Paper White Narcissus Project

Take a break from the holiday running and start this easy project. Paper White Narcissus are a holiday flower, but I start mine now, so they bloom in the snowfilled month of January. Since I just started mine today, I will keep you posted on their progress. This is also great fun for kids- watching the roots entwine and flowers start!

You will need:
Clean vase or two
River Rocks, marbles, glass gems, or stones

Paper White Narcissus bulbs (these can be purchased at any big box store- I got mine at Home Depot).

Ingredients- I used river rocks in my vases.

These are the filled vases. Add water to touch the bottom of the bulbs and you will see sprouts in a couple of days. They will bloom in 4-6 weeks. I will keep you posted on the progress...

Christmas in Germany

Our family was lucky enough to "hop over the pond" at Thanksgiving time and spend a week with our family in Germany. The Christmas markets were just opening up on our last days, so I thought I would share some "Gemuetlichkeit" with you. The old fashioned ambience and Christmas feel was a real treat- a totally different experience from the hustle and bustle that Americans have during the holidays. Stroll through the picturesque town with me and enjoy the market while sipping your cocoa or Gluehwein ( a spiced wine that is served warm)!

Great architecture in Rothenberg:


Christmas Markets in Stuttgart:

A Clothing Swap Party!

A great idea from CNN.com! By Wendy Atterberry

Not only is a clothing swap a great excuse to organize your closets, get rid of stuff you no longer want, and gather a group of girlfriends for an afternoon or evening of cocktails and clothes, it's also an opportunity to score some totally free new-to-you outfits and accessories.

Swapping clothes can turn into a festive occasion with food and drink.

I found one of my favorite dresses -- a vintage summer maxi dress -- at a clothing swap a couple years ago, but I've also scored some cool jewelry, a couple silk vintage slips, a few purses, and once I even nabbed a pair of barely-worn Seven jeans that fit like a glove (for once, I was grateful for my curvy hips).
Hey, one woman's trash is another woman's favorite pants, here's my top six tips for throwing a successful clothing swap...

Read more and enjoy!

Fall Reading

With the weather turning colder- I have been reading quite a bit. You probably noticed since my blog has been quiet lately! Here's a list of some of my current reads. Check out my book reviews at GirlzNetwork.com.

What are you reading these days? Any recommendations?


A Year in the World by Frances Mayes.
Amazon $10.20

Be the Pack Leader by Cesar Millan.
Amazon $11.16


Cage of Stars by Jacquelyn Mitchard.
Amazon $11.19


Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig.
Amazon $6.99

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet.
Amazon $16.49

Autumn Abundance- Decorate for the Seasons

This is an article that I wrote- posted to Ezine Articles. Bring a bit of Autumn into your decorating this season!

Autumn Abundance- Decorate for the Seasons

The children are back in school and the leaves are changing colors- it must be autumn. This is the perfect time to welcome the season with some new décor ideas. No need to spend hours or huge dollars to achieve a great autumn look in your space. Enjoy the crisp air and take a cue in your decorating from nature and the outdoors. Bring in the fall leaves, gourds, and pumpkins with these decorating ideas!

1. Think Abundance! Autumn is all about pumpkins, gourds, apples, wheat, and colorful vegetables. Scout out the local farmer’s market and start decorating. Fill to overflowing a large basket or bowl with your fall bounty and use that as your centerpiece. Tablescape on a grand scale with pumpkins, wheat and other fall favorites.

2. Switch the pillows! Put the summer pillows and linens away. Reach for rich autumnal colors and interesting textures. Treat yourself to a new throw with great texture in chocolate brown, rust, or orange. Orange pillows instantly brighten a spot, and orange is the “IT” color this fall.

3. Turn the lights down! Group candles on a tray on your dining or coffee table. Again, think abundance and use a lot of candles- vary the height and size, but keep the color the same for maximum impact.

4. Inspired Art! Change the artwork in your living space. Hang a textural wreath where a picture was, or take photos for a black/white display that shows off your creative side.

5. Bring the branches in! Fill a vase, urn, or terra cotta pot with branches from your fall garden clean-up. They will look very sculptural in the foyer or on your fireplace hearth.

6. Don’t forget the fireplace! Place birch logs in your fireplace when it’s not in use. Or group those candles again, within the fireplace and set the mood.

7. Bake something! Nothing says autumn like the smell of comfort food and spices. The smell of cinnamon and spices, even if its cheating with a pre-bought pie placed in the oven, makes everything cozy and warm.

8. Paint your front door! Add instant curb appeal when you paint your entry door. A rich color will freshen up tired landscaping, and usher in the fall season.

9. Plant those mums! Splurge on some new fall plantings in great colors. Group them all together in terra cotta pots for maximum effect and more cost effective.

10. Wash the windows! This tip is seasonless. Nothing says “I take great joy in my home” more than clean windows. A little elbow grease goes a long way!

Enjoy the autumn season- take long walks, collect leaves, carve pumpkins, sip cider, and marvel at the beauty of nature. Open up your home to nature’s seasonal bounty and start decorating! In this season, more is definitely better- so decorate with fun abandon!

Birthday Celebration

We celebrated a birthday yesterday, and enjoyed this homemade cheesecake- yes, I did actually bake it! Lemon curd and raspberries decorated it.

The best part of the day, right behind all of the hugs and kisses was watching our "tween" thoroughly enjoy her presents. It was an electronic birthday- camera and cell phone, and pure joy! The cell phone is a prepaid minute type and she just really just loves listening to the ring tone! When was the last time you really got excited for a new gadget? I can't remember truly enjoying my cell phone, instead of viewing it as a nuisance or a necessity. Oh, to be young again!

Happy, happy day!

Autumn Basket

Need a fun, quick centerpiece? Grab a large basket and let's get started!

This basket is overflowing with items that scream FALL! Raffia and grapevine pumpkins add a splash of color and texture- go ahead and use real ones if they are available. Large pinecones add texture. Seed balls give us a great shape and feel. And finally, a bit of sparkle with a wire garland in bronze. Layer on the pretty linens and your table is set! The added bonus- this is a very light weight arrangement, so it can be taken off and moved with ease!

DIY project in minutes- what are you waiting for?

Helpful tip: Go overboard and fill the large basket with plenty of items- this is the season of abundance, after all!

Clutter Busting Tips from Real Simple

Real Simple magazine has your fall clutter busting tips at hand. This magazine really gets to the heart of the clutter issue with these 7 simple steps to beating clutter, once and for all! Fall cleaning has never looked so great! Here's a condensed version of the 7 steps for those who are going to start right away, or try this link to Real Simple for more in-depth!

Clutter Buster Tips:

1. Act like you are moving. There is nothing like a deadline to make you actually complete a job!

2. Assess your rooms. Make sure each room and item has a purpose in it's space.

3. Clean out for a worthy cause. In this day of economic chaos- your "stuff" is appreciated by many charities. Donate!

4. Edit your rooms. Simplify the space you live in.

5. Make organizing a team effort. Everyone in the family can help with this one! Remember the "one in, one out" rule, and use it!

6. Shop in your closet. try on items that you haven't worn in a while and update your look that way.

7. Put apples with apples and oranges with oranges. Group like items together and put them where they will actually be used.

Enjoy your fall clean-up!

Trader Joe's- A Field Trip

Who doesn't like a good field trip! A couple of girlfriends and I traveled to Trader Joe's today. I had to share some of the pictures with you because this store has taken visual merchandising of food to a new level! I love this store, and could probably camp out there, but we did have to get home to our Little Ones! Of course, a bit of lunch was eaten. The fabulous margaritas were Cactus Flower- look at that color!

Trader Joe's


Like a European Flower Market

Orchids in every size and shape

Elevating the visual display of cookies

Not such a secret- "$2 Buck Chuck" wine by the case

I even like the grocery carts

And finally, Cactus Flower margaritas- shopping is very hard work!

Domino Magazine- October Issue

Okay- it's Sunday evening, and I had plans to watch football and leisurely look through the latest edition of Domino that I got yesterday. Well, I have not even made it past page 50 "scouting" and feel the need to share some great ideas! I cannot wait to look through the rest of the magazine tonight!

Love the idea of a cylinder vase holding extra toilet tissue!

How about 5 easy steps to an organized pantry? Everyone can do this!

What else is in this issue? I am signing off, grabbing a glass of wine, and enjoying thoroughly.

Have a great Monday morning everyone!

It's a Dog's Life!

Happy, Happy Friday!

It's truly a dog's life in our house! Sorry for the messy bedding, but our Cock a Poo seems to really enjoy the hot pink satin duvet cover! This is how a lazy day should be spent- enjoy your weekend!

It's Apple Season!

It's apple season, and the baking has begun. Start with a favorite of mine, Apple Crisp, and the whole house smells great while it's baking! The scent of cinnamon always enhances your decor (a real estate staging tip)- go ahead and bake something today!

Apple Crisp

4 cups sliced apples ½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup dry oatmeal 1/3 cup melted butter

Place apples in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice.

Combine dry ingredients and melted butter, mixing until its crumbly. Sprinkle over apples in baking dish.

Bake 375° for 30 minutes, until bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and/or caramel sauce.

Pumpkin Bread- a Favorite Autumn Treat

Autumn is approaching and I am nesting a bit in this cooler weather- you know cleaning house, reading books, and cooking some of my favorite fall dishes. This quick bread is super easy, tasty, and freezes well- one of my all time favorites!

Pumpkin Bread

2 cups sugar

¾ cup water

1 cup oil

2 cups pumpkin (1 small can)

4 eggs

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 ½ teaspoons salt

3 1/3 cups sifted flour

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Mix ingredients until smooth. Do not overwork batter.

Pour into 2 ungreased 9x5 loaf pans.

Bake at 350° for 1 hour, 20 minutes

A Great New Read

Its been a busy week for me- new Etsy shop (FlowerGirlz- check us out!), new part-time job (scheduling my family is a full time gig!), school started around here, keeping up the websites, and still I found time to read a great book! Okay- some other things were put on hold while I was sucked in to Lisa Gardner's new book, Say Goodbye. Its creepy, crawling good fun with a hint of scary obsessions- especially about spiders! It has all of the ingredients for an edge of seat thriller- good FBI guys and gals, spooky bad psychopaths, kidnappings, murders, etc. Read this one with the doors locked this weekend!

Happy Friday, and happy reading this weekend!

Say Goodbye, by Lisa Gardner

Available at Amazon for $16.50.

FlowerGirlz- Our Etsy Shop

Happy Tuesday morning!

We have been very busy this Labor Day weekend at GirlzDecorate. We opened an Etsy shop called FlowerGirlz!

I am very excited to announce FlowerGirlz, since it was a collaborative effort in my family. The best husband in the world is the technical side of it, and the creative side is the women in my life. My mom is the artist, I am the floral decor, and my daughter will soon be showing her creative touches as well! All of us love anything botanical and in nature, so that is the reoccurring theme in our wares. I will be posting a permanent link on the site (hopefully tonight), but you can check us out right now through this link!


Enjoy browsing, and we would love feedback- as well as purchases!

Lentil Salad- Perfect Picnic Food

This Lentil Salad has become my "go to" salad this barbeque season! Not only is it tasty, but easy to make, and improves the longer it sits! Great for picnics, since there is no mayonnaise and tastes good at room temperature. I just throw the salad together, so here is my impromptu recipe.

Try it this Labor Day weekend- you will not be disappointed!

Lentil Salad

Cook half of the bag of lentils according to directions on the package. Use the whole bag if feeding a crowd! Lentils expand a bit, so it makes a lot.

When the lentils are cooked and still warm, mix with your favorite Italian dressing and dried Italian seasoning to taste.

Then add: chopped carrots and celery, one chopped red or yellow bell pepper

The best part: Add anything marinated and from a jar! I use:

marinated artichokes

spicy banana peppers

sliced black olives or green olives

roasted red peppers

pickled green beans

marinated mushrooms

And the list goes on, only guided by your creativity.

Stir all together and let blend for at least a couple of hours- great overnight!

The pictures are decorated with a fresh nasturium- they add a slightly peppery taste.

Art Street Fest

One of the sure signs in our area that summer is ending- not Back to School stuff everywhere- but a festival called Art Street. Art Street encompasses everything that a festival should- good food, music, drink, and of course the Arts. Fine Art, Photography, Textiles, Jewelry, Woodworking, and Ceramics are all here in some form or another. It's a feast for the eyes, and a great place to buy unique pieces and be inspired to create your own.


Here's a taste of the atmosphere: (Unfortunately, one cannot really capture the artwork itself in photos!)

Love this guy!

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

A Game for Bloggers

Okay- I am a sucker for games, especially ones that are food based. I came across this one at Chocolate and Zucchini and filled it out according to directions. Here are my results- I really am a "foodie" at heart.

The Omnivore's Hundred is an eclectic and entirely subjective list of 100 items that Andrew Wheeler, co-author of the British food blog Very Good Taste, thinks every omnivore should try at least once in his life.

The Omnivore’s Hundred
Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.

Here’s what I want you to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

I am a "foodie"- 65 items off the list, and I would try all of the others! Andrew Zimmern and Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel had better watch out.

New from Domino

Good Monday Morning,

While reading my new Domino magazine this weekend, I came across a new feature that they are offering. It's called the Deco File and is "an online inspiration board that lets you organize all your decorating ideas and images in one paperless space".

Wow- you need to only register and then you can save pictures, create albums, and share your albums with friends via your blog... Sounds like a plan to me! Another great way to reduce clutter, and as always, Domino is right on top of trends AGAIN!

Register for your new "My Deco File" from Domino here. Let me know how its working for you- I think I will be starting mine this weekend...

Happy thoughts, and get to work on that new decorating file!

Sailing Away

Images of a fleeting summer...

Shoreline and Lighthouse on a picturesque day along Lake Michigan.

Happy Weekend!

Craft Room- Revisited

After spending yesterday afternoon, wading through my daughter's bedroom (a Back-To-School ritual for us), I needed a bit of a design break! Realizing that my craft room is on hold in our vacation place, but desperately needed after seeing my daughter's room, I did a little digging through some organizing sites. I have found some favorites, and now just need to place them in the room- at least in my mind and on paper!

Just an FYI- we are messy crafters and need lots of stuff and places to put the stuff! I tend to look right away at children's play areas- after all, we are "playing"!

From Pottery Barn Kids:
Flexi Wall System




I love the orange of the storage units and the versatility that comes with this unit.

From The Container Store:
The Elfa System


Elfa will probably be the system that I use- it's versatility, storage and drawer units will work for us. Although- I am drawn to the looks of the Pottery Barn one! So many choices, and so much time to deliberate!

Are there any great storage/craft systems out there that you want to share. I am open to any and all to keep my clutter under control!

Glass Flowers

Happy Monday Morning!

A garden project to start the week off with- Glass Flowers!

You will need:
1. wine bottles (use the ones from this weekend's Sangria!)
2. wooden dowels
3. paint
4. clear glass plates and/or bowls
5. glass beads or marbles
6. glass adhesive (available at your local craft stores)

This is a relatively easy project that you can do with the kids! Paint a flower on the underside of a glass plate and allow to dry. Use marbles, gems, beads as the center of the flower- attaching with the glass adhesive on the top of the plate. Follow the directions on the glue itself for best results. Then attach the finished glass flower to an inverted wine bottle with glue (see picture). Stake it in the ground and watch your flowers grow!

The 2008 Olympics!

Happy Friday!

The opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing is tonight. Who is not excited? I am very anxious to see China- I know it will be glossed over, but an interesting venue anyway. Good luck to all of the athletes! Just a little history behind the symbol...
The Olympic symbol consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions (the Olympic rings), used alone, in one or in five different colours, which are, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green and red. The rings are interlaced from left to right; the blue, black and red rings are situated at the top, the yellow and green rings at the bottom in accordance with the following graphic reproduction. The Olympic symbol expresses the activity of the Olympic Movement and represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.

Credit: IOC

Visiting Farmer's Market, Part 2

We went to our Wednesday night Farmer's Market, unable to make the larger Saturday one this past weekend. What I like about our Wednesday market is that it is right downtown amidst the shops and has a very unique mix of vendors. My photographic eye (LOL), caught the amazing array of flowers, and some fresh dill, but the veggie stands did not turn out as well. You will just have to wait until this Saturday to check out our abundant vegetable choices here in the Midwest.

Does your area have a Farmer's Market? What do you buy there and how do you prepare it? Let me know your thoughts...