not only storage but a folding station.

Task Lighting is essential. We use it in our kitchens so why not have it in our laundry rooms.

Contain all your laundry supplies in baskets to avoid clutter. If you have open shelves this is a great way to add a little charm to your laundry area.

Go Vertical to Dry Clothes: If your laundry room is too-small..... vertical space is often the most overlooked area in these rooms. Try hanging a small wooden ladder from the ceiling or a simple 1-1/2" dowel. Just make sure that you are able to reach them!

Outdoor Area Rugs - Al Fresco Decor

Al fresco decor has become a priority for homeowners, and now more furnishings dedicated to the outside are available more than ever before. Outdoor rugs are designed to reflect the same trends and styles found in interior floor coverings, but are made specifically for outdoor use. A while back I was looking for an Outdoor rug for my two outdoor patio areas. How are you suppose to decide which one you want when you have so many choices? Geometric, floral, solids, stripes, the possibilities are overwhelming and endless not to mention all the sizes, colors and patterns they can come in.. Depending on the area you are using your rug you need to ask yourself a few questions before you buy.


What size will I need?
If you have several pieces of furniture you may need a 5' x 7' or larger, 8' x 10' to designate a seating area. Outline with painter's tape on your surface the different sizes and place the furniture on and around this area. If you are placing the rug under furniture, it is suggested to have either all of the furniture legs on the rug, or just the front legs. This tip makes your choice so much easier!

What should it be made of?
Natural and synthetic woven materials allow outdoor rugs to be durable enough to handle all weather conditions. Outdoor rugs are commonly used in high-traffic interior areas, such as entryways or mud rooms. Synthetic coverings, such as polypropylene or plastic rugs, often come in a wider range of bright colors, can be easily hosed down and dry quickly. Additionally, they are light-weight so you can easily roll them up to move them around. Synthetic rugs are often less expensive than natural materials as well.

What Color and Pattern should I choose?
Area Rugs are now available in brightly-colored solids, stripes, floral, geometric and more. To determine which is right for your space, consider what will compliment your existing furnishings and how much of the rug will be visible. A bold pattern may be fun in a seating area while a simple solid or border patterned rug may be suitable under a dining table.

Where can I find my new Outdoor area rug?

SO many websites offer Indoor and Outdoor area rugs. I have listed a few below to help you in your search:

GrandinRoad.com

BallardDesigns.com

Frontgate.com

Overstock.com

Plowhearth.com

DashandAlbert.com

theCompanyStore.com

CottageandBungalow.com

CottageHomeMaine.com

OutddorRugsOnly.com

Couristan.com

Siesta Sunday - Outdoor Oasis - Dreamy Daybeds

Are you dreaming of Summer? Well it is still a ways off but Spring will be here sooner than you think. Get inspired by these wonderfully relaxing Outdoor ideas for lounging.We all like to kick our shoes off after a hectic day so why not create a "Spa" like retreat in your backyard. Happy Siesta~!~!~!~

                                                                                                                          thanks for taking a peek ~






Corner Retreat

Cool Breeze Lounger

Colorful Cabana

My Outdoor Oasis ~~*~~ Step 1: See how I made it.



Asian Outdoor Daybed

Perfect Order - Simple Storage Solutions

no-No-NO!

Have you ever had the feeling that you are a little disorganized? You know what I mean. The linen closet that has all your towels shoved in it, oh their folded but if anyone was to open it the towels would all fall out. Or how about your small bathrooms little vanity? That small under sink cabinet can barely hold cleaning supplies let alone toilet paper, soap and forget about putting extra towels in there. How about your kitchen utensils? Well in my house they are all in one drawer, one very small drawer.

YES-YES-YES!!!!

Most days I have to rummage through it for what I am looking for, I have absolutely no organization in any of these areas of my house. Well thank goodness for all the fabulous websites that offer not only solutions to your organizational skills or lack their-of, but simple, creative and unique fixes. When thinking of where you are going to store your items keep in mind that other areas in a room can provide much needed storage. Think vertical. Go up! How about under-bed drawers? Hang baskets on a wall. Stop and really think about the space you have or in some cases don't have and find that much needed in the unexpected place!

And the Giveaway Winner is.........................

  

thanks for taking a peek ~