House of Hydrangeas

For those who expressed interest in the recipe, here it is. Ingredients: 1 package of cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 1 roll (16.5 oz.) of Pillsbury refrigerated chocolate chip cookies 1/2 cup coconut (optional) Preparations: 1. Heat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in coconut. 2. In ungreased, 9- or 8-inch square pan, break up half of cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough. Crumble and sprinkle remaining half of dough over cream cheese mixture. 3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store in refrigerator. It's from the Pillsbury website. They have a lot of great recipes that are pretty simple to make.

I know I've mentioned many times that thrift stores are one of my favorite places to shop and here's why. 1. You never know what treasures you'll find. It changes every trip you make. 2. Those treasures are going to be so inexpensive you'll treasure them even more. Allow me to show you a few of my recent finds. Glass footed bowl in one of my favorite colors-$2.99 Vintage orange glass cake stand-$1.99. I can't wait to use this for a fall/halloween party. Or maybe even a few football Sundays to support my hubby's favorite team. Don't worry, the Crimson Tide will also be represented! Brass and crystal chandelier-$3.96 I'm picturing this in our future baby's nursery...maybe spray painted white or some fun color. Something like this... I'm willing to bet that those weren't purchased for under $5!

4 months ago today we became Mr. and Mrs. ...and this is one way we will celebrate Chocolate chip cheesecake bars Mmmm can't wait! Also on the menu for the evening is onion garlic tenderloin, mashed potatoes and green beans! On another note, I got my hydrangea fix for the week :) I got this bunch for $4 at my local grocery store. Not too bad I must say.

I think there is something very captivating and inviting when it comes to all white rooms. You can never have too much white if you ask me. However, there are times when a splash of color and texture lends to an even more eye-catching space. Take this living room apartment for example. This is in the home of textile designer and editor, Michelle Adams. Now most people wouldn't dare put ostrich wallpaper up on their walls, but look how seamlessly it blends in to the elegant space. And the yellow curtains are to die for. Simple zigzag patters are one of my favorite things right now. The yellow curtains and throw bring the perfect amount of color and warmth into the room. I also love the mixture of styles used in this space. You have a casual rug and sofa paired with a contemporary acrylic coffee table and an elegant mirror and light fixtures. This just goes to show that it's okay to mix styles. In fact, I'd say it's a must in achieving a stylish design. P...

I apologize for my absence these last few days. I started a new job last week as a event planner consultant for the local paper and have been quite busy. Nevertheless, I'm back now. First I'd like to share a yummy recipe I discovered last week. In case you don't know, I am not a big veggie lover. So when I find a good recipe that has veggies in it, I get really excited. Such was the case last week. My hubby and I buy zucchini on almost every grocery visit. However, the only thing we usually put it in is a stir fry recipe we like to make. This is good for me because the zucchini taste is masked by peppers, teriyaki sauce and chicken. I can eat it. Well last Wednesday I wasn't in the mood for stir fry, but I really needed to use my zucchini before it went bad. So I went on a search for a good zucchini recipe. And what should I stumble upon, but zucchini chips. And they were very good! Here is the recipe. Ingredients" 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs 1/4 ...

I recently had one of my readers contact me and ask me what my favorite free magazines were for design inspiration. However, aside from Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs and West Elm, all of the magazines I get are through paid subscriptions. But I must say they are a much better deal than buying them off the shelf. Usually around $15 for a year. That's only a little over a dollar a month. And many magazines run great promotional deals on their sites. For instance, right now Better Homes and Gardens is running a deal for $5.99 for a one year subscription. However, if subscriptions aren't your thing, there are still many available resources online. Here are a few I use: 1. BHG.com- Better Homes and Gardens has a great website with a variety of topics they cover. From crafts, to food, to decorating, to gardening...they have it all. If you go to their website, you can sign up for their weekly newsletter to be emailed to you. I receive this and find inspiration all of th...

I received my September issue of BHG today, and I feel in love with the cover. First, because of the colors. Second because of the delicious doughnuts on the front, and third because the word "fall" is mentioned twice! I'm so ready for my favorite season to arrive. How about you? This issue had a whole spread on how you can use the acorns you find in your yard to decorate your house. From vase fillers, to napkin rings, to ornaments adorning a twig arrangement in the center of your table. It has my mind reeling about what I can do with all of the walnuts in our backyard. If anyone would like some for their home as well, we have plenty :)