March

Spring Cleaning. Freshening up...I'd like to start with this.
This has my master written ALL over it (I love peacocks, as seen here
http://coastalpines.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-1st-blog-experience-and-i-didnt-even.html I knew Dwellstudio did amazing baby stuff, but I hadn't checked out their home line for big kids! Fun, fun, fun...

Home Tour Tuesdays are on hiatus until March 15th, when we'll be back to show you our playrooms. I'll be popping in and out sporadically, as March is a busy month for us. Between birthdays, St. Patty's Day, family visiting from TX and spring cleaning, it's just a busy time and I'd like to go for quality over quantity with my blog. Please check in from time to time and thank you for all of your sweet comments!

Homes I Love...

Long Beach Island, NJ. The real "Jersey Shore"
Open Bay Views
I could spend an afternoon on this deck with a glass of wine, a good book and bay breezes
As good as dining al fresco
This is a shore house entrance...clam shells and native pines

From the Realtor: LBI “Summertime & the living is EASY; Exceptional, Secluded & Rare Bay front has Custom Nantucket style cedar shake on 1+ acre bay to blvd; "Estate" section: Jay Madden designed classic has exceptional fl. plan to optimize waterviews; Large 14' x 30' pool w/Brazilian decking & covered porches offer fantastic, alfresco ambience; Deluxe gourmet kitchen w/adjoining, screened summer grill/dining area; 7 elegant BRS (5 w/ensuite baths); Relax & moor your boat outside; sep. housekeeper suite”

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Freezin' for a Reason

2011 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics New Jersey
These pics are from 2007 when we were just supporting our friend Johnny, who had to add some pizzazz to his plunge...
This year I am very proud of my husband for raising money and he'll be the one jumping into the icy Atlantic sans banana costume (although I may embellish a snuggie for him)
It's a fun day for an awesome cause...our plunge locale in Seaside Heights, NJ has already raised almost 820K. Disclaimer: We are NOT like the show, those people aren't even from here!
I personally am looking forward to catching up with some old friends and boardwalk pizza! I am very thankful for our friends, family and co-workers who donated toward Bills plunge and I am so proud of hubby, willing to brave the elements (partly cloudy and 43 degrees) for a great cause!

For more information about Special Olympics New Jersey, please click here http://www.sonj.org/iCMS/Files/00611.pdf

This & That {semi} Wordless Wednesday

I'm amazed (exasperated) by this

I treated myself to that

I shrunk this (after 1 wear)

I was treated to that (hubby cooked!)

I'm sick of this....

A random recap of my week (and a shameless repost of my Craigslist find!)

~Happy Wednesday~

Serves a Purpose {Home Tour Tuesdays}

It's really just hubby's room and this is what it's all about.

Prints by Alan Maltz...Last sunrise & sunset of 1999 and first sunrise & sunset of 2000, Key West. One of the few embellishments in the room...otherwise it's quite bland.
Love my rug, but you know pedialyte stains pretty bad...shoulda waited a few years before investing in a PB rug...



I painted the room dark chocolate last year to add to the man-cave theme(and to draw your eye AWAY from the 70's paneling). I hung some curtains to separate the living room and tv room, the afternoon sun can be brutal.

A mirror and some lamps finish it off. I am looking forward to adding to the room and warming it up in the future, but for now it serves it's purpose. I am linking up with Daphne & Shannon for Home Tour Tuesdays. Check it out ~ I'd love to peek and get more inspired!

Also, CHECK OUT my 2 posts from yesterday regarding my craigslist find....I NEED input!! Thank you!!!

Craigslist Part Two ~ the Find

Paint is cheap & versatile...can change the look of a room in just a couple of hours (or days for walls!)
The possibilities are endless...love this combo, but it prob wouldn't work at home.

So fresh & crisp!


2 for $99...Nice...love Ballard. But, how about...

3 for $50! I literally "stumbled" upon this on my 1st trip into Craigs world. It was less than an hour away, so we (I) decided to check it out. The seller added the tabletop (was glass) and everything is in pretty good shape. I wanna stick it in the empty corner of the living room as a game area for the boys or whomever....

My problem is...the chairs are so charming as is, but the table needs paint, so I am torn. Originally I was thinking a sage green or bright orange....but I got to tell you I am kinda loving the black in my inspiration photo... I have a large black framed vintage tropics pic in the room that it would tie perfectly in with....It's just a bold move on my part, I'm not THAT adventurous! Thanks for any and all input :-)

Craigslist Part One ~ Meet our Living Room

Welcome to our Living Room. I like it...it was dubbed the "holiday & girls only room" (I'm the only girl). My inspiration was to do a botanical green and orange room, originally inspired by the Ballard fabric on the corner table. Note the pottery barn knock-off cube tables from Overstock, less than half the price of PB.
The accent wall was painted by me when I was 7 mos. pregnant...poor decision, I have now learned I hate accent walls. This room will receive a coat of new paint and carpet eventually, but for now I can deal...

Yes, we are proud of our heritage!

Brennan's toys are slowly transitioning to the playroom as he gets older. I am thinking by Spring it will be complete.

Then there is this corner. Nothing, Zilch, Nada....currently used as a "garage" for Brennan's various modes of transportation. The lion's name is Mushy....we love him ;-)

This is where my Craig's List purchase comes in...I will reveal later today the find I found (and some inspiration photos) and may need some advice on PAINT...cause' I am kinda torn.

Happy Monday, Happy President's Day everyone!

Homes I Love...{and some news!}

Long Branch, NJ Circa 1940. Lovely english-georgian revival cottage. I'm a window girl...funny as my maiden name is Dore!
I am guessing this entry was once not enclosed. Such a fresh & bright landing with original stone. I am wanting red geraniums in here...
I *heart* rich deep colors against bright white molding
Perfect example of how dark colors can POP in a room
I am craving more photos of this house

From the Realtor: Fantastic oversized property on 2 lots! Top location in Long Branch. Lovely English-Georgian revival home w/ original hardwood flooring, basement, detached garage, and landscaped yard. Home has unlimited expansion possibilities. Room for tennis court, pool, and more!

~EXCITING NEWS~

I am Craigslisting for FIRST time!!! We are going to inspect and maybe purchase a "project" tomm nite and I can't wait to share with you the details!! Have a great weekend!

I don't bake

I like to cook though, but rarely on a weeknite. We usually make salads or grill during the week. I certainly don't use pie crust...Stop & Shop had em' on sale so why not try an easy-peasy weeknite pot pie?
The only pie plate I have...purely for decorative purposes round Thanksgiving time.
Look at the crust handiwork! I used a combo of the finger/fork flute. I DID do the cut-outs by hand (so proud)
Looks better baked :-D
Wasn't too bad, hubby scooped up most of it. The secret to getting him to eat veggies without dip...bake them in pastry.

Recipe (from Pillsbury)

2 Refrig'd pie crusts, softened according to box

2 cups cooked diced chicken (I boiled and shredded mine)

2 cups mixed veggies, thawed

1/2 teaspoon of thyme

12 oz. jar of roasted chicken gravy

1. Preheat oven to 400 and lay pie crust in dish and up the sides

2. In saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat, pour into crust-lined dish

3. Unfold 2nd crust and using a paring knife or cookie cutter, make vent holes. Top pot pie with crust and seal any way you can! Or you can be fancy by fluting with your fingers or a fork!

4. I baked at 400 for 30-35 minutes (we're overcookers, like everything well done but steak). You can also protect the crust with strips of foil to keep it from browning too much, we didn't do that either and it was fine.

This was a quicky, slightly healthy weeknite dinner for a busy family, so I thought I'd share! Happy Thursday!!

Better Late than Never {semi} Wordless Wednesday

32 days til' Spring. 1 month. Not soon enough. I need the ground to soften and to get my hands dirty. It's my therapy...
I eat oranges at my desk in the am, then throw away the rinds, so my workspace smells good all day. Aromatherapy...

Linking up w/Flip Flops & Pearls for {semi} Wordless Wednesday...I can't post the button :(

Surfin' Safari {Home Tour Tuesdays}

The big boys room ~ no matter how I try to keep it beachy, Spiderman and the Transformers always show up. When we purchased his bunk beds, I saw a pirate ship (!) and went from there. Surfboard rug, nautical accessories, gold & white buffalo check valances and bamboo shades add to Collin's room.


Can't forget his stuffed animals and Phillies gear!

The little boys room ~ Safari. Before I was even pregnant, I had the wall color and curtains chosen for this room (Bungalow gold by Eddie Bauer @ Lowes...best wall color EVER! My bff just did her master in it...try it, you'll love it! The curtains are moire plaid in ginger by Country Curtains).

Everything else just fell into place, including the rattan giraffe that I found literally for song...

Rounding out Brennan's room is a comfy chair with giraffe pillows from Pier 1 and his favorite books & toys. Both boys need shelving in their rooms for books & breakables, that'll come soon.

I'm linking up with Daphne & Shannon for Home Tour Tuesdays ~ thanks for dropping by!