Summer Mantel in my Abode

Do you long for those relaxing days where you can enjoy the sand between your toes? I do as well. So, I thought I would create my summer decor to reflect just that. I added seashells and sand, as well as driftwood and starfish to my decor this year. I also incorporated the look as I put together a simple coastal beachy mantel.

I purchased this wonderful hurricane that was covered in basket like rope from TJ Maxx for $7.99. I also picked up a couple of old bottles to stand in as accent pieces both for under $3.99. I added a little sand to each of them for a more full filling look.

While continuing to browse the isles, I spotted 3 "blue" starfish. Picked them up to find one of them were missing a leg. I took them to the cashier and she clearanced them out and gave the bundle to me for just $5. I came home and grabbed my handy bottle of spray paint (I told you in a previous blog, it works wonders).

I ordered my coastal knot ball that hasn't came in the mail yet, so I will incorporate that as soon as I receive it. I will also shoot a couple more photos so you can see how much fun it is.

I also added my mason jar vase that I made. If you missed it you can see it {Here}

Hey, Hey, Hey! My nautical rope ball finally came in...see below...

And that's a wrap. Enjoy your summer and remember to relax, even if it means bringing the beach into your home! :)~

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The shabby creek cottage

Father's Day Feast

Happy Father's Day! Although today is deemed "Father's Day" we should not only celebrate and recognize our dads today, but much more often throughout the year. This morning started off with presents and cards for my awesome hubby! We sat around and sipped coffee while enjoying each others company. Then we headed off to church. Not only did I take a minute to wish my earthly father well today, but I took a minute to wish my Heavenly Father a Happy Father's Day also. Once church was out, I came home and prepared a luncheon feast for my dad. The menu consisted of BBQ chicken breasts hot off the grill, roasted potatoes, corn, black beans and rice, fresh cucumbers and dinner rolls.

and of course...Sweet tea!

For dessert, I prepared a recipe that I was given called "Lemon Blueberry Love"

and then we had a wonderful relaxing evening!

*Oreo Brownie Delights*

What better to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon than to get in the kitchen and bake? I love the rain. I'm thankful for the rain. We need the rain, but I surely don't need the "Oreo Brownie Delights" that I baked. However, I can't punish the others in my home because I'm the one that's dieting, right? So, I decided to try a similar recipe that I found on-line.

Oreo Brownie Delights (I came up with that name on my own, hehee)

Ingredients

1- package of fudge brownie mix - prepare as directed
1- vanilla icing - I used Duncan Hines
1- bag of oreos
1 - tsp of almond extract - I added this myself, because I love almond flavor

Directions

• prepare brownies according to box directions 
• crush two sleeves of oreos
• add half of the crushed oreos to the brownie batter
• fill baking cups half full
• bake according to directions of box or until done
• let brownies cool
• mix icing and remainder of crush oreos together
• add in almond extract
• add desired amount of icing to your brownie
• garnish with an oreo (I cut mine in half)

Enjoy!

Summertime on Hickory Trail

Summertime! Let's ponder that thought for a moment. Summertime to me means... kids are out of school, hot and humid and I'm stuck at work. Although, I do take a week off to spend with my son.

Decorating for summer really puts me in the mood for hanging out on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. They have a new frozen yogurt bar that I now have an addiction to! My husband and I sometimes go for a late night walk and a cup of frozen yogurt! If you are local to this area, this is a MUST try!

See below a couple photos of the decor I dress my home with that simply says "Summertime"

Our Newest Addition

My husband and I have been contemplating on purchasing a tree for our yard. We searched on many occasions and never found that one baby we thought should come home with us. We toggled back and forth with a bottle brush, weeping willow and crepe myrtle. While out this weekend, we stopped and began browsing throughout the nursery, when all of a sudden “it” finally captured our eye. “Lavender Crepe Myrtle”. Unbeknownst to us, she was also on sale. We loaded her up and brought her home with us. Here is a picture of “our newest addition”. We are so excited for next blooming season, so we can see our baby bloom!

Breakfast Bar for Boys

My son came to me one day and asks, “mom, can I have a few friends stay the night?’ My hesitate reply was “how many?” He said, “only three”, so I agreed to let him have three boys stay over. As each arrived, I mixed together some dip for the chips and we had pizza and wings. The next morning, not sure of what his company wanted to eat for breakfast, I threw together a little breakfast bar. On the bar I included, donuts and cereal, added some fruit and yogurt. It went over really well. My son walked out from his room and said “mom, WOW!”

I have included a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasures. Its the little things in life that make your kids happy. Cherish them, they grow up way too fast  I'm joining the party at A blossoming life

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From my front porch to yours