Dining Room Makeover

When I bought the house, the dining room was army green.  I wanted so badly to brighten the space that I painted it this color -

My friend Julie and I hated it.  Over Easter weekend, we decided to go big and we did this- 

Totally different huh? I loved it.  I also knew I didn't want the room to become nautical, especially since I already live at the beach.  It all seemed a little cliche.  I found awesome fabric at MaryJos in Gastonia and had custom drapes made.  

Mountain Adventure

We headed to Boone this weekend to celebrate my mom's birthday.  We rented a cabin off of Bamboo road. 

The View 

Sunset

Side View and Dirt rd. 

We got pizza Friday night, went to the shops on the parkway Saturday, because it was raining, and went walking around Blowing Rock today.  I have the greatest family and this little getaway was so refreshing. 

Lee played with the pups 

We got some seriously good deals shopping

My parents on the parkway

In the park

Scenes from Weekend

My aunt and uncle came to town this weekend.  I whipped up this on Friday night.

Saturday we hung these...

Had lunch here...

Went to dinner at Manna..

And spent Sunday watching football with her...

Sister Weekend

My sister came down this weekend, our first time together without the baby.  It was nice to catch up, read on the beach, and go to a long dinner together.  The weather could not have been more perfect.  It felt like the beginning of fall, especially while we drank coffee on the porch this morning.  

Indochine 

Lee and his Dad were on the golf course all weekend.  We got the play by play of their boy time...

Today at the golf tournament

Bruschetta

I only make this in the summer when the tomatoes are fresh and the basil is growing like crazy.  My family loves it!  

Ingredients:

Three tomatoes (chopped, but not diced)

1/2 cup of basil (julienned) 

1 clove of garlic (chopped) 

Salt/pepper

Olive oil 

Balsamic vinegar

Loaf of French bread

Making it happen:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a pinch of salt/pepper.  Cover generously in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour.  Meanwhile, slice French bread into two inch slices.  Place the bread a pan, drizzle with olive oil, let bake until crusty.  When golden, top with tomato mixture and serve. You can top with mozzarella, if desired.  My parents prefer it with cheese, I prefer it without.  

Weekend Update

Bethany, Rob, and Lee came down for the weekend.  I made bruschetta and Ina's Mac-n-cheese for dinner Friday night. 

We hung around the house Saturday.  Sunday we got up early and went to Britt's Donuts for breakfast.  Britt's is famous.  They are located in Carolina Beach; we decided to get there early and the line was 15 deep when we arrived.  They only serve one kind, glazed, and they are delicious. 

We went out for a quick walk on the beach.  Lee got his feet in the water and loved it! 

We then spent some time swinging on the porch and playing with Gidget.  I know I may be biased, but my nephew is adorable.  

I was sad to see them leave today; Gidget, however, was thankful for the quiet. ;)

Gidget is 2

Happy second birthday to my sweet baby girl!  I can't believe it's been two years.  You fill my life with so much joy and laughter, and frustration! You are the smartest, craziest, sweetest, most hard-headed dog around.  I'm so glad I chose the wild puppy that day on the farm. 

Day 1- Our first - The farmhouse 

Today- 2 yrs old