Tablescape Thursday and Foodie FridayThanks to Susan, of Between Naps on the Porch, for hosting Tablescape Thursday and Michael, of Designs by Gollum, for hosting Foodie Friday. Be sure to visit their blogs for their great ideas, as well as links to other participant entries. You may have seen my breakfast nook in last week's tablescape Thursday. Now that there are only three of us left at home, we often eat dinner in there, too, rather than in the dining room. That is why the table is set ... Read Full Story

I am inspired by the beautiful cottage gardens on Cape Cod! I love the look of tall perennial flowers peeking out from behind a white picket fence or growing above a stone wall. These two photos were taken of the lovely gardens at my favorite Cape Cod gift shops, Linda's Originals & The Yankee Craftsman. If you ever have the pleasure of visiting them, don't forget to take a stroll through their impressive perennial gardens.These photos are of other pretty Cape Cod gardens.Inspired by... Read Full Story

During a weekend trip to Maine, my husband and I had the most delicious pizza at a Greek restaurant. The combination of feta cheese, tomatoes and spinach really gave it a unique flavor! I decided to try making a healthy version of it at home. It has become a family favorite at our house on Friday nights. We all work together to make it, and the whole house smells wonderful while it's baking in the oven.Dough Ingredients 1 package active dry yeast 1 cup warm water (110°F ) 2 1/2 to 3 cups f... Read Full Story

My friend, Jan, recently updated her kitchen. These two photos of her kitchen were taken before the renovation.Here are the photos of her beautiful kitchen after the renovation. I love the look of the paneled cabinet door fronts, as well as the newly painted and glazed finish. The bronze in the sink area is repeated on cabinet pulls and throughout the room.Jan, who sews all her own window treatments, used simple valances throughout the room. The pretty fabric softens the window without taki... Read Full Story

I am totally hooked on B&B's. They're a great place to get decorating inspiration and ideas. Here is a photo tour of three inns on Cape Cod.The first one we'll visit is called the Old Sea Pines Inn. I just love the wrap-around porch with the beautiful hanging planters and rocking chairs.  Read more. Read Full Story

During ragweed season, I suffer with severe allergy symptoms. The headaches from the sinus congestion I experience can sometimes be unbearable. Last year, I tried a product called a neti pot to irrigate my sinuses. An ancient Ayurvedic technique is known as jala neti, which literally means nasal cleansing with water in Sanskrit, using a neti pot. Regular use of this rather strange looking device to irrigate the sinuses and nasal passages is recommend by physicians and has been shown to ... Read Full Story

For Sunday morning breakfast, I enjoy setting the table with linens and china.  I tend to keep breakfast tablescapes simple and uncluttered.  Read more. Read Full Story

This scrumptious recipe was provided by my sister-in-law, Christine. She credits her four sisters for helping her perfect the recipe. It's a favorite Sunday morning breakfast at our house.Get the recipe. Read Full Story

Nothing can spoil a backyard barbecue quite like pesky hornets and wasps. A few years ago, I decided to set up bait traps to control the hornet and wasp population around our back deck and have found that it works great! Best of all, I don't have to use any harmful chemicals in my yard.If you're interested in trying this yourself, you will need to purchase a couple of lure traps, such as these jewel tone wasp traps from Gardener's Supply Company. To lure the hornets and wasps... Read Full Story

While vacationing on Cape Cod this past week, my husband and I had fun visiting the thrift shops. Here are some of my thrifty finds. I found this set of luncheon plates and cups. There were four plates with four cups, and I paid $8.00 for them. The pattern is Herbs & Spices by Shafford. Replacements, Ltd. didn't have these sets, but the dinner plate in the same pattern is listed for $9.99. These are so cute and will be perfect to serve muffins and coffee.I love Odille skirts! Here... Read Full Story