Homes I Love...?!

Monmouth Beach, New Jersey
So warm & welcoming

Is that an aquarium in the transom and where do the mirrored doors lead...? I'd be falling on my a** all the time on that floor, on the other hand the kids in socks would have a blast.

That is SOME Chandelier

I am hearing A Flock of Seagulls right now

Built in 1986…Shocker! I love the 80's? The wedding Singer? This wasn't my style 25 years ago and I am not digging it now. I think of who has dwelled here and not updated?

Even the realtor references Miami Vice in this listing, so without further mocking...FROM the Realtor: Miami Vice-a truly unique, special home for the buyer who appreciates fine contemporary architecture complete with all the modern amenities& beautiful landscape. Salt water pool w/waterfall, temp controlled greenhouse w/ humidifier, Japanese garden w/Koi pond & screened gazebo, cabana w/sauna &full bath. Other amenities include: custom kitchen w/ professional stove, backup Kohler generator, all Anderson windows & doors-all w/ electronic roll down shades, beautiful MBR w/ steam shower & more!

I'll get around to it someday....

Door to the deck, to the pool...this large cabinet houses everything from towels, to swimmie diapers, to sunscreen, to citronella...very convenient and no tracking water through the house.
I've only "slightly" decorated this room so far...an antique rug beater & camp stool, and a pair of birds on canvas prints over the sink (courtesy of the "Tree"). This room DESPERATELY needs a f~u~n color to offset all of the white and appliances....

The former owner had these bars on the wall AND on the ceiling. I guess they air-dried alot. They are handy in the summer for swimsuits and in the winter it becomes a hat depository, home for slippers and flip-flops and the occasional throw rug.

Perfect crafting spot....if & when I get my butt in gear and designate it so.

Jazzing up the Laundry Room that is... I am linking up with Flip Flops & Pearls and Webbisodes for Home Tour Tuesday. We moved in about 1 1/2 years ago and quite honestly the Laundry was not high on my to-do list. It does have great potential...it's large, bright and has great storage. Because I do spend alot of time in there and can be seen via a french door from the family room and kitchen, I should invest some time in there to make it more pleasing to the eye. I am getting such inspiration from viewing my fellow bloggers beautiful Laundry Rooms, I may have to make it a spring project! Thanks for viewing my room; any & all suggestions are welcome!

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'.......

Homes I Love

Lincroft, NJ. Looks like your typical tract/development home right?? Nope, Circa 1700.


I want a house with a plaque like this on the door. The word Circa makes me happy.

The floors alone in this home are melting me....

Like BUTTER I say!! PUMPKIN PINE....would make me happy.

Kitchen is nice...but again, Pumpkin Pine xoxoxo

From the Realtor: Placed well back from the road, sits this beautifully restored 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Circa 1700 Colonial. Custom kitchen w/soapstone counters,Viking S/S range,Sub-Zero frig & Bosch dishwasher. Spacious Living Room, Informal Dining Room, Family Room, Study, Master w/Bonus Room & Full Bath, In-Law/Guest Suite, Pumpkin Pine Floors, 2 Fireplaces & Many Orig Details. Newer Gunite In-ground Pool w/Spa. Bargain-priced @ 629K

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

Feeling nostalgic

The outbuilding in the back was a cottage/studio apartment that was luckily rented out ($) with wonderful tentants
The sidewalks were unique, perfect for my quirky little beach town

A little wooden boat from the 1920's sat atop the river rock in the cottages "front yard"

Collin diving into his crocodile pool! In the background, our shaded hammock, over a bed of ivy

Our beloved Maggie (rest in peace) muching on zebra grass

As we sit still covered in multiple inches of snow, with more maybe on the way, I am remembering fondly my previous residence on a splendid summer day. We moved from my "bachelorette" pad almost 2 years ago, and I still get slightly depressed when thinking about it or coming across old photos of it. It was a 1915 bungalow a block from the beach, falling apart on the inside (band-aided nicely with distractions), but the yard was often complimented on by neighbors and passers-by.

I was very proud of the yard and landscaping that I did all-by-myself (I sound 6). But I did, often taking an afternoon off from work to do so and the feeling of satisfaction and pride when all the work was done and I walked the property admiring my work.

So I share with you some photos of my old 60x100 plot. Currently our property (too large) needs a ton of work, which I hope to resume some day when kids can help ;-) and housework get caught up, but in the meantime I will revel in my past accomplishments.