5 on Friday

1. Ebates.  I cannot stress how awesome this program is.  Sign up, use it and make it a habit.  I've been a member since 2011 and have received almost $620 in cash back.  In addition to using it for online shopping, I also just used it recently with Hotels.com.  We were barely home when I got my cash back for our hotel stay.  Very cool.  Try it here!

2. One Room Challenge.  FAIL.  But I hope to complete my room within the next few days and show up late to the party. Please visit Calling it Home to see all of the Fabulous makeovers (there is some serious A-list talent going on over there...)

3, 4, 5. Chicago.  We had the most amazing weekend in Chicago and it is now my favorite city (and from someone living smack dab in between NY and Philly, that's saying alot).  I will be doing a wrap-up post next week on the wedding we attended, the food + drink and the sights.  Simply awesome...and it was wonderful to reconnect with my husband and "date" again!

Wedding

The Sights

Time spent with family + friends

Food

Just plain ol' loveliness. Stay Tuned!

Thanks for visiting!

~Versatile Blogger Award~

I'm thrilled to have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award from the lovely Melissa from http://madeinthesouth.blogspot.com/. One of my faves, I was originally introduced to Melissa by her sister http://www.susieharrisblog.com/. They are seriously talented....amazing genes! Thank you Melissa...I'm honored.

Rules: Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award, Share 7 things about yourself, Send it to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

My 7 things...

I love my kids more than words can describe and would do anything to keep them healthy & safe

I'm obsessed with Cheerios. Plain only, dry or with milk. I should've bought stock in General Mills a long time ago.

Is thinking right now...coming up with 7 things is tough!

I'm a border line hoarder when it comes to clothes, shoes, jewelry and products. I will never wear or use things in my closets/cabinets but complain about the lack of space.

I love real estate. I follow local home listings/sales religiously, but I was too shy to ever pursue a career in it...

I'm really shy! Unless I know people, I'm very insecure publicly. Maybe that is why I blog, it's easier to be anonymous (except I put everything "out there"!)

I wish I was Southern girl! I love all that is south of the Mason/Dixon. Which according to some, I missed by just 60 or so miles ;-)

I have a champagne taste on a beer budget. I would not think twice about spending 3K on a throw rug. Which is why I am hoping to win the Publishers Clearinghouse or the lotto some day.

This is a sampling of my favorite Versatile Bloggers (in no particular order):

http://calypsointhecountry.blogspot.com/

http://www.flipflopsandpearls.com/

http://circleofloveandthecrazinessaroundit.blogspot.com/

http://thisgritstale.blogspot.com/

http://www.darnneardomestic.com/

http://nameisgrace.blogspot.com/

http://katiesperk.blogspot.com/

http://oncloud8.blogspot.com/

http://www.sweetsouthernprep.com/

http://myfwbs.blogspot.com/

http://rootswingsandnests.blogspot.com/

http://desperatelyseekingseersucker.blogspot.com

http://jouneytojosie.blogspot.com/

http://www.queenofthecreek.com/

http://www.classiccasualhome.com/

I may not notify everyone of my nominating them (shy), but I did want to share my favorites. They all have made me better in some way...parenting, decorating, crafting, cooking, etc. Check them out!

Thank you again Miss Melissa! xoxo Traci

winner

I was the lucky recepient of this package last week from one of my fave bloggers Jennifer from Circle of Love and the Craziness Around It. Beautifully packaged with a sweet note and I love her stationery (every girl should have her own personalized cards or notes!)
And in the package was this! A purse organizer that I didn't know I needed until I started using it. It already keeps my cell, camera, pens, nail files, perfume, wallet, hand sanitizers, note pad, lip gloss & chapsticks, etc, from becoming a jumbled mess...

...in here. This is my spring bag; a *vintage* Tory Burch tote, that is narrow and deep, so I am finding this organizer to be really helpful!

Please visit sweet Jennifer at her blog and keep an eye out for another FAB giveaway ;-)

~Registry~

Not mine, I'm done! I am wedding shopping for friends and family and it brings me back. I slightly regret that Bill had nothing to do with it, not because he wouldn't, because I didn't let him. Although he got to shop for cigars and humidors for his groomsmen, so that's ok, right??


I love looking at registeries. It's interesting. I had my grandmothers china and my stoneware from my bachelorette days, so I didn't register for place settings. Just linens, flatware, small appliances, calphalon and bakeware.

My bakeware/serveware/accessory of choice is Portmeirion Sophie Conran White, some of which is pictured here.

It's practical and displays beautifully. Unfortunately, my accent pieces, Tracy Porter Artesian Road (seen here http://coastalpines.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-1st-blog-experience-and-i-didnt-even.html), beat out the Sophie Conran in the display hutch. Someday I will have a display area for all of my whiteware. In the meantime, they are a fabulous product. The casseroles, roasters, platters, pie & butter dishes, I love them all. I also found some new pieces that have come out since...hello juicer and measuring cups!

All photos and description via Macy's. PORTMEIRION: From celebrated chef and food writer, Sophie Conran, comes this artfully designed serveware collection. Created with the "foodie" in mind, this versatile set moves from table to oven with the utmost ease, looking beautifully crafted throughout your entire culinary journey. You can find it here: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=237763&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

***On another note*** I am S T I L L having trouble with blogger :( I can't comment on posts, etc...very frustrating. I am reading blogs faithfully! Please stick with me until i get this figured out, i am currently waiting on a reply from blogger. Thank you, Traci xoxo

My 1st Blog Experience (and I didn't even know it)

It was the creator of these beautiful pieces, Tracy Porter.

This is the piece that started my obsession when I saw it at a shop in Key West November 2007. Hubby bought it and had it shipped home for me. The name of the line is Artesian Road. When we returned home I immediately googled (or maybe I asked Jeeves) Tracy Porter and was taken to her blog chronicling her life, work, family, etc...It was new to me, getting a glimpse into this womans life (back then in the midwest, I believe she is now in CA) her handsome hubby and beautiful gaggle of sons! And, of course, her LOVELY creations. I think she may have even sold her products via the blog and a catalog which I immediately requested.

It was the kind of catalog that you curled up with and took time to read and placed items in your home, in your mind. Unbeknownst to me before receiving the catalog, she also designed clothing and accessories...Bonus!

However, while I enjoy Mrs. Porter's items, she was always a bit out of my budget.... I receive additional pieces as gifts or I have to admit to heading to Ebay to save a few $.

My latest addition (Neiman Marcus $16 free shipping~go me!). I've found that Artesian Road is very versatile and can mix & match with alot..woods, pewters, etc...HOWEVER, there are so many more pieces I want (and so many more I NEED to actually use these babies at a party, reception, holiday...); I am hoping to score some cake plates that I plan to use for appetizers at our quarterly game nights. I find it ironic that, I too, can share my little life with people. Follow this link to check Tracy Porter and her beautiful merchandise for yourself http://www.tracyporter.com/

Home Tour Tuesday is on hold til' next week ~ I am looking forward to showing you all my boys bedrooms ~ Have a great day!

Nothing white about my linen closet {Home Tour Tuesdays}

This Hall closet is a MESS...sheets, blankets and extra towels, I'm too embarassed to share (but thanks to my hubby for contributing to this post ;-)
I'll show you a smidgen....cleaning supplies, baby bath supplies and the boys bathroom summer accessories. Notice the plastic bags shoved in a slot for baby messes (Way to go mommy...put the plastic bags where baby can reach....I've remedied that situation!)

Husbands idea of a linen closet....he is all about hooks {two more letters and this post is x-rated}

Everyday towels for me & the boys. I am addicted to Aquis microfiber towels for my hair, I've used them for years. Check them out here: http://aquis.com/

Post was light, so let's add the beach towel closet! I know that swimmie diapers and acrylic wineglasses have NOTHING to do with this weeks home tour!

I am linking up with Daphne http://flipflopsandpearlsgirl.blogspot.com/2011/02/home-tour-tasty-tuesday.html and Shannon http://ourgatorzone.blogspot.com/ for Home Tour Tuesdays.

Happy Tuesday & Happy Birthday to Daphne!!

Ballard Designs (still dreaming of accent pieces...)

The Julia Chair from Ballard Designs is the newest addition to my wish list ~
I love the lines and the depth of it. I also love their line of fabrics which is as close to custom that I think you can get without going through a designer. This particular pattern reminds me of a sofa my grandmother had...good memories :)

Although the offering in burlap is kinda turning me off...(although I {heart} decorating with burlap, I don't want to sit on it)

This pattern is Arden Green. I STALKED this fabric for y e a r s before we treated me to a terrific table. I had a fabulous vignette on top until I had to undecorate (for a spell...I'm thinking when the boys hit high school, I can put the breakables back out)

Even with this little gem, my living room is so blah...I really need something to tie it all together. I need a paint job, carpet and maybe a Julia chair?! On another note, Ballard has become slighly more reasonably-priced in the last few years. Their catalog is a dream to receive and if you don't get it, request one. You'll get some super ideas ~ have a great weekend!

(photos courtesy of Ballard Designs)

Heavenly Scent

If you ever see this product, smell it and you will be in love. Molton Brown Rose Granati is a party for your nose! I have purchased the hand soap twice in my life, as it is a luxury ($$$) I keep hidden in the master bath. At $25 dollars for the soap (and $25 for the lotion and $30 for the room spray), it is pricey, but a treat. Neiman Marcus, who basically offers free shipping all of the time now, is prob the best place to buy, as the Molton Brown website charges for shipping. Just sharin'.......

Comfort Food

Cheesy~Olive Potatoes

Ingredients:

3T Margarine
3T Flour
½ t Salt
Dash of Pepper
¾ Cup of Evaporated Milk
¾ Water
1-2 Cups of Cubed Velveeta
4 Cups of Potatoes ~ Cooked, Drained & Diced
½ Cup of Sliced Green Olives ~ With or Without Pimientos
½ Cup Breadcrumbs
2T Melted Butter

Cook potatoes, cube Velveeta and slice olives prior to making cheese sauce.

Make the Roux….Blend flour, S&P. Melt margarine in saucepan, gradually mix in flour mix and slowly add evap milk and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened….add Velveeta and continue stirring until it melts and blends in. Combine Potatoes and Olives in a baking dish and pour cheese sauce on top. Mix breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Easy Peasy Comfort Food!!!

A dollar and a dream

Volvo XC90


Slate flooring for our foyer

A Lee Industries sofa

A backyard oasis

A new master bath

Thanks (for nothing) Mega Millions!!

Pics courtesy of Volvo, Houzz, Country Living & Elle Decor

Product Endorsement & a tip!

I like to use this blog for sharing bits & pieces of our home and home *stuff* I love, but I need to give props to a beauty product that is working overtime for me this holiday season.

MAC Fast Response Eye Cream is AWESOME!!! At first I wasn't impressed...ok, it was a great base for makeup, but as time wore on I did notice a tightening of my lids especially...With the lack of sleep, hydration and some stress this holiday season, I need all the help I can get!

MAC's description of their product: The super-charged, caffeinated cream with instant effects. De-puffs, erases the look of dark circles, firms, soothes and softens skin around the eye. Special optics act like magic to fade away lines.

It can be used sparingly and for $30, is one of the more reasonably priced creams that I've seen on the market.

**ADDED BONUS**: If you spend $50 @ MAC Cosmetics, you can get your makeup done for free. I wait to stock up until I have a wedding or event, and by spending $30 on this product, $11 on fake lashes and a tin of shadow or a lip gloss~you are good to go! Just don't forget to give a little tip to your makeup artist! Enjoy!!

My Christmas Wish List

This new ensemble for my Ballard "Terrific" table...
Honeybee lace panels from Country Curtains (and a room to put them in, they are a tad too dainty for my boys)

The David Yurman Confetti Ice topaz necklace to match my ring...

and perhaps the cuff?

The Gucci Positano tote. I have wanted this bag for years...I don't even think it's made anymore...

Hubster and I are on a strict budget this year and probably from here on out (!), it IS all about the kids, but it can be fun to dream! I think I did fabulous for him on our $20~ish budget and he will be pleased....and if he picked up on my hints, I too will be happy with mine. The above are my d~r~e~a~m gifts...some attainable and some off the charts.