DINNER WITH FRIENDS

How nice would it be to dinner with friends at this little pinic table? I want to. Do you?

INSPIRATION

in·spi·ra·tion : an inspiring or animating action or influence

I blogged not to long ago about this fabric I had run across and had completely fallen in love with. Remember? Love at first sight really does exsist. I said, I would use that fabric for pillows and put it on a white lounge chair or sofa....correct? Well, I had a litte inspiration [see above] It's even a picture of St. Tropez [the name of the fabric] Sounds to me like someone else had a little inspiration too. So, keep your eyes wide open. It's all around us. All you have to do is take a little time and notice.

PITTER-PATTER GOES A HEART FOR THESE SIX

1. UPHOLSTERED LEATHER DOORS

2. SHARPIE PENS (NON-RETRACTABLE)

3. DIET COKE W/ A WEDGE OF LEMON

4. PAINTED FLOORS

5. DARK MOULDINGS

6. ANICHINI SHEETS

HAVE YOU HEARD?????

It's coming back folks! GOLD in all shapes, sizes, and finishes.....Satin or Polished - Lacquered or Unlaquered. Brace yourself because it is here. Nothing is ever new it's only reinvented and this time around it is done right.

[photo 1 - kohler] [photo 2 - gessi]

A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS

I give a big "round-of-applause" to Mr. Richard Shapiro (Studiolo Collection) for designing and creating this beautiful piece of art. A picture really is worth 1,000 words. I think this chandelier speaks loud enough for itself.

ONE MAN'S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE

I thought I would share with everyone my small tiny condo I live in rent here at the Emerald Coast. I call it my treasure from another man's trash. Basically, it's my result of swirving off to county road 631, stopping mid travel to see what the man seated in his rocking chair is selling on his lawn, and simply just beating the trash man. AND.... of course, I credit Earl. I will blog about Earl a little later on for those wondering who Earl is. With each piece bought for $20.00 or less, only a little TLC with some inspiration and creativity was needed. I hope you see what I saw in these pieces of "trash" sold for a snippet of their value. With a little hope and...... well.......deep DEEP search for potential, I gave these guys a home.

Who says cupcakes are for kids????

Happy 4th of July people!!!!! I thought I would share a DELISH recipe with my fellow friends and readers. Thanks to Martha Stewart I will be an extra 5 pounds heavier by Tuesday. I LOVE Independence Day and all the festivities that accompany this holiday. If you like being festive and want to try this recipe....it is as follows. ENJOY! Oh....if you want to mix it up a little, substitute cupcake tins for ice cream cones. A trick I have grown up on.....thanks mom.

Yields 24

• 3 cups cake flour, not self rising
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 cup nonfat buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 pack of cream cheese (8 oz) - room temp
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven 350, Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt, Set aside

Beat together butter and sugar for 3-5 mins (light and fluffy) Then while beating, add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined

With mixer on low, add 1 cup reserved dry mixture. Add 1/2 cup buttermilk;combine. Continue this process until the mixture and buttermilk is completely added.

Next, fill each baking cup foil or ice cream cone with batter

Bake 25-30 mins. Transfer to rack to cool

Lastly, frost those babies, decorate, and take a yummy bite!