See ya 2018...2019 How you doin?

Saturday, December 29, 2018

So the holidays have come and gone. It was a busy and fun season. I would love to hear feedback on topics you would like to see blogged about in 2019.
Anything lifestyle related: decorating, home construction, receipes, entertaining,  clothing, hair, makeup, children, husbands, girlfriends, shopping, vacations, nutrition, exercise, anything at all. The main goal of my blog is to have a place for my followers to come and get an idea for a dish to make, or a creative inspiration to try on your own, or anything big or small to help you. I follow the accounts that I do, for all these same reasons. I appreciate each and everyone who reads my content, whether you are a relative, a friend, or a person who just happens to like what i put out there.

talk soon,
debbie xo









Tailgate Series 1

Saturday, August 25, 2018

So it's Tailgate Season!
The minute my first son was born, back in 1994, I knew Football was an inevitable part of our lives. My husband had played and it was his passion. He always dreamed of having a son who he could coach and share the love of the big game. I was a nervous wreck when the idea of playing pop warner rolled around. My son was small and thin, yikes! Well fast forward. He went on to play continuously thru college. It was the best!
My second son was born in 1999, there was no question as long as he wanted to play football, he would follow in his big brother's footsteps. Fast forward to Fall 2018, he is playing his Sophomore year in college. We tailgate before all his games. Tailgating is so much fun to plan and have friends and family to cheer our team on with as a group.
Last year I did a single post on it but this year I thought I would do a Series to share more ideas, recipes, and DIY stuff
First off is a banana bread recipe I have made over and over. It's easy to bake. Honestly I can not remember where I found it, so I am sorry I can't give credit where credit is due. I started making it to bring to my son for a snack at college, but it is a great tailgate staple. If the game is early afternoon, tailgating may start late morning so I like to have sweet, savory, and everything in between to offer everyone. Let me know what you think!

3-4 ripe bananas smashed
1/3 cup melted salted butter
34 cup brown sugar
1 egg beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1teaspoon baking soda
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cup flour
Preheat to 350 oven
Mix butter into bananas
Mix in sugar, egg, vanilla
Then add spices
Sprinkle baking soda and salt mix in
Add flour last n mix, I use a spoon
(You can add 1 tablespoon of bourbon when adding egg, sugar, vanilla)
Bake about 40-50 min in a loaf pan.
You can cut slices and then cut in half for easy eating at your tailgate ENJOY!




Zucchini pie..Winner of ..Most Versatile dish✨✨✨

Friday, July 27, 2018

As I mentioned on Instagram this dish is so easy and versatile. It can be an appetizer, a side, or a meal with maybe a salad added
I'm Italian and so exact measurements for a recipe is not my thing, but I'll list what I can and give it a try soon.  Great Summer dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cube up 3 cups of yellow zucchini, skin off
3-5 links sausage, I use chicken sausage
1/2 cup onions, I have used onion powder instead
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves of garlic, again, I have used garlic powder if you don't have cloves in the house
4 eggs
1 cup of Bisquick
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup grated parmasean cheese
Pinch of oregano
In a fry pan, sauté the sausage out of the casing, with garlic and onion
Drain and add to the following
Eggs, bisquick, zucchini, salt, pepper, oil, grated cheese, mix it all up
Pour into a greased pie dish, sprinkle oregano on top
Bake for about 40 min
Enjoy!

It's time for the Big Nordstrom Sale! ✨✨✨

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

If you have a Nordstrom card you can start shopping at midnight tonight, otherwise you have some time to pick out your favorites.
Here are just a few of my picks
✨All Saints shoulder handbag. They are made well, soft leather. Great shape
218.00 after sale 328.00
✨Tonya slide. Great for Late summer into Fall. 49.90
✨Leith velvet. I'm in love with this heel style 49.90
✨Halogen Ruffle neck sweater. Many colors. 49.90
✨Vince Camuto tie cuff blouse. Color choices. 58.90 all the little details make a difference
✨top shop open cardigan. Looks so cozy 49.90
✨MAC always does a great job offering gift sets. Pick up a few just incase.









This sofa is Just right

Monday, June 4, 2018

Was dreading shopping for a new sofa for our tv sitting area. Decided on white slipcovered sofas from Ikea. I had read about the Ektorp collection that a few bloggers I follow have used for different projects. My daughter bought a sofa and she liked it as well. Wanted to report that so far it is very comfy and roomie. I bought the 3.5 which is wider than regular one. There is a 3 sofa sizes, a love seat, a club chair, and sectional. There are many color options for the covers.  I bought 2 of the 3.5 sofas and an ottoman. The covers are washable. I will update you on that when I wash them. The price is great and if you can snag them thru the warehouse you can have them shipped for 30.00. The customer service is a bit lacking both over the phone and at the store. Worth it though.
Here are the options:





White and White

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Embarrassed to admit we had a mattress with a huge valley thru the middle, as I bought a mattress without replacing the box spring at the same time. Couldn't decide what mattress was best as we both, big Al and I, have back issues from time to time. My chiropractor suggested a basic firm style, no topper, and so I bought a new one from Raymour and Flannigan. Great service, they take away the old mattress, new one was delivered the day after I purchased it.
If you follow on Instagram you see that we are updating our master bath and bedroom. I recently changed up the bed coverings.
Wanted white and light, will be painting walls a light gray and new carpeting also.
I have a high, 4 post bed, queen.
Always on the hunt for a bed skirt long enough to hit the floor, always a big Fail.
Found a King sized, summer weight coverlet, I guess is the right word. It hangs just the right length all the way around the bed. Ordered it online from TJMaxx
Then I added a white comforter. I have bad luck with duvets not clumping up and staying nice so I went with a plain comforter. Found it at Marshall's
The throw I scored at HomeGoods. It's this soft fabric, great light gray color.  Trying to find a pillow in same fabric. I had a few ladies stop me as I was shopping and say how they loved the blanket.
Finally, the PILLOWS!  Scored those lumbar shaped ones at Tjmaxx.com. They looked so much like the ones that Serena and Lily carry. I do love that store but these were so much cheaper!
Have a great day and go dress your Bed✨✨




Zucchini Pie recipe

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

This recipe is so easy to make.  It's great for brunch, lunch with a salad, even dinner with a side of your choice. My mom made this many times when I lived at home, and passed it on to my sister and I. I have tweeked the recipe but it is still delicious and easy.
Preheat oven to 350
3 cups of chopped, skinned, zucchini ( I use yellow)
Either 1/2 cup chopped onion, or tablespoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon Salk
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves of chopped garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 eggs
1 cup bisquick
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated cheese
1 lb chicken sausage, out of casing

Spray pan with non stick spray, add the onions and garlic and sate, then add the sausage. If you are using the powders, add them after you start cooking the sausage.
In a separate bowl add the zucchini, the eggs and bisquick, oil, salt and pepper
Once the sausage is done, cool and add to the mixture in the separate bowl.
Pour into a pie plate, add to center rack of oven, and bake for about 20-30 minutes.
Enjoy!


A few of my favorites this week

Monday, April 23, 2018

So I think, fingers crossed, that Spring is finally here in New Jersey, by the beach areas. Been busy working on a few projects and I will share when they are completed. If you follow on Instagram stories you may have seen the progress on my master bath. Big Al has been working very hard and my son in law too.
 A few things I wanted to share, alittle all I very the board, but still interesting and fun, lol
Have you heard of Pure Barre? It is a boutique style gym experience, so difficult, but really good. Works all the very small muscles that you didn't know you had. I am constantly sore, but that good sore. Check it out atPure Barre
Target had rolled out a new line, Opal collection. So pretty. There is a warm and a cool set to pick from with tabletop to fabric chairs to choose from. I love these blue and green patterned Melanie plates. You can mix and match patterns if you like. This glass pineapple tabletop lamp is beautiful.
Target
It's been too cold to plant our spring blooms but inside we can certainly work on the green.  I think every room should have some plant, big or small in it. It adds a layer that works for any style. I love snake plants. They add height, are indestructible, and do not need a lot of sun. Get one!
I love a good cookbook and a guest that appears on the today show from time to time , Siri Daly, married to Carson Daly, has written a cookbook. She is a self taught cook, and her recipes are easy to follow. They are mostly healthy, always simple, and sometimes just decadent, we need a cheat now and then. Get a copy. Barnes and Noble
I am a little crazy about the upcoming Royal wedding. Binge watched The Crown. It kept my attention thru most seasons. Ahh. To be Royal👑👑👑
Who loves Nate Berkus? I have been a fan since his first appearance on the Oprah show.  This show is such a nice mix of his interior decorating expertise and his relationship with his family. Great ideas to be had.Nate and Jeramiah by design
Enjoy and visit my Instagram!












Spring touches

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Hi everybody. I continue to have issues with my iPad and blog posting so I must keep them simple.
We are in the middle of yet another snow storm in the middle of March. I live by the jersey shore. Can't wait for runs by the beach, dinners on the porch, and walking the dog without my black puffy coat on. Ugh!
Anyway, I started to add a few hints of spring around the house and thought I would share what I have so far.
Spring gives me an excuse to buy more flowers and spread them everywhere. I have a few bunnies and for some reason moss is my go to.
I set a Easter breakfast table for you to see that even if you aren't hosting Easter dinner it is fun to have a pretty table for breakfast. My daughter gave me the cute bunny plates and juice glasses. They are from Pier one. My China has tiny pink buds so that works well. Enjoy the photos and I'll list credits here.
Bunny ear napkin holders Pier one    Moss sign across the mirror and decor for the tree Home sense.
White and gold bunnies and blue tin candle Target











Nordstrom finds--I love You

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Wanted to share a few finds I discovered at Nordstrom recently.
I just love shopping in the store and online. Customer service is top notch. Little tidbit, I was a secret shopper for Macy's and lord and Taylor years ago. Nordstrom is by far best in service.
Made well has some great items for spring. I saw this cute top in white in the store but here it is in a mauve. It's a pebbled fabric and the knot is an interesting detail.
Treasure and bond has some great clothes but they recently added home goods to Nordstrom stores.
I love this long wood board. It's super heavy, made of real wood, great price. Mine is on a table, shown here, but I am going to put it on my island for serving and elevating a few dishes. Great for a counter too. My tree is still up, don't judge, it has shamrocks.
Halogen is a brand I like a lot also. The white mules are a great addition for spring/summer. I like the white but there are other colors. The treaters earrings are pretty and simple. Go with anything. Make a nice gift too.
Zella is a brand that Nordstrom carries and I have been buying it for a few years now for my daughter who is a pure barre instructor and their clothes are pretty, great fit, and hold up in the wash.





Gotta love Books

Friday, February 23, 2018

I can remember being a little girl and loving the library. The smell of the books, the walls full of possibilities inside each book, coffee table books, novels, love them all.
(I really should write more posts about books).Wanted to share a few "book" themed items with you.

There is a book scented candle by Homesick. It has notes of cedar-sandlewood-vanilla. A great shop in Pt Pleasant, Deena's, stocks it. Smells like a leather bound book.

I found these book flower holders in Hobby Lobby, when we were planning my daughter's bridal shower, and used them as accents around the venue. I have a few I can sell to anyone. Lol

If your saw my IG post on displaying your books,I had forgotten about this great coffee table book, that has bright ,colorful photos and how-to's for you for dessert displays. Amy Atlas

One of my favorite places to purchase books is in town on Main Street in Manasquan, Booktowne
They are very helpful and despite the small shop they carry a wide variety of selections for everyone.

The photo I posted on IG is a simple example of how to display your books to see them and enjoy them or share with guests. Have them out so you remember what you have and enjoy them.

Of course, a great bookcase is a good idea for any room. This one is a white beauty. A blog I follow has this in her home. Living with landyn. Pure simple white is always smooth to the eye. Books can be wrapped in white to keep a uniform look.
Finally, this bookcase is organized with books according to colors. Again, either the spines of the books are colored or the books are wrapped in colored paper.
Enjoy, now go read a book or style a shelf. Xoxo












Nordstrom winter sale going on now

Here are my pics for the winter sale.
Love a great pillow and throws have my heart. These are great sale prices
The totes I listed are so pretty. Check out All saints purses if you haven't heard of them. I have a tote and it's so soft, real leather, pretty colors and shapes.