Category: Uncategorized

Dorm Digs Decor Ideas and Tips

Dorm digs decor ideas and tips are on the project list for the pretty on a penny back to campus crowd.

dorm-digs-decor-ideas-and-tipsDorm decor is a study in ever evolving styles and tastes.  Back to campus condos, townhouses, apartments, sorority and fraternity house rooms and the furniture pieces that fill them class is in session.

good to know graphic

Typical standard dorm room space comes in around 12′ X 20′ with  the most common bed twin XL measuring 80″ long X 38″ wide.

Popular area rug sizes:

4′ X 6′

5′ X 8′

6′ X 9′

pink-fur-shag-area-rug

Soft Fluffy Area Rug 

For under $45.00 you can add this 5′ X 8′ soft fluffy area rug in seventeen color choices to your dorm decor ideas must have list.

SAFAVIEH Handmade Dip Dye Caron Floral Watercolor Wool Rug - 3' x 5' - Beige/Gold

SAFAVIEH Floral Watercolor Wool Rug – 3′ x 5′ – Beige/Gold

As one who is all about the mix and mingle, my primary dorm digs decor ideas and tips is to layer colors, textures, and patterns which will add depth and contrast to the space.

boho-vintage-yellow-orange-dorm-room-decor-1

Lady Skirts Framed Wall Art

CO-Z Retro Table Lamp with Pleated Empire Lamp Shade

Stanley 40 oz. Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

ABS Multifunction Storage Table Stackable Detachable Organizer

pink-bedspread-dorm-decor-ideasForever 21 Floral Quilt Set

Pink is having a hot moment, and for the decoristas who think pink, it comes as no surprise.  Popular opinion associates the color pink with love, romance, passion, and comfort.

pink-paint-colors-samples

I’ve loved the color pink ever since my mother placed a Sherwin-Williams paint fan deck in front of me in order for me to select the color of my bedroom walls during the great ranch remodel of 1967.

I’ll never be accused of being a Johnny-come-lately to the color pink palette scene, and am enjoying this current in the pink moment.

Renaissance Chalk Finish Paint

Renaissance Chalk Finish Paint

If the color pink is in your dorm digs decor ideas and in your shopping rounds you come across a piece that hits all the right notes except the color is not a perfect think pink, think paint.

paintbrush-making-strokes-with-paint-pinkImage by Freepik

Pick out a shade, pick up a pint and a paintbrush, and customize to your liking.

dorm-room-bedding-accessories-for-her

Dorm Room Decor

printed-microfiber-sheet-set

Printed Microfiber 3-Pc. Sheet Set

Forever 21 Cooling Microfiber Patterned Sheet Set

Forever 21 Cooling Microfiber Patterned Sheet Set

Among the aisles and the sites of department, big box, chain and discount stores your back to campus treasure hunt finds awaits.

guys-dorm-room-comforter-shams

Reversible Microfiber Solid Comforter 

dorm room guys bedding

Dorm Room for Him

Selections featured throughout this post hopefully will spark inspiration and give you some ideas.

guys-dorm-room-bedding

Dorm Room Decor

Night Owl Canvas Wall Art

Night Owl Canvas Wall Art

Gone are the dorm days of anything will do furnishings.

chic-swivel-barrel-chairChic Swivel Barrel Chair 

Thank goodness the old school school of thought has taken a page from the book of personal style.

Corner Table Wood Triangle Bookshelf with Protection Door in Gold

Corner Table Wood Triangle Bookshelf with Protection Door in Gold

Let’s scroll and source, shall we?

Gold Tripod Table Lamp with White Feather

Gold Tripod Table Lamp with White Feather

Gold Tripod Table Lamp with Pink Feather

Gold Tripod Table Lamp with Pink Feather

Small spot accent tables fill in the blanks without filling up the space.

Jaclyn 15.4 in. White and Gold Round Marble Top End Table Jaclyn 15.4 in. White and Gold Round Marble Top End Table

 

Zimtown Modern Side End Accent C Table

Zimtown Modern Side End Accent C Table

Mr. Kate Stella Accent Table - White

Mr. Kate Stella Accent Table – White

Black Rattan End or Side Table with Storage Doors and Gold Accents

Black Rattan End or Side Table with Storage Doors and Gold Accents

Stallion on Canvas Board with Ant Frame GoldLight Brown - Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Stallion on Canvas Board- Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Woven Fronts Nightstand

Woven Fronts Nightstand

Olive Metal Locker End Table with Door and 2-Shelves

Olive Metal Locker End Table with Door and 2-Shelves

Gymax End Table with Charging Station Industrial Nightstand Flip TopGymax End Table with Charging Station Industrial Nightstand Flip Top

Frame Plane Autocad Wall Art Frame Plane Autocad Wall Art

Rustic Metal & Wood Side Table with Rolling Casters

Rustic Metal & Wood Side Table with Rolling Casters

The King' Wrapped Canvas Wall Art by Alex Zhao

The King Wrapped Canvas Wall Art by Alex Zhao

Rocky Movie Poster

Rocky Movie Poster

Fridge-Stand-Supreme-Black-Pipe-Frame-with-Black-Drawers

Fridge Stand Supreme – Black Pipe Frame with Black Drawers

5-Drawer Brown Oak Wood Lateral File Cabinet 5-Drawer Brown Oak Wood Lateral File Cabinet

Butterfly Chair Brown Real Leather

Butterfly Chair Brown Real Leather

Satin Nickel Indoor Bankers Lamp with LED Bulb

Satin Nickel Indoor Bankers Lamp with LED Bulb

Madrid 3-Drawer Black Matte Chest of-Drawers

Madrid 3-Drawer Black Matte Chest of-Drawers

White-Resin-Playful-Monkey-Table-Lamp

White Resin Playful Monkey Table Lamp

Touraco Dresser White Brown - Threshold

Touraco Dresser White Brown – Threshold

This gold finish 3-piece round sunburst mirror set gives a big look for a small price return.

3-Piece Round Sunburst Mirror Set in Gold Finish

3-Piece Round Sunburst Mirror Set in Gold Finish

pink-flower-crown-17-kids-wall-mirror

Pink Flower Crown Wall Mirror

pink-ginkgo-shell-planter

Sonoma Goods For Life® Shell Planter

Rectangular White and Gold 2 Drawers Computer Desk Writing Table Makeup Vanity Table

White and Gold 2 Drawers Computer Desk Writing Table

 

Tufted Office Chair With Faux Wood BaseTufted Office Chair With Faux Wood Base

Mainstays Plush Velvet Office Chair, Pearl Blush

Mainstays Plush Velvet Office Chair

Wicker Waste Basket in Pink HyacinthWicker Waste Basket in Pink Hyacinth

Mainstays 5 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Office Trash Can, Pink Take Meowt

Mainstays 5 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Office Trash Can, Pink Take Meowt

Big Joe Joey Bean Bag Chair, Plush

Big Joe Joey Bean Bag Chair, Plush

Wireless Mouse with 5 Buttons and Scroll Wheel

Wireless Mouse with 5 Buttons and Scroll Wheel

Dolly-in-pink (1)

“Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”

—Dolly Parton

Light Pink Mini Modern Ceramic Texture Pastel Accent Bedside Table Desk Lamp with Matching Fabric Shade

Light Pink Mini Pastel Accent Bedside Table – Desk Lamp

office-kit

63ct Office Accessories Kit with Sticky Notepad – Blush & Gold

twizzler-cable

Twizzler Cable 

college-dorm-roommates-poster-personalized

Dorm Decor Roommate Print

Handicrafts Tapestry

Original Gold Ombre Tapestry 

good to know graphic

First aid fix with several other good to know uses, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is a handy dandy item to include in your dorm digs essentials kit.

isopropyl-alcohol-uses

Isopropyl alcohol cleans ink, oil, grease, and glue from surfaces.

Linon-white-office-desk

Linon Peggy 2-Drawer Writing Desk

Give the inside of your shoes a good misting with isopropyl alcohol to fight off odors and disinfect them.

chukka-sneakers

Clean a dry erase board by spraying isopropyl alcohol onto the board and quickly wiping off with a paper towel.

dry-erase-board-marble

Round Dry Erase Board with Gold Frame and Marble Print

Keyboards-phones-tablets have the ability of getting mighty funky over time and use. Always make sure to turn off computer and device before cleaning.

pink-computer-keyboard-wireless-mouse

Spray the tip of a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and simply swap and dab the keys to clean.  Allow to dry completely before powering up computer.

tablet-case-black

To clean and disinfect your phone and/or tablet spray a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto a microfiber cloth.  Gently wipe the glass/screen of your phone and/or tablet with cloth.

Lauren-Ralph-Lauren-Down-Alternative-Pillows (1)

Spritz bed pillows with isopropyl alcohol to disinfect and freshen.

Urban Shop Novelty Glass Mushroom Lamp, Orange Tortoise,

Urban Shop Novelty Glass Mushroom Lamp, Orange Tortoise

Flower Floor Pillow Seating Cushion

Flower Floor Pillow Seating Cushion

Light Woodgrain 4-Drawer Writing Desk with Built in Storage

Light Woodgrain 4-Drawer Writing Desk with Built in Storage

What’s a pretty on a penny dorm room decorista to do if a desk hits the form and function high notes but leaves a little something to be desired?

Embellish-graphic-t-pins

Handle Pull Dresser Pulls

Handle Pull Dresser Pulls

Decorative hardware goes a long way in the fight against bland, and a can of gold spray paint or brass caster cups will color your world and furniture legs.

Personal Style Project Supply List:

  • screwdriver
  • decorative cabinet/drawer hardware

Using a screwdriver, remove existing hardware from door or drawer. Line up new hardware and once again using screwdriver secure new hardware into place.

Bow Damask Black Vinyl Matte Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Bahama Pink Bamboozled Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Bahama Pink Bamboozled Peel & Stick Wallpaper

peel-stick-wallpaper-lined-drawers

Enhancements such as lining drawers with peel and stick wallpaper in your choice of dorm dandy color, texture, and pattern selection takes the ordinary to extraordinary in no time flat.

peel-stick-wallpaper-patterns

Packed Party “Think Pink” Plaid Peel-N-Stick Wallpaper

Packed Party “Pink You Can” Peel-N-Stick Wallpaper

Wood Wallpaper Wood Grain Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Black Wood Grain Contact Paper

gray computer desk

Techni Mobili Classic Computer Desk with Multiple Drawers, Grey

Regency Hill Malta Rustic Farmhouse Desk Lamp

Regency Hill Malta Rustic Farmhouse Desk Lamp

Better Homes & Gardens 6-Cube Storage Organizer, Tobacco Oak

Better Homes & Gardens 6-Cube Storage Organizer, Tobacco Oak

Retro Creative Radio Shape Flower Pot

Retro Creative Radio Shape Flower Pot

LED Desk Lamp Cordless Table Light,Rechargeable Battery Powered USB Charging Port

LED Desk Lamp, Rechargeable Battery Powered USB Charging Port

Distant Lands Handpainted Tiger Accent Vase

Distant Lands Handpainted Tiger Accent Vase

Acacia Wood Industrial Style Desk

Acacia Wood Industrial Style Desk

Perry Bentwood Office Chair Black Natural

Perry Bentwood Office Chair Black Natural

Take your desk chair transformation a DIY step further with a can of go for the gold spray paint.

Vegan-Leather-Mid-Back-Office-Chair-with-Arms-1 (1)

laundry-graphics

laundry-essentials-dorm

Better Homes & Gardens Large Natural Water Hyacinth Boat Basket

Heavy Duty Laundry Bag with Drawstring

Mamamax Ironing Board Cover and Pad

TOLKNING Laundry basket on wheels, handmade Willow

ice-cream-cone-hamper

Ice Cream Cone Hamper

laundry-supplies-dorm-room

Laundry Essentials Checklist:

  • Hangers
  • Clothespins
  • Steamer
  • Wrinkle Release
  • Laundry Basket
  • Laundry Bag(s)
  • Mesh Bags
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Bleach
  • Stain Remover/Stain Remover Pen
  • Scent Booster
  • Dryer Sheets
  • Dryer Balls
  • Deodorizers

college-dorm-bath-essentials

washcloths-gray-white-purple

Home Expressions 6pc Washcloth Set

you've-got-stuff-graphic

pink-closet-doors

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Marty Baldwin

6 Cube Storage Organizer Cube Bookshelf Pink

6 Cube Storage Organizer Cube Bookshelf Pink

pink owl rattan storage basket with lid

Pink Owl Rattan Storage Basket with Lid

Command the no damage to the walls situation with 3M Command strips and hooks.

Command-gold-hooks

Command-large-double-wall-hooks

Command Brand Double Hooks

 

dorm-room-storage-options

Pen+Gear Plastic Storage Box Set with Lids

Better Homes & Gardens 4-Cube Storage Organizer

Mainstays Collapsible Fabric Cube Storage Bins

Black 2pk Fabric Cube Storage Bin

Round Wire Basket With Handles

Compartment Faux Leather Valet Catchall Tray Organizer

Compartment Faux Leather Valet Catchall Tray Organizer

extras-graphic-1

20-Count Indoor Outdoor Incandescent String Lights, with White Cord, AC-powered, 6 Volts

20-Count Indoor Outdoor Incandescent String Lights

Spaceman Night Light, 7.5"

Spaceman Night Light, 7.5″

Rhode Island Novelty New Large Blinking 3-Sided Traffic Light Signal Lamp

Rhode Island Novelty New Large Blinking 3-Sided Traffic Light Signal Lamp

 

bluetooth Wireless Turntable with Built-in Speakers and USB

Bluetooth Wireless Turntable with Built-in Speakers and USB

copper-bluetooth-speakers

MVMT Hexagon Wireless Speaker

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Blue, Go 3

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Blue, Go 3

Rugsmith Transitional Novelty Novelty Black Coir Indoor, Outdoor Doormat

Rugsmith Transitional Novelty Novelty Black Coir Indoor, Outdoor Doormat

'Root For Your Self' Coir Doormat Black - Room Essentials™

‘Root For Your Self’ Coir Doormat Black – Room Essentials™

Modern Innovations Bedside Shelf for Bed

Modern Innovations Bedside Shelf for Bed

Crockpot™ 20-oz. Lunch Crock Food Warmer

Crockpot™ 20-oz. Lunch Crock Food Warmer

Tasty 3QT Family Size Microwave Popcorn Popper

Tasty 3QT Family Size Microwave Popcorn Popper

Haden Heritage Electric Kettle

Haden Heritage Electric Kettle

''Game Tile'' Alphabet Wall Art

''Game Tile'' Alphabet Wall Art-1

”Game Tile” Alphabet Wall Art

Honeywell Turbo Force Power Air Circulator Fan

Honeywell Turbo Force Power Air Circulator Fan

The Big One® Corduroy Floor Cushion

The Big One® Corduroy Floor Cushion

Boucle Mushroom Upholstered Storage Ottoman, Terracotta

Boucle Mushroom Upholstered Storage Ottoman, Terracotta

men's-cruiser-bike-gray

Men’s Cruiser Bike

Getting there is half the fun.

Nel Lusso Classic Cruiser Bike with Perfect Fit Frame

Nel Lusso Classic Cruiser Bike with Perfect Fit Frame

ShedRain UnbelievaBrella Reverse Umbrella with Patterned Lining

ShedRain UnbelievaBrella Reverse Umbrella with Patterned Lining

Here’s hoping these dorm digs decor ideas and tips offer decorating inspiration.

Darleen-signature-love

Sweet Summer Southern Tea Cakes

Sweet summer Southern tea cakes lead the topic of conversation on this particular June afternoon in the Places In The Home test kitchen.

Places In The Home defines tradition as collections, recipes, and/or generational practices from your past bringing about complete and utter joy deemed repeat worthy.

tradition-graphic

noun
tra·di·tion \trə-ˈdi-shən\

1 a :  an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)

b :  a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable

2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

Cottage+By+The+Bay+I+On+Canvas+by+Karen+Fields+Painting

Summer has only been official for a hot minute, and the South is already experiencing oppressive heat. Frankly speaking, the only heat I’m remotely interested in on days better spent indoors is that of the oven.

Holds true for the cooks, bakers and heat haters in my family as the summertime tradition passed down in our family is a simple piece of advice- cook early, stay cool late.

However, I will make an exception when it comes to baking up a dozen or so sweet summer Southern tea cakes.

Southern-Living-magazine-cover-1990

Back-Home Tea Cakes

Ingredients

½ cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

¼ cup milk

sugar

Directions

Cream shortening; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer.  Add egg and vanilla; beat well.  Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing well. Cover and chill 2 hours.  Work half of dough at a time, and store the remainder in refrigerator.

Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.  Cut with a 2-inch cookie cutter; place on greased cookie sheets.  Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

Sprinkle with sugar. Cool.

Yields 3 dozen.

Mary Lou Adkins, Sulphur, LA.
Southern Living Magazine, July 1990

Here’s the aged index card recipe from which I’ve baked many a tea cake, and it means the world to me on many levels.

To me, tea cakes signify the simple, classic, and unpretentious taste of home.  I like to think that’s how I roll.

Giving into part craving, part memory driven tradition I baked up a couple dozen sweet summer Southern tea cakes working with a few recipe additions and adjustments.

flour-surface-rolling-pin

Photo by Laura Adai

Sweet Summer Southern Tea Cakes

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½  teaspoon salt

1  cup butter

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pure almond extract

fresh lemon zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Combine flour, soda, and salt together and set aside.  In separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar.

flour-baking-soda-salt-dry-ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add in vanilla extract, almond extract, and fresh lemon zest.

lemon-zest-vanilla-almond-extract

Beat together until combined.  Stir the dry ingredient mixture into creamed butter/sugar mixture.  Mix until all ingredients are blended together.

rolled-out-tea-cake-dough

Divide dough in half; lightly dusting each half with flour. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper, and place in refrigerator allowing to chill for 1 hour.

cutting-out-cookies

Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough on lightly floured board to ¼ inch thickness.  Cut out in round shapes with cookie cutter or good old dependable jelly glass.

cut-out-cookies-parchment-paper

Place cut out tea cakes on parchment paper lined cookie sheet; bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly brown.

Makes 2 dozen.

sweet-summer-southern-tea-cakes

If serving sweet summer Southern tea cakes for dinner is wrong I don’t want to be right.

Perhaps not the best example of a traditional dinner entree, but the combination of a summer evening coupled with a couple of sweet summer Southern tea cakes is very appetizing and oh, so summer.

Darleen-signature-love

 

Outdoor Living Lagniappe

Outdoor living lagniappe hints and inside information helps to start the season with a clean slate.

outdoor-spaces-kitchen-patio-poolside

Domaine

Two outdoor living features close together in postings support what most of us know to be the case when it comes to good subject content- too much of a good thing is a great thing when it comes to summertime outdoor living lagniappe.

lagniappe-text

[ lan-yap, lan-yap ]

Louisiana French, from Spanish la ñapa

:something given as a bonus or extra gift; by way of compliment or for good measure.

outdoor-space-Austin-Abode

Luxe Interiors + Design – Photography by Lisa Romerein

Outdoor furniture, decor accents and the like attract dirt, dust, pollen, creepy crawlers, and garden variety grime over the course of winter and early spring.

It’s just an outdoor living lagniappe fact that outdoor spaces and places demand attention at the beginning of the fun in the sun season.

outdoor living lagniappe

Lincoln Brooks

Outdoor Life is Dirty So Let’s Clean It Up

Give your outdoor oasis a look see through the lens of polish and refresh.

Clean what pieces will greatly benefit from a brush-sweep-soap session, and assess the situation of items not so worthy.

Clear the deck so to speak of debris, replace rotten/rotting/missing boards, secure loose ones, nail down pop ups, and sand down signs of splinter or potential problem areas (ouch!).

patio-ideas-green-white-outdoor-cushions

Good Housekeeping – Photography by Christopher Baker

Do you refresh or has the time come to replace outdoor furniture, umbrellas, pillows, and cushions?

When it comes to the decision to refresh or replace, weigh initial cost and difficulty in replacing item against budget friendly-ample retail availability.

Aluminum Market Patio Umbrella in Navy Blue Features UV Resistant

Aluminum Market Patio Umbrella in Navy Blue Features UV Resistant

Outdoor Cushion Cleanser

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon dish detergent

¼ cup Borax

Directions

Add dish detergent and Borax to a bucket of water. Dip a soft bristle brush into the cleaning solution and proceed to scrub cushion in a circular motion cleaning the entire surface.

Allow at least five minutes for the cleaning solution to penetrate the cushion.

Using a garden hose, rinse the cushion thoroughly in order to remove residual cleanser.

You’ll want to use an old towel for the next step. Pat the cushion with the towel in order to absorb as much of water as possible. Prop the cushion(s) upright in a sunny spot and allow to air-dry until completely dry.

outdoor space on water Palm Beach Florida

Luxe Interiors + Design – Photography by Jessica Glynn

In all things outdoor oasis summer spaces, keep it summer simple.

Mediterranean herbs

Mediterranean Herbs

Vegetable and herb gardens unite and produce- it’s your season to be in the  spotlight and on the patio dining table in seasonal cocktails, dishes, and salads.

Garden Sun Tea

Garden Sun Tea Recipe from Must Love Herbs

Garden Sun Tea

Ingredients

5  Black Tea Bags

Approximately 1 cup Fresh fruit

A Few Sprigs of Garden Herbs (Lemon balm, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Bee Balm, Sage, Mint, etc.)

Filtered water

Honey

Ice

Directions

Add tea bags, fruit, and herbs to your half gallon container. Cover contents and fill jar with filtered water.  Seal the jar tightly and set it out in the sun for 4-5 hours.  Once the tea is finished steeping add honey to taste while it’s still warm.  Strain and serve over ice.

Store any leftovers in the fridge.

Please note, make sure to make Sun Tea on a very warm day (85° plus is what I use). Also, make sure you’re using a good filtered water. You don’t want bacteria growing in your sun tea… yuck! You can swap out the honey for flavored simple syrups!

-Must Love Herbs

acrylic-tumblers-green-clear

Better Homes & Gardens Acrylic Ribbed Tall Tumblers

basket-of-fresh-mint

From full-on rows of growing goodness to a patio container garden, fresh is best.

fresh-herbs-garden

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Decorative outdoor planters give good outdoor living it up visual zest and appeal.

orange-tree-in-planter-tabletop

One Kings Lane

outdoor-planter-german-shepherd-feet

If your existing plants have beautifully weathered winter simply refresh by adding a fresh top layer of mulch.

flowers-in-planter

House Beautiful – Photography by Harperley Hall

Saw this on social media and boy, does it apply.

mosquitos-like-your-post (1)

Certain herbs and plants naturally repel mosquitoes while looking and smelling so summer good.

lavender-pink-flowers

Photo by Markus Spiske

Here’s my favorites:

Lavender

Lemon Balm

Peppermint

Catnip

Mint

Marigolds

Make sure to empty standing water from planters and containers to eliminate attracting mosquitoes.

fan-stainless

Photo by Yoris Yunanda 

Beat the summer heat and mosquitoes by setting up fans.

pouring-glass-of-wine

 Image by Freepik

There’s something so delicious about the combination of a warm evening and a cold summer salad.

garden-salad-spring-fork

Summer salad season exemplifies the crisp, the chill, and the complement of garden tomatoes topped with a dollop of mayonnaise, fresh asparagus spears spritzed with lemon and sea salt, and vinegar marinated cucumber slices.

salad-paint-colors

Good lighting lights the outdoor livin’ it up night setting a relaxing, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing backyard bistro scene.

string-lighting-chandelier-patio

Photo by Vitor Monthay 

Deck out the deck, patio, and backyard spaces with chic outdoor living it up accent lighting.

2-Pack-LED-Vintage-Lantern-Battery-Operated-Flickering-Flame-Hanging-Lanterns

2 Pack LED Vintage Lantern Battery Operated Flickering Flame Lanterns

Candle filled glass jars and holders hanging around, twinkle string lights wrapped tree trunks and branches, tabletop lamps or paper lanterns- all super ideas!

hanging-votive-filled-with-flameless-candles

One Kings Lane

woven-solar-pathway-light

Woven Solar Pathway Light

TIKI-tabletop-lantern

Large Table Top Studded Glass Oil Lamp 

TIKI-large-lantern

Glass Tabletop Torch Clear – TIKI

blown-glass-beaded-rope

Lit Coastal Objects

Lit Coastal Objects

DALA Lounge Chair

DALA Lounge Chair

Iron chandeliers purchased at auction have become outdoor candle chandeliers.

iron-candle-chandelier1 (1)

Votive candles with battery operated LED versions in flicker fabulous mode replaced standard votives, and the look and the ease of operation confirms its patio practicality.

LED-flicker-votives

Simple is always a welcome guest at any outdoor gathering. Nothing is more simple, and might I add simply elegant, as a glass container filled with string/fairy lights.

string-fairy-lights-in jar-at-night

Photo by Abijith K on Unsplash

Regarding design and decorating, when I love and appreciate the look of a space I interpret the core design style influence and fashion to my own taste in the style of the original.

In the style of the French tradition, an apéro, short for apéritif, is the planned or spontaneous pre mealtime custom of cocktails and converse with the inclusion of savory bites.

savory-cheese-pecans-figs-garlic

Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

Summer evenings seem tailor-made for an in the style of apéro featuring light bites and tasty beverages to enhance the idea of relaxing and connecting.

Click on the link below photos for recipes.

light-bites-graphic

tomato-recipes-saltines-with-basil-mayo

Country Living- Photography by Becky Luigart-Stayner

Easy plan, prep, and presentation begins with super easy items picked up at your local grocery store in taste and flavor combinations light yet flavor packed.

summer-fruits-charcuterie-board

May I suggest:

Hummus

Veggie Strips

Grapes

Cherries

Melons

Peaches

Plums

Berries

Cherry tomatoes

Dolly Parton Acacia Wood Butterfly Serving Tray

Dolly Parton Acacia Wood Butterfly Serving Tray

From the Dolly Parton line of products, this butterfly serving tray is an in season serving tray gotta have for crackers, cheeses and chips.

Fresh Pineapple Salsa with Sesame Tortilla Chips

Fresh Pineapple Salsa with Sesame Tortilla Chips

summer-salads-graphic

The Casa Wedge Salad

Casa Wedge Salad Recipe

Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons

Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons Recipe

20-Minute Burrata Salad with Stone Fruit and Asparagus

20-Minute Burrata Salad with Stone Fruit and Asparagus Recipe

main-course-graphic

Shrimp Ceviche

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

Grilled-Pizza

Grilled Pizza

sweet-summer-sweets-graphic

blueberries-mangos

Tropical Fruit Salad

Ingredients

2 cans tropical fruit, drained

1 can pear halves, drained

1 pint fresh blueberries

juice of one(1) lemon

1 large ripe avocado, halved and cut into slices

1 small container plain Greek yogurt

2 Tablespoons honey

black pepper

Directions

In a mixing bowl, toss together canned fruit with juice of one lemon. Cover and chill 1 hour.  Add two Tablespoons of honey to a small container of Greek yogurt and you’ve got the dressing.

Garnish with avocado slices, yogurt dressing and a fine dusting of black pepper.

Lemon Ice

Lemon Ice Recipe

Pick up a luscious lemon layer cake and proceed to sweetly impress with the addition of fresh blueberries and lemon slices topping it all of with a generous tablespoon of lemon curd and/or whipped topping.

luscious-lemon-cake

Sweet summer s’mores because who doesn’t crave s’more sweet moments.

outdoor-living-lagniappe

Architectural Digest – Photography by Amy Neunsinger

Spending time outdoors is a big part of summer fun, making it easy to understand why outdoor living spaces have become extensions of the life lived within our home- a retreat of heart and home.

Consider this summertime outdoor living lagniappe hints and inside information a little something extra for your summertime let’s patio times.

Darleen-signature-love

Merry Christmas To You!

Merry Christmas to you, my treasured friends.

farmhouse-christmas-entryway-plaid-packages

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Rikki Snyder

This Christmas collection of pretty pictures, delightful treats, and Christmas at home is a visual to you, from me gift that hopefully fills the eye and the heart with the most wonderful time of the year sights of the season.

Enjoy!

pink-white-green-dining-room-at-holidays

At Home in Arkansas – Photography by Rett Peek

christmas-treats-divinity

Divinity with Cherries and Pecans

December-poem

Christmas-wreaths-above-fireplace

Country Home Magazine

Christmas-tree-in-blue-white-porcelain-planter

House Beautiful – Photography by Peter Frank Edwards

Forest Beauty

Forest Beauty

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Flower Magazine

Christmas-cookie-box-Curly-Girl-Kitchen

Curly Girl Kitchen

All is calm, all is bright.

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Unsplash

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Raspberry Almond CakeRaspberry Almond Cake

The Toy Store Window by Timoléon Marie Lobrichon (1)

The light in a child’s eyes is all it takes to make
Christmas a magical time of the year.

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May the beauty of the season be bountiful in the spaces and places of your holiday home.

With much love to one and all,

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Taste of Thanksgiving Recipes

Taste of Thanksgiving recipes feed the hunger we crave and gives reason for the gathering season.

Julia Child quote tapestry

Pinterest

Gathering together to feast, family, and friend during the holidays or just because on a Monday in cozy spaces with good food (fancy schmancy or crackers and can cheese) is rooted in connection, love, and celebration of relationship.

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Houzz – Tim Moss

Speaking from years of experience, the kitchen is about to be a hot spot of holiday activity.  Music is a must, quality kitchen tools and gadgets essential, organization the sous chef to friend, and the taste of Thanksgiving present and accounted for.

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Houzz – Tim Moss

Holiday open houses at favorite antique shoppes result in treasured finds; among them platters O’Plenty perfect for plating birds baked, roasted, and fried.

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Antique Shoppes at 1100 Barksdale

Louisianans do love to do delicious fried turkey when the weather turns cold and the good holiday times roll.

Deep-Fried Turkey Recipe

Country Living – Photography by Johnny Miller

Deep-Fried Turkey

Ingredients

1½ tbsp. kosher salt

1½ tbsp. smoked paprika

1½ tsp. garlic powder

1½ tsp. onion powder

1½ tsp. fresh ground pepper

1¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

1 (12- to 14-pound) whole fresh turkey

Peanut oil (about 3 gallons)

Directions

Stir together first 6 ingredients. Remove giblets and neck from turkey, and discard. Drain cavity well; pat entire turkey dry with paper towels.

Loosen and lift skin from turkey with fingers, without totally detaching skin; generously spread seasoning under skin. Carefully replace skin and secure with wooden picks, if desired.

Sprinkle and rub remaining seasoning inside cavity and on outside of turkey. Let turkey stand at room temperature while oil heats.

Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep propane turkey fryer 10 to 12 inches from top; heat to 350°F over a medium-low flame, according to manufacturer’s instructions (about 45 minutes).

Place turkey on fryer rod. Carefully and slowly lower turkey into hot oil with rod attachment.

Fry 35 to 45 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F (about 3 minutes per pound plus an additional 5 minutes.  Keep oil temperature between 300°F and 325°F). Remove turkey from oil; drain and let stand 25 minutes before slicing.

Serves 10-12.

-Country Living

Louisiana-pecan-festival-pecans

Alex Orenczuk TV

Louisiana pecans harvested from area farms characterize the taste of home.

Cinnamon Candied Pecans​​​​​​​​
​​​​​
Ingredients

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cup pecans

½ teaspoon cinnamon

​​​​​​​​Directions

In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt together butter, cinnamon and granulated sugar until the sugar starts to caramelize.  Add pecans and stir to coat; stirring often to keep from burning.

Pour candied pecans onto parchment or wax paper allowing to cool.

Louisiana-yams-pecans

Southern sweet potato casserole, candied sweet potatoes, and Dave the Builder’s requested favorite, sweet potato pie- Louisiana sweet potatoes are synonymous with Thanksgiving.

Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Walnut Topping

Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Walnut Topping

Taste of Thanksgiving Recipes

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes, washed, peeled and sliced French fry style

1 stick butter, sliced

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp water

Directions

Places prepared sweet potatoes in pot. Add sugar and butter slices. Add water and cover with lid. Cook on low about 40 minutes or until tender. Do not stir during cooking time.

Place candied sweet potatoes in casserole and serve.

-Cooking with Brenda Gantt

Asparagus With Crawfish Hollandaise

Asparagus With Crawfish Hollandaise

Ingredients

2 pounds green asparagus, trimmed

1 tablespoon canola oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

4  large egg yolks

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

⅛  teaspoon cayenne pepper

½  cup butter, melted

½ (16-ounce) package crawfish tails

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and add asparagus.  Top with canola oil, salt, and pepper, and brush evenly with basting brush.  Bake until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add water to a large saucepan, and bring to a simmer.  In a stainless steel bowl, add egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne.  Hold bowl over simmering water making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water, and whisk vigorously until volume of egg mixture doubles.  Slowly whisk in melted butter until sauce is thick and combined.

Remove from heat, and stir in crawfish.  Serve immediately over asparagus.

-Louisiana Cookin’

Cajun-Country-rice

Scenes from home.

Cajun-Country-label

Regional ingredients rich in taste of home traditions star in our taste of Thanksgiving non-traditional side dishes.

rice-scoops

Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage

Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage

Holiday time is coming, and what better time to dazzle the gathered together than with one of these taste of Thanksgiving recipes.

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Merry Christmas 2021

Merry-Christmas-2021

God grant you lightness in your step,

A smile on every face you meet,

Loved ones gathered at your hearth,

And at your door, good friends to greet

A holy hymn upon your lips,

A window candle burning bright

And may the Good Lord bless your heart

And come to dwell here Christmas night.

—Irish Christmas Blessing

From our house and hearts to yours, Dave the Builder and I wish you a very Merry Christmas 2021 filled with everlasting joy, peace, splendor, and love.

Darleen-signature-custom

 

 

Never Forget the Attacks on 9/11

Shall we never forget the fateful attacks against our nation on Tuesday,  September 11, 2001 (9/11).

Has it really been 20 years?

I remember it like it was yesterday, and as time marches on my memories surrounding that day remain crystal clear.

Katie Couric relating to the viewers details too horrific to imagine, too grievous to ignore, too important to forget.

Shared phone calls of disbelief.

Telling Dave the Builder I knew the towers would collapse based on the knowledge of detonation practices learned from studying Las Vegas hotel implosions.

Discussions with other parents of how to explain the events of the day to our children in an honest yet measured manner as not to scare and upset their hearts and thoughts any further than the attacks in the name of pure evil this morning presented.

Twin Towers NYC

We revere 9/11 as a day of remembrance and reflection; a day Americans  come together in reverent thought, solemn moments of silence, ringing of bells of remembrance and prayers for comfort and strength.

Life as Americans knew it up to that point forever changed on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 8:46 a.m. EST.

never forget twin towers after being hit 9/11

Biography

7:59 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 11 departs from Boston’s Logan International Airport bound for Los Angeles with 11 crew members and 76 passengers on board.

Five al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers on board are excluded from the total numbers.

8:15 a.m. EST– United Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Logan International en route to LAX with 9 crew members and 51 passengers aboard.

Five al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers are excluded from the total numbers.

8:20 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 77, en route to Los Angeles, takes off from Dulles International in Washington, D.C. with a total of 59 innocents on board; 6 crew members and 53 passengers.

The 5 al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers are excluded from the total numbers.

8:42 a.m. EST– United Airlines Flight 93 departs Newark Liberty International with 7 crew members and 33 passengers on the flight.

Four al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers aboard this flight are excluded from the total numbers.

8:46 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

9:03 a.m. EST– United Flight 175 crashes into floors 77 through 85 of the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

9:37 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.  The crash and the fire as a result of it take the lives of 59 passengers and crew and 125 people on the ground.

Pentagon during 9-11

9:42 a.m. EST– The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounds all flights.

9-11 from Jersey City

Flickr

9:59 a.m. EST– Fifty-six minutes after impact the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses in a mere 10 seconds.  More than 800 people inside the South Tower and the surrounding area of the building perish.

10:03 a.m. EST– United Airlines Flight 93 crashes near Shanksville, Pennsylvania killing 40 people on board the aircraft.

The hijackers are not included in this number, and rightfully so.

passengers-crew-flight-93 (1)

Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial

10:15 a.m. EST– The outer ring of the Pentagon collapses.

10:28 a.m. EST– The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses killing more than 1,600 both in and around the tower.

FDNY

Fear came to call not expecting bravery and resilience to answer back united we stand.

Our memories will forever be filled with the events of that horrific day in our history, and even though painful to remember we should choose to never forget the attacks on 9/11.

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We are the United States of America.

world-trade-center-city

We differ from one another on many points, views, and opinions, but when all is said and done we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Never forget.

DIY Fall Decor Project Ideas

Crisp air, nature’s bounty, and a hot glue gun is all the inspiration needed to get the DIY fall decor project ideas flowing.

apple-pear-wreath-candle-ring

The little apple candle wreath that could is falls into my PhD (Project half Done) studies.

Believe me, the faux apples are not as red as they appear in the images.

They’re red alright,  but not quite as bright red as seen in some of the images.

If I could get the lighting right on both space and camera, I’d be dangerous.

what-you'll-need

Styrofoam-wreath

apple-wreath-supplies-fall

DIY wreath projects need not be a complicated endeavor.

Where’s the fun in that?

For this particular project I chose a Styrofoam wreath form.

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Remnants leftover from the umpteen burlap bags used for everything from placemats to gift bags came together to base wrap the wreath in order to cover the Styrofoam.

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Hot glue gun used for this step.

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Striving for a more polished look than that of the rustic burlap bags, I wrapped the entire form with burlap ribbon purchased from Dollar Tree, pinning the ribbon with a few straight pins to secure into place.

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Grab a paper or download a Michaels coupon and let the DIY fall decor project ideas savings begin.

Let me let you all in on a little secret…

DIY projects can get expensive, so clip those coupons.

apple-wreath-materials

Place faux apples and pears around the form to get an idea of how you want the finished look to turn out.

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Heat up the glue gun (use caution with these things), and once it gets hot glue the faux fruit in place.

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Spanish moss is not only decorative, it covers a multitude of gaps and DIY mistakes.

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There you have it.

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I absolutely love this sweet sweet DIY potpourri wreath from Sweet Something Designs.

potpourri-wreath-fall

Simple elegance comes to a door or chair frame near you by way of a bag or two of potpourri, a grapevine wreath, your favorite color, texture, and pattern ribbon, and the usual wreath making tools and glue gun to hold fall fabulous all together.

what-you'll-need

grapevine-wreath-medium

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Simple instructions of hot gluing potpourri pieces to wreath and topping off the look with a bow in your choice of ribbon.

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Laura of Garden Answer posted another wonderful fall wreath how-to video giving us five different options to choose from.

How fall flipping cute is the owl wreath?

owl-wreath-Garden-Answer

what-you'll-need

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Grapevine wreath.

Hydrangea.

Pine cones.

An assortment of fall leaves.

Feathers.

Small craft gourds.

Dried and/or fresh floral stems.

Seasonal blooms.

Decorative owl figure.

Laura uses echinacea, rose hips, hydrangea, clematis, sedum, vines, pine cones, autumn leaves, and a most darling owl.

wreath owl supplies

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Jo-ann Fabric

Owl cute is this!

Pinecone Owl

Pinecone Owl

Magnolia tree flower and leaves

Flickr

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Items sourced and found at Jo-Ann Fabrics on a free shipping Saturday afternoon signals the cart is full of DIY fall decor project ideas.

wreath-for-fall-2020

what-you'll-need

Jo-Ann-wreath

Purchased for this project list:

18″ Grapevine Wreath

Zucker Feather Products 12 pk Duck Gilded Feathers

Bloom Room Autumn 19” Millet Leaf Bush Yellow

Place & Time Fall Harvest Textured Ribbon 2.5″

Bloom Room Autumn Hanging Pinecone Acorn Natural

From nature:

Pinecones

Nandina

Hydrangea

Juniper

Fresh pine

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Nandina berries  fresh pine and juniper

dried-stems-fresh-berries

Placement is ruled by where the bulk of the clippings and stems fit best without much effort in securing to wreath.

Why make things difficult?

wreath-embellishments

Undone paper clips help to secure stems to the wreath.

glue-gun-heating-up

I hot glued the pinecones and hanging pinecone acorn to the wreath with ease and great success.

placement

pine-cone-decor

Professional bow maker will never find its way onto my resume, but I can fake it till I make it with the best of them.

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A trusty loop and twist method works, and pipe cleaners-stems looped around the center and twisted several times holds everything in place.

Once you decide where on the wreath the bow will go, feed the “ends” of the pipe cleaners-stems in an over and under method through a couple of the wreath twigs in that section.

Gentle pull up on the pipe cleaner-stem ends to pull the bow close to the wreath.

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Secure the bow in place, twist the ends together, tuck the stems into the wreath twigs to hide, and fluff the bow.

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Gold feathers tucked in visually strategic spots

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wreath DIY fall decor project ideas

As time marches on the nandina is turning a stunning golden crimson.

So fall fabulous!

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DIY wreaths naturally mirror the beauty of the season.

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