Savoring Summer

Even though its been unbearably hot for pretty much most the summer, I still hate to see it go. Here's what I'll miss the most:

Wearing white (my absolute favorite color)
My fresh herbs (they are currently on their last leg)
Sleeping late on weekdays (somehow this becomes laziness as soon as summer ends)
So You Think You Can Dance
My brown strappy sandals
Sunkissed skin

In an effort to savor the remaining days of summer, I have decided to share a snack that makes use of my favorite herb, Basil.

1 French baguette
Olive oil
Salt & Pepper
Mozerella cheese, sliced
Fresh Basil leaves

Slice the french bread into 1/4 inch slices. Drizzle each with olive oil and add s&p. Place cheese on sliced bread and top with a whole basil leaf. Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is slightly crisp. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Bathroom Envy

When you fall in love with a house built in the 1930s, you just know that small bathrooms and non-existent closet space come with the territory. So it is with our little craftsman home. While the bathroom certainly left a little to be desired, it wasn't a deal-breaker by any means. There were some good things about it:

The tile had been (thankfully) painted white over the original mint green.
The built-in vanity is vintage-sweet.
The window lets in a lot of sunlight.
The original tub and sink could be a lot worse.

Even with its charm I knew that it needed some sprucing up. Instead of spending the money for a total makeover, I decided little inexpensive updgrades would do the trick. As soon as we moved in I painted it a charcoal gray that I knew I would love for many years to come. Then little by little I began replacing small things like the toilet, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware. In recent weeks I finally found a shower curtain (after the first three didn't work out), rug, and other accessories that I can live with long-term. I even touched up paint on the window and cabinets. Amazingly, I think I have finished. Instead of looking around at what all I need to fix, I'm admiring our small bathroom and suddenly thinking double sinks are probably overrated. Ok maybe not. But for now I'll stop wanting the comforts of a brand new bathroom and be content with what I have.

Pretty Little Stuart Weitzman

If you have read any of my previous posts, then you already know I am all about a good bargain. I guess this is why I love TJ Maxx so much. It's the only place I can think of that has everything anyone could want under one roof, from classic styles to trends, designer finds sprinkled among no-name labels, purses of every color, and of course my favorite, shoes galore (let's not forget the awesome home goods section, but that deserves its own post). Oddly enough, I have frequented TJ Maxx stores in other cities but the one in Decatur always delivers. I don't know if the people here just don't tend to pick out the same things I usually go for, or if it's just that much better, but I never leave the Decatur store empty-handed. Yesterday my plan was to run in to have a look at the dresses. Being that it was a tax-free shopping weekend just the day before, most things were picked over. But no TJ Maxx trip is complete until I peruse the shoe section. Lucky for me, I browsed the clearance aisle and spotted these lovely little bejeweled flats. Even luckier for me they were a size 8 and on major clearance. I'm no designer expert, but I know when I find a precious pair of Stuart Weitzman flats for $20 (originally $120) there is no way I'm leaving the store without them. Here's to my first Fall shoe purchase...and many more to come!