"Wanna Get Away?"

Take a look at this view!  Looking at this can really take the edge off of a strong urge to go on vacation.  For most of us, this time of year really becomes a drag.  We are stuck in doors, its cold and wet outside and the sun is hardly friendly.  A beach destination is the number one sought after winter time vacation (with the exception of skiers and snowboarders ha!)  There is just something about that blue sky and that warm sand that can restore a sense of tranquility. 

Don't ya just love the subtle, calm color scheme here?  I think my blood pressure just went down a few  digits.  Have a wonderful Sunday and keep a Beachy View on your day!

Drawn to the "Beach Blues"

I am so drawn to this color.  It makes me happy and refreshed just to look at this color.  Kinda the same hue as those gorgeous old Mason jars popping up everywhere, including my kitchen window.  I think this Beach Blue color reminds me that even when its storming like crazy outside, there is a warm sunny beach out there somewhere calling my name!

Some of my favorite decor ideas

I just love the crisp clean look of this bead board walls. This room is so inviting, I just want to sit in it and read a good book or have a glass of wine with my hubby.

I would really like to try painting a dresser like this. It is definately my new favorite color.

This table setting just makes me feel relaxed and cheerful. I am loving the subtle beach cottage theme these days. Maybe it has something to do with all the gloomy rain here in the Seattle area.

Delicious Homemade Gourmet Waffles

This recipe is delicious, home made and frugal. Make a double batch because they are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Serve them up with fried ham slices and fresh fruit for a special breakfast.

1-3/4 c. all purpose flour
2 T. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1-3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. cooking oil (I use canola oil)
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp almond extract (the real extract, not artificial)

Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Gently beat eggs in a separate bowl, then add milk, oil, extracts to egg mixture, stir lightly until combined. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir gently until lumps are about the size of tapioca. I use a wire whisk here, just don't over mix. Pour into a warmed up waffle iron. About 1/2 cup or so per 4 inch waffle. My waffle iron has two waffles together. I pour from the inside toward the outside of each square. Bon Apetit

You could even use organic ingredients to make these inexpensive organic waffles.

If you purchase all of these staple ingredients at a warehouse such as Costco or Sam's Club, your waffles will cost pennies a piece.

Consider storing flour and sugar in beautiful large glass jars to inspire the "baker" within. You can find jars like this at Target and Kroger stores.

Do You Hear the Birds Singing?

Do you ever find yourself spinning your wheels after doing the same things day in and day out?  Many of us whether we work exclusively in the home or outside of the home are faced with the same menial tasks that really become boring and unfulfilling.  Then I was struck by the beautiful sounds coming from outside and I realized how happy the birds are to be madly building their nests and flitting around.  They are doing the same thing they did last year, building their nests out of whatever they can find and they are singing their little heads off!  Well I'm glad I don't have to build my house again every year, but the next load of wash or stack of dishes I wash might not seem so boring if I think of those happy little birds and their songs of contentment.  That is the inspiration to my new blog, The Swanky Nest.  I will be sharing ideas on how to add some sparkle or shine to our nests.  Whether it is an amazingly delicious gourmet meal made from what you can find in your cupboards or a flea market find turned into a special feature in your home.  Stay tuned. :)