Leaving a Mark

First off - YES... I have been horrible lately about blogging.

I think it's been almost 2 weeks since I've posted.

Yikes.

But - I've been super busy traveling... and entertaining guests!

Which is a good excuse, right?

My entire family was recently in Wisconsin - and we took a trip to Door County.

(Some call in the "Martha's Vineyard" of the Midwest.)

If you've never been... you have GOT to go.

Such a beautiful, beautiful place.

We spent time in Egg Harbor, Sister Bay, Fish Creek and Ephraim.

As far as "touristy" things to do - 

Cave Point County Park was at the TOP of the list.

So many wonderful caves, and nooks and crannies to explore!

I highly recommend going on a day when there are BIG WAVES 

in Lake Michigan.

As far as the FOOD...

wowza!!!

First up - we have got to talk about the 

CHERRY STUFFED FRENCH TOAST.

It's from the White Gull Inn - voted the 

BEST "Breakfast Place in America"... 

by Good Morning America.

They hit the nail RIGHT on the head with this one.

We also stopped by Pelletier's for a fish boil!

So simple - but SO good.

Fish, potatoes, onions, cole slaw.

And, had wood-fired pizza from Wild Tomato pizzeria!

Lots of fresh veggies and meats.

They even put cheese curds (and broccoli) on this one!

Can't leave without a "Spotted Cow" beer :)

BUT - hands down...

One of my favorite spots was the old Anderson Dock in Ephraim, WI.

(Also known as the Hardy Art Gallery.)

I mean, look at this!!!

Thousands and thousands of names.

So inspiring.

Such eclectic "artwork."

Anyone is allowed to paint their name.

You're just asked to be RESPECTFUL about it.

Such an amazing place.

Can we go back?

Summer Pasta

Yummy in my tummy.

Now that the end of summer is here (tear)...

fresh TOMATOES are popping up everywhere.

So, I decided to make a simple tomato/garlic pasta.

You'll need:

1 tub of tomatoes

1 tub of sliced mushrooms

A handful of basil (finely chopped.)

4-5 garlic bulbs (finely chopped.)

Add the garlic to about 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

Cook the garlic until it turns a "golden brown."

Add the mushrooms.

Cook for about 5 minutes (until the mushrooms are slightly brown.)

Bring a pot of water to boil.

Add 3/4 of a box of angel hair pasta.

*Follow the cooking directions on the box.*

Add your tub of tomatoes to the mushroom/garlic mixture.

Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Add the pasta.

Then... the good part!!!

Add a handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese...

and a handful of basil.

Stir.

Then, sprinkle some fresh parmesan on top of your bowl of pasta.

You can also add some salt/pepper.

So delicious!

Light and simple.

Takes about 20 minutes TOP to make.

Easy dinner with fresh, summer veggies.

53 Reasons Why I Love You

My mama's birthday is next week.

She'll be turning 53-years-young.

I decided to do something simple and sweet for her gift.

First off - she LOVES, LOVES chocolate.

So, I picked up her favorite candies and a cute box.

Then, I wrote out 53 separate reasons "why I love you"...

Things like:

1.) You always put others first.

2.) You see the best in people.

3.) You are the heart and soul of our family.

Each "reason" was then taped to a piece of candy.

I put all of them inside the pretty box.

Each time she goes to snack on a "sweet" - 

she'll have something "sweet" to read too!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

You are the best.

(Reason #54)

Tabletop Makeover

I love taking something "old" and transforming it into

something "new."

Case in point:

My hallway table.

It was passed down to me from my grandparents.

But, I was ready to give it some new life!

So, I found an old frame that I wasn't using anymore.

Took the glass out.

And, wrapped some fabric around the "inside" cardboard of the frame.

Tada!

I still used the legs from the other table...

just placed the "picture frame" on top.

I layered some books...

"decorative balls" in a bowl...

and a picture frame on top.

BEFORE

AFTER

I already had the fabric from another project.

Already had the table frame...

and the picture frame.

Cost for project:

$0

Lamp Love

I was strolling the aisles of Home Goods this weekend 

(one of my FAVORITE stores) 

in search of a brand new lamp.

And... behold... 

I found what I was looking for!

Love the base - love the shade.

However...

did not love the price.

A whopping $69.99

Luckily - 

There was another lamp with a similar shape/style for HALF the price:

$34.99

While it doesn't have the fun, funky texture of the other base...

 ... it is still REALLY pretty.

And, matches the "circles" on my curtains!

A perfect little corner lamp.

That saved me $35 buckaroos!

I (heart) you Home Goods.