Image of the Day...

Whimsy.

Backyard Cottages...

OK, so these definitely seem out of place with the below 20 degree temperatures we are having around here, but they look like a perfect little getaway in your own backyard. I am ready for warmer weather.

courtesy: sunset

Paint Study...

When Glidden contacted me to see if I would like to 'test drive' their newly formulated paint, at the same great cost, I gladly accepted the offer. In the test drive kit was a Glidden eggshell white, Benjamin Moore Aura eggshell white, and all the tools for the paint experience. I was very excited to compare to the two. The first test was on paper that they provided. Below you will see how the paint covered in brush strokes. The top stripe on each page is two strokes and the bottom line is just one stroke. To me, both went on smooth and covered the black strip equally.

Although I was impressed with the coverage on paper, I wanted to see the paint in action on the wall. I was visiting my parents while doing the paint study and their basement is painted a hunter green {my least favorite color}, which will soon be painted, so I took the liberty to get it started. Below you will see that both covered equally as well by applying with a brush. The last picture is Glidden rolled on with a roller. Glidden rolled on smoothly and covered the the dark green color in just a few paint strokes.

All in all, I am very pleased with Glidden, with the ease of use and coverage, and look forward to using it on my next paint project. Especially with their new paint testers that come in all 282 colors, brush included; that will make selecting the right color much easier.

Snow Bound...

Any snow birds out there? The forecast is calling for snow all throughout the Southeast. If you live in the South this is exciting, since it rarely happens. I am hoping we see some snow so we can play {and not freezing rain}. Although we would never see snowfall like this Austrian home.

Kitchen Pretty...

Hello cooper light fixtures; you are lovely! The faucets, hardware, marble countertops, and farmhouse sink are equally as lovely! {Though I do wish the walls were less vibrant}

courtesy: traditional home

Image of the Day...

Arranged.

Good Eats...

I never really make New Years resolutions but I do like to set goals. One goal for the new year {and decade} is to eat fresh. We eat right {minus the few splurges here and there}, but what I want to do is to eat more fresh food. We often have one fresh meal to one frozen meal a week. I would like to reduce the frozen meals to one or none a week. The Food Network is one of our favorite channels to watch; often while we eat, is that weird? And to be honest, the hubby is the chef in the house, so naturally he got cookbooks for Christmas {this one, this one, this one, & this one}. One blog I check often that gives me cooking and baking inspiration is SammyW. I was introduced to her blog when she won one of the giveaways I had. Not only does she give yummy recipes {like the Rustic Potato Chowder above}, but she includes wonderful photographs throughout the meal. Be sure to visit, even if it is just to drool at the food. Do you have a quick, go-to cookbook or recipes for a fresh dinner?

Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

Spinach-Bacon Quiche with Whole Wheat crust

Blueberry Sour Cream Ice Cream

Irish Soda Bread

photos courtesy: sammyw