UK Trip Recap

I don't know what happened, but I somehow skipped the full month of May.  I guess because I didn't think there was anything too noteworthy to share.  We've been doing things around the house, but not to much we've done ourselves so didn't seem fair to share.  Cooking has been a lot of the same, etc.  Life is good for us though and we are very thankful for God's blessings.

Anywho, we went on a trip to the UK and spent time in London, Cotswolds, Turnberry, St. Andrews, Highlands & Edinburgh so I thought I'd share a few photos for friends & family.  I will try to get back to more regular posting if anyone is still reading along!

A great much needed trip and it was nice for it to be just the two of us (although we missed that little dog to death!).

I'll be back much sooner with another post!

XO,

Whit

Weekend Recap

Our weekend looked something like this:

Delicious dinner at Hayes Barton

Lunch at Merritt's after a trip to the Camellia Forest.  I think it's safe to say Josh got my mom as addicted as he is!

Oven "Fried" Pickle Chips

I made oven "fried" pickles and served with spicy ranch (ranch + cayenne pepper to taste).  We all unanimously agreed they were just as delicious as any fried ones we'd ever eaten.  Recipe here.

Of course Ethel and Eloise came along to visit too.

Speaking of pups...my new niece arrives in Boston next Tuesday.  Her name is Gertrude, Gertie for short.  Cuteness overload.

XO,

Whit

Screen porch revamp

Josh thinks this is his "men's lounge" now!  As mentioned, the only way I talked the mister into buying this house was telling him we could have a great Masters' Party on our screen porch.  We did it last weekend and I have to believe that was first annual.  We had a blast and thank all our friends for coming -- and bringing lots of great food & drinks!

The screen porch revamp turned out bright and cheerful...maybe not so manly, but Josh doesn't seem to care.

Before

After - much more tied together for my liking. (ignore all the pollen in these pics - real life!)

The coffee table is one of a pair of end tables that my parents had in their den when they were first married.  It was a medium wooden color, so I spray painted it cream.

The flower pillows were really reasonable ready-made from Atlantic Avenue.  All the fabric is $10 / yd. Sunbrella from Mill Outlet.  Mill Outlet has LOTS to chose from and they have the best prices.

I'm thrilled with how the contrasting piping turned out.

So excited that my parents will be arriving any minute.  Off to get dinner ready and enjoy a weekend with them.

XO,

Whit

A Blue Thursday

I finally completed my bedroom cornices and drapes last night after work.  

As Josh was helping me hang the last cornice in the corner he had me convinced it looked crazy with the two cornices, but then we stood back and I think it's ok -- we didn't have much choice since the windows are close together on that corner.  Too late now!

Now I need a rug, new table skirt or bedside table on my side of the bed and some great bed linens.  I'd love to add two applique monogrammed pillows to my bed.  I wish it wasn't so pricey!

Source

I ran over to Charlotte's and snagged this great ChesterNYC necklace from the trunk show.  Can't wait to wear it this summer and to lots of Heels games in the fall.

Ready for the rain and cold to go away and make way for beautiful spring days!

XO,

Whit

Contrasting Piping

Sometimes when it comes to decorating I feel like I have multiple personalities.  One second I want neutral elegance and the next vivid & funky.  I like TOO many styles.  The majority of my house is a pretty soft palette - not tons of bright colors, so I decided on my screen porch to add some fun splashes of color.

Remember how my bright pink hall bench ended up with some accidental contrasting piping on the back (which I happen to LOVE and wish you could actually see!)?


I decided the screen porch was the place to do some contrasting piping.  My sofa is in the process of being transformed a bit.  I should get my cushions back on Friday and will report back.

In the meantime, here are some of contrasting piping eye candy for you to enjoy.  Do you love it as much as I do?

Source: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 

XO,

Whit

Easy weeknight meal: skinny Greek yogurt chicken & kale chips

I jumped on board with two trendy foods of 2012 last week -- Greek yogurt & kale -- for a really easy weeknight meal.

Skinny Greek Yogurt Chicken

I'd pinned this a while ago and finally made it last Thursday.  Really yummy!

Side note: Hydrangea was $14 at Costco!

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 cup plain greek yogurt (I used Oikos)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese - grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

As I was combining the ingredients I realized it looked like a lot of sauce for 2 breasts -- the original pin of mine said this was for one breast so I doubled it.  Oops!  Half way through cooking I searched again and realized the mistake and took some of the sauce out.  It still tasted delicious, but resulted in a less beautiful looking dish.

Correct directions from Life of Meg:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2) Combine Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3) Line baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
4) Coat each chicken breast in Greek yogurt mixture and place on foiled baking sheet.
5) Bake for 45 minutes.

Kale Chips
My friend Carson inspired me to make some easy kale chips and I am now addicted!

1 lb. kale (which only cost a little over $1)
Olive Oil (I actually just used Pan Olive Oil)
Seasoning of your choice

Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.  Tear the kale off the stem.  Don't make the pieces too small because they do shrink a lot.  Spray with Olive Oil cooking spray and season.  I used garlic salt, pepper and cayenne pepper and they had a nice kick.  Josh didn't seem that impressed - his reaction was something like, "Tastes like seasoned leaves!"

Olivia was a fan.

XO,

Whit