Living Room Redo

Source: houzz.com via Traci on Pinterest

Source: decor8blog.com via Traci on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via Traci on Pinterest

Source: ballarddesigns.com via Traci on Pinterest

Source: southernexposure1.squarespace.com via Traci on Pinterest

Source: ballarddesigns.com via Traci on Pinterest

Source: thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com via Traci on Pinterest

Here are a few images from my Living Room Redo board on Pinterest.  I'm making plans to paint next weekend and get it put back together.  I have some great pieces to work with such as the botanical prints, an antique trunk and some great Ballard & Pottery Barn pieces.  Once I get past painting the ceiling (worst job ever) and picking my wall color (I'm between RL Sisal and BM Wyndham Cream) the rest will fall into place nicely.  I can't wait to show it off!  Thank you for visiting xoxo Traci

Big Weekend

 

 Pick your pleasure.  Cinco de Mayo or the the Kentucky Derby?  Or both?  Such a festive day and we're in luck...we've got a sitter!

 I've rarely celebrated the 5th of May, as it is normally on a school night.  Pinterest is bursting at the seams with C/D/M party ideas.  We'll be heading out with the masses for some yummy food & cocktails.

Since I was a little girl, I have wanted to throw a Derby party.  If I can get ALL of the house projects done that I'd like before throwing a major bash such as that, maybe next year!

 Equine-themed treats

Mint Juleps & Pretty Hats 

Luckily Pinterest is full of ideas and inspiration!

Here's to hoping you have a fantastic weekend!

{photos courtesy of Pinterest}

Swiss Chicken Casserole {Let's Eat Recipe Swap}

Ok, so technically I haven't made this yet, but I am this weekend!  Anyhow, how can you go wrong with chicken, cheese and stuffing?  This recipe can be found all over the internet, but I just found it via my mother-in-law.  She pulled out a vintage Jersey Shore cookbook from the 70-80's (you know the kind...plastic-bound usually published for a hospital or firehouse charity.  The good old days).  She made a note on this recipes page on March 1st, 1981 - Excellent!  I'm trusting her judgement and handwritten notes made on the page, so here goes...

Swiss Chicken Casserole

8 Single Boneless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-size chunks, washed & drained)

1 Can Cream of Mushroom or Celery Soup

6 Thick Slices of Swiss Cheese (or more!)

1/2 Bag of Pepperridge Farm Stuffing Mix (ADD sauteed celery & onions)

1/4 to 1/2 Cup of Melted Butter

White Wine (to dilute the soup...Duh?!)

French Fried Onions

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and layer the following:

Half of Chicken

1/2 Can of Diluted Soup

Half of Swiss Cheese

Half of Stuffing Mixture

Repeat above one more time, starting with the chicken.  Pour melted butter over top layer.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1/2 hour - UNCOVERED.

Add french-fried onions and bake for a 2nd 1/2 hour COVERED with lid or foil.

Enjoy!

{photo courtesy of Pinterest}

Where I've been...{semi} wordless Wednesday

Under construction. Hoping to have some creative posts as I put everything back together (and paint!)

Navy. Nautical or Not?

I'm totally digging navy blue bathroom walls lately and since I'm seeing versions of it ALL over the place, I'm thinking it's a sign...

 It would be the perfect lil' project for our powder room that currently SLAPS you in the face with tacky coastal decor and cheap brass fixtures.  I love that the navy does not have to be "nautical."  It can be elegant and serene.

I just need to tackle removing wallpaper first... (OH, and follow-up on the 37 or so other things I have yet to finish!)

Chalkboard wall update coming soon (only 3 months later...)

{Photos courtesy of Pinterest}

Homes I Love...

Fair Haven, New Jersey

Riverfront 

Bowling Green 

 Across the river from the town of Red Bank...a noted social & commercial destination on the Central NJ Coast (Jon Bon Jovi dwells here...nuff said!)

Preppy Heaven ~ Love these 2 rooms! 

Incredible views & sunsets 

I'd be inspired to create in this room... 

TIMELESS ELEGANCE ON THE NAVESINK RIVER! Private curved drive leads to this grand estate. Graceful presence, elegant design & outstanding craftsmanship. Soaring ceilings, banquet sized DR, abundance of French doors & custom millwork throughout. Newer designer gourmet kitchen w/ state of the art appliances & granite countertops, 4 baths renovated to perfection. All this on 1.98 acres of park-like property w/ panoramic views of the Navesink River, bulkhead, dock, concrete pool w/ bluestone patio.

My blogging has been light lately, not that I haven't been inspired or busy, I'm just blah :(

I'm hoping to return to creativity...stay tuned!!

Homes I Love...

 Toms River, NJ Circa 2008. Our town.  Why wasn't this lovely place available when we were house hunting?

Love the pop of orange in this living room and the rug is fun too.  I would change the window treatments and add some crown, but not much else...

 I love the combo of the cabinet and the folding chair.  Obviously the cabinet is put to very good use, containing games and probably often-used books and such.  Perfect for an open foyer...

 Again, another fun rug and displays.  I think I am jealous of the simplicity of it.  I try too hard at my home and often second guess myself or fail.

 All I need is granite in a kitchen to make me happy.

 Toms River is a coastal community and some tend to overdo "beachy.  I like the simple coastal compliments in this home...

 Seen here as well.  Whomever owns this house currently gets a A+ for picking her rugs.

I've been dying to do a navy-painted bath.  This is a great theme for a boys bath.

From the Realtor:

Beautiful Custom Built Cape in an excellent section of the Village of Toms River,only 4 Year Young!Features include:granite counters,stainless appliances,wood burning fireplace,laundry, pantry,hdwd flrs,attached 1 car garage,master BR X-Large walk-in w/built-in shelved,dresser(A MUST SEE!)Master bath w/custom tile work & X-Large Shower w/built-in seat,full basement w/high ceilings built w/Superior wall foundation(very easy to finish for even more living space)10' ceilings on 1st flr.A MUST SEE!!