More On Exterior Lighting...

We original thought we wanted to light up our trees from the ground up.  After discussing our design concept with our electrician Brandon he suggested serveral different options. 

We selected the option to showcase the house instead of focusing on the landscape. 

All our exterior lighing was installed in the soffit to shine down on the Texas stone.

We are more than pleased with the results.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia



The Chandelier

The kitchen received a little bling!

The chandelier is finally hung.

We hope your having a wonderful and safe Memorial Day.

We spent our time visiting with friends, family and PAINTING.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia

The Lantern Has been Moved!

To the entryway and has finally found a home!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia



Happy...

Mother's Day to all the mothers...

Image Source

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia



This Chair Caught My Eye....

After looking through the April Interior Design Magazine

I started researching a line of furniture.

When I found this beauty through ABC Home.

To report from last week the dining table has been removed

and the lighting will be installed tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia

Our First Chandelier

I'm excited I ALMOST have a chandelier! 

Once we hang the light over the kitchen table we will add the crystals.

We hope your having a great week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia

Why wait for Christmas?

Several of you have asked for the Orange-Almond Drop cookie recipe.

I would love to share this recipe I found in a Special Interest Publication from Better Homes and Gardens.

Prep. 40 minutes. Bake 9 minutes per batch.

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 eggs

1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel

1/2 cup orange juice

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup chopped almonds

Orange Butter Frosting (following)

1.  Preheat oven to 375F.  If desired, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper;  set aside.

2.  Beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds.  Add sugar, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; beat until combined.  Beat in eggs.  Beat in the 1 tablespoon orange peel and orange juice (mixture will look curdled).  Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.  Stir in any remaining flour and the almonds.  Drop dough by slightly rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet.

3.  Bake in reheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes or until very lightly browned.  Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.  Frost cooled cookies with Orange Butter Frosting.  If desired, garnish with candied orange peel.  Makes about 50.

Orange Butter Frosting:

In a mixing bowl beat 1/3 cup softened butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.  Gradually add 1 cup sifted powdered sugar.  Slowly beat in 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla.  Gradually beat in 3 1/2 cups additional powdered sugar.  Beat in enough orange juice to make a frosting of spreading consistency.  Stir in 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel.

To store:

Place cookies in layers separated by waxed paper in an airtight container; cover.  Store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze unfrosted cookies up to 3 months.  Thaw cookies, frost.

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia

Oh NO!

The dining room table we ordered ARRIVED....

It's NOT the table of our dreams after all.

It's beautiful but we quickly realized we would like a more formal, darker and traditional table.  We are also wanting to add a little drama to the room.  Our direction won't work with this table it is too light in wood and too casual.  The exercise wasn't a complete loss it did provide us a nod to the 60 inch round table for the space.

(For the record, I really liked the base of this table from Restoration Hardware.)

I can't believe I'm sharing this with you but we are going to move the lantern ONE more time.

It's next destination is the entryway. Cross your fingers, it could be WONDERFUL!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia