Rockin' 80's!

While the 80's were hot for toys, clothing, and pop culture, 80's home decor hasn't yetcome into its revival like past decades. However, it does invoke a sense of nostalgia. 

And of course, the hair.. 

Pastels, pastels, pastels! Pastels and stripes were both on trend. I love the stacked baskets at the end of the bed. It reminds me of the stacked suitcases that you sometimes see today. 

Why choose one color when you can have them all? 

This painted rainbow around the bed is a cute, creative touch. 

Pinks around this time tended towards the dusty mauve, along with the pastels. The dainty florals are also a stark contrast to the large prints from the 70's. 

Who ever was in the ruffled pillow business was very, very rich. 

There's nothing I love more (besides floral) than a cheesey lamp. This one takes that cake. 

Of course, I couldn't do a 80's post without throwing in some Ferris Bueller decor. Metal headboards were huge during this time, and this one is so cute!! 

That's it for this week folks!! Next week we travel to the 90's!!

Happy Spring!

It's finally here!! Tulips are sprouting, birds are chirping, and the sunshine is warm! 

We're so happy we could jump for joy.. much like these adorable Holsteins. 

I'm  taking a break from Ashley's teenage time travel to bring to you a few fun ideas for spring.

Just a little something to make you smile :-)

Nothing says spring to me more than the Forsythia bushes in bloom. Try filling your vases with wine corks, sliced lemons, or colored glass beads for a fresh effect. 

Speaking of lemons...

I love how this brings the sunshine in!

Nothing to fill those jars & vases? Lemons. 

They'll brighten up your kitchen and last a bit longer than flowers. 

Oranges and limes are also wonderful for adding bursts of color! 

These lidded hurricane jars are a staple for me in my sesonal decorating. 

Mason jars are one of my little design secrets. They're incredibly versitile!! 

I love the blue glass ones, but if non are to be found, they're also incredibly easy to paint with some fresh pastels. (Also very easy to paint old pasta sauce jars!)

I love this adorable moss terrarium idea. Perfect for a kitchen table or mantel top.  

Instead of tossing your bygone blooms in the compost heap because you think they won't flower again, wait for the leaves to die back naturally. Then, plant them in garden and feed them an organic fertilizer. (Narcissus and daffodil bulbs are more likely to respond, and bloom again)

Check back next week as Ashley continues our wild ride through the ages! 

(You won't want to miss our 80's decor!)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bedrooms (III) ...Sweet Seventies

Every era has a defining characteristic, something that rewinds you to the days gone past. 

For me, it's a teenage girl's bedroom.  
Maybe I'm just missing having Ashley home!  


Really, if you want an accurate portrayal of the trends today,  you should just take a peek upstairs, after all aren't those beautiful babies (hardly babies ...) our future?

Over the next few weeks, Ashley (no longer my brilliant teenager) is going to take you on a journey through the decades via the bedrooms that shaped generations. 

Enjoy my guest blogger.... 
All my best,

Welcome back! 

Get ready to be accosted with bright colors and patterns galore, 

because bedrooms this week are straight from the 70's!! 

This room has everything I love about 70's decor. Pattern, texture, and bold colors! The sassy bejeweled jungle cat is just a bonus. 

Don't you just love when your dress matches your duvet?

Once you get past the bright traffic cone orange, you may notice some delish built in shelving. 

(And another bejeweled jungle cat)

This room is by far my favorite. Nothing like taking a theme and sticking with it! You can even catch a glimpse of what must be an amazing peacock rug! 

Until next week... Stay fab!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bedrooms (II) .... Psychodelic Sixties

Every era has a defining characteristic, something that rewinds you to the days gone past. 

For me, it's a teenage girl's bedroom.  
Maybe I'm just missing having Ashley home!  


Really, if you want an accurate portrayal of the trends today,  you should just take a peek upstairs, after all aren't those beautiful babies (hardly babies ...) our future?

Over the next few weeks, Ashley (no longer my brilliant teenager) is going to take you on a journey through the decades via the bedrooms that shaped generations. 

Enjoy my guest blogger.... 
All my best,

This week we're continuing our journey through the decade with bedrooms from the 1960's..


Every decade has their shining musical stars.. Easily identifiable by their images plastered all over adolescent across the land.

Could really do without that clown in the middleof the floor though...

Communication is key. How else are you supposed to absorb your daily dose of high school gossip?

And no girl's room is complete without a couple of stuffed animals. These are sporting the classic 60's color scheme of pink, orange, yellow, and green. 

Floral gets a face lift with these mod decals adorning the wardrobe, mirror, and bed. 

The quirky furniture in this room really showcases the less ridged attitude that the citizens of the 60's adopted. A wicker elephant nightstand? Why not. 

Until next time, when we take on the 1970's!! 

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bedrooms... The Fab Fifties.

Every era has a defining characteristic, something that rewinds you to the days gone past. 

For me, it's a teenage girl's bedroom.  
Maybe I'm just missing having Ashley home!  


Really, if you want an accurate portrayal of the trends today,  you should just take a peek upstairs, after all aren't those beautiful babies (hardly babies ...) our future?

Over the next few weeks, Ashley (no longer my brilliant teenager) is going to take you on a journey through the decades via the bedrooms that shaped generations. 

Enjoy my guest blogger.... 
All my best,

Today, we're stating with the 1950's, a decade that often stands out as one of America's best. It was an era that was charmed by Lucy and the Cleavers, created the interstate highway system, and fulfilled the goal of the suburban dream house.

For the average teenage girl, this meant one thing.. PINK!! 

Milk Glass Lamps were 'hip'! 

Pastel colors were all the rage, gracing not only bedrooms, 

but also kitchens, bathrooms, and even tail-fined cars. 

Other bright, lively colors were also found on the floors. 

This new age brought designers to mass produced furniture. 

Plastic, glass, and plexiglass were all new materials that were introduced.

That's all folks! 

Tune in next week for the 60's!!

Snow Day Pizza!

My Prince and son will be out today working hard plowing, snowblowing and shoveling.  They do it all out of the kindness of their hearts … no monitary compensation, just the satisfaction of knowing they have done a good deed. 

So today as they brave the cold, I'll be in the Kitchen … making my homemade pizza for them.  

Grab your aprons and join me today making this fabulous treat!

Dough 

• 3.5 cups all purpose flour (bread flour will give you a crispier crust) plus extra 
• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 1 package of active yeast 
• 1.5 cups warm water (105-115 degrees)
• 2 teaspoons salt 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra

Instructions 

• In a large mixture (I use a KitchenAide *love it!*) pour warm water, add yeast and let stand for 5 minutes to dissolve, you may have to stir it a touch after 5 minutes to finish to dissolving process. 
• Add olive oil, sugar, salt and flour and mix for about a minute with standard mixing paddle. 
• Remove paddle and replace with kneading hook, knead for 10 minutes.  If you dough is sloppy add a little more flour 
• Coat glass bowl with olive oil add roll dough in bowl, creating a ball completely covered with oil 
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise for about 1.5 hours, the dough should double in size.
• While the dough is rising make your sauce!

Sauce 

• one can of tomato sauce 8 oz can 
• one can of tomato paste 6 oz can
• one small onion chopped  or about 1/2 cup
• clove garlic 
• bay left
• dried oregano, about a teaspoon* 
• dried basil, about a teaspoon* 
• salt, about a half teaspoon* 
• two heaping tablespoons of Molasses (I love a sweet sauce!)
• olive oil 
• butter about tablespoon*
• *I say 'about' because I never measure these!  I've always done this by taste!

Instructions 

• In a large skillet over medium heat melt and blend with oil (couple tablespoons)
• Sauté onion and garlic until soft and smelling amazing!
• Reduce heat to medium low 
• Add tomato sauce and paste, stir until well blended 
• Bring to a simmer, I like to let this simmer for half hour … really infuses the flavor!
• Remove bay leaf … and your sauce is ready for that fabulous crust!

Finishing your crust and the topping …. 

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees … 
• Punch down the your dough and divide into two balls, and placed on a floured surface.
• Let balls rest for 10 minutes or so
• Working one ball at a time stretch and work dough into desired shape, if the dough is fighting you a bit let it rest for a few minutes. 
• I like to bake my pizza on cookie sheets…. so I brush my cookie sheet with just a little bit of olive oil use this sparingly!
• Sprinkle a little corn meal … in a pinch I've used additional flour 
• Place on cookie sheet and brush top of the dough with oil 
• Let rest while you make prepare your second ball 
• Spread sauce over dough … less is more here, too much sauce makes for a very soggy pizza!
• Finish off with desired cheese topping … I like Mozzarella & fresh shredded Parmesan they are a fabulous combo
• Add your additional toppings … and finish with a light additional layer of cheese 
• Bake 10-15 minutes … this number will fluctuate depending on how thick your crust is, when sauce is bubbling and your crust is golden its done … 

Enjoy …. 

definition of extraordinary

I bounced on my toes through the kitchen, into the family room, back to the kitchen following closely on my mom’s heals. “Can we go? Can we go?”  My bathing suit was rolled in my towel and tucked tightly under my arm, I was all ready to go. 

After what felt like an eternity to any young child waiting, the car was loaded.
“C’mon! c’mon!‘ I yelled as I shoved and pushed my way into the back seat.  Finally, Dad backed the car out of the driveway.  I knew the route by heart, I kept my face glued to the window watching each landmark speed by. We rounded the corner by Fowlers Market, and my toes began to tingle, as we passed the package store, my belly tickled.  As my dad was applying the breaks, I could see the tree line and sharp dip of the driveway, it was then that I would shiver with excitement. 

The car doors opened and familiarity filled my senses, a cool, refreshing breeze kissed my cheeks, the old transistor radio barked out play by play of a baseball game.  I ran towards the circle of lawn chairs squinting at the sun reflecting off the water, breathing in the array of smells, the musty old boat house, the freshly cut grass, the crisp lake and the sweet smell of old baking.  There they sat, my Grandfather, Uncle Steve, Uncle Benny & Uncle Stanley, I got a wave and a smile which was abruptly interrupted by a shout of joy, not for me but for a great play just announced through the radio.  My Grandmother sat in her chaise lounge snapping her gum and knitting away, Aunt Mary with her hair done and her signature red nails chatted away while flipping through the newspaper.   I made my way around the circle planting quick kisses on each of their checks. Uncle Stanley pulled me into his lap, and asked “how’s my girl?!” I giggled as he pulled my face to his and smiled widely.  He smelled of cigarettes, shaving cream and bakery confections, which were embedded into his skin. 

A familiar clatter leaked from the cottage, cabinet doors squeaking, dishes clanking, laughter and chitchat filled the air. I wrapped my hand around the screen door handle, pulled hard and scooted in quickly before the door kissed my backside as it slammed shut.  I ran across the cool crackling old linoleum floor, following my aunts voices to the back porch.  “Lisa!” My aunts cried, their eyes danced and huge smiles filled their faces.  They wrapped me in genuine hugs that I would squirm away a little to quickly from.  It didn’t matter if it was a week or a few hours, they always greeted me the same way.  

Through the back porch door I dashed, remembering to hold on carefully to the old railing, these were a few steep steps.  I raced down the hill, trying to watch for raised tree roots, I had suffered more than one face plant do to those nasty little buggers.  I waved my arms calling out to my uncles who were checking the stability of the old dock.  They waved back, the bright summer sun reflected off the water creating silhouettes of their faces, and although I could not see them, I felt their smiles. 

The water lapped against the lake wall, as my cousins splashed and played.  There was no need to say hello to the boys, I just needed to change into my bathing suit and then I’d see them. I ran back up to the cottage, through the back porch door across the crinkly linoleum floor to the bathroom.  Ugh, the door was closed.  I slumped onto the floor to wait.  The trees rustled outside the window, I heard my dad asking about the game.  I listened to my Mom with my aunts in the kitchen and started to count the ceiling tiles above my head, patience was not a strength of this child at the tender age of ten.  The bathroom door opened, my Uncle Jimmy tousled my hair and said, “It’s all yours kiddo!”  I couldn’t change fast enough, I just had to get into the lake!  I busted out of the bathroom, with my balled up clothes and tossed them into the bedroom.  I  darted though the kitchen, out the back door and ran, still cautiously down the hill. 

In my mind I had just gotten into the lake when Aunt Patty called for dinner.  Clearly we’d been in the water plenty long enough because all of us had pruned fingers and toes. With towels wrapped around our waists and dripping wet hair we lined up at the outdoor fireplace for our hot dogs and hamburgers.  Down the center of the long continuous picnic tables, sat potato salad, macaroni salad, condiments and green jello.  
Around the table were multiple generations, there was unconditional love, devotion, tradition, and dedication to each other.  

At the tender age of 10, what happened each Sunday at the lake was just common place, it was just what we did.  Now 35 years later, I see it as so much more.  The dedication my family had and has to each other is exceptional.  At the end of 2012 we closed the chapter on one generation, yet the newest one is continually growing. I watch my Aunts, Uncles and parents working hard to keep traditions alive, to keep us connected.  A task that in today’s world, when we rarely slow down enough to eat let alone spend time with family, is an enormous feat.  

I probably don’t tell my parents, my aunts and my uncles nearly enough how much I appreciate and cherish their efforts.  They in my mind they are not ordinary, but truly the definition of extraordinary.  When the time comes that they need to pass the torch, we will be ready to accept it.  To set a table with delectable, traditional foods down the center surrounded by that unconditional love, devotion, traditions and the dedication that I have been taught.  

I imagine there is a lake in heaven, where a circle of lawn chairs sits off to the side.  This Christmas there isn’t a ball game playing, rather a play by play of Christmas Eve events at my Aunt Trudy’s.  Grammy is clapping as the kids sing Christmas Carols, while Uncle Benny and Aunt Mary are leaning in to hear who is playing Santa this year.  Grandpa is grinning ear to ear knowing his gingerbread men are still alive and well, while Uncle Steve and Uncle Stanley are keeping tabs on which kids are Red Sox fans.  Uncle Jimmy throws his head back laughing as he listens to Amy or Christen’s little ones screaming because Santa is a little scary to them this year. 

Merry Christmas ..... here’s to unconditional love, devotion, tradition and dedication.