Keeping it in the Family

Friday! 

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"If we were meant to stay in one place, we'd have roots instead of feet." - Rachel Wolchin

Why not have both?  Roots & feet, just take the roots with you wherever you go!  The one thing I love about my home is in every room there is something passed down, from both sides of the family, whether it is a picture, china, or a piece of furniture.  I have a part of my family present no matter where I am in my house.  I believe that the mix and match of furniture and styles are what make a house a home.  There have been PLENTY of times when a family member has asked if I needed decor and I responded yes, without even having a plan on where to place it (... a lot of times).  I'm really good with responding with "I'll find a spot for it!".  My mother always underestimates me... but I am my aunt's niece in this aspect! 

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"Home is not a place, it is a feeling" - 

You always want to have a peaceful feeling when you walk through the doors of your house.  The stories behind the pieces make great conversation starters.  Move them to different rooms in the house every once and awhile to get a new look/feel for the space.  The trunk pictured above was my great grandfather's that he got back in the 1890's. It is one of my favorite pieces in my house and is always a topic of conversation.  Can you imagine all the stories behind the trunk?  You can't find that in any store... 

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"Some look for a beautiful place, others create a beautiful place." - 

Don't over think it, just let your imagination go!  When these wooden boxes were given to me it sparked my interest to see what other wooden boxes I could find.  It was my new mission!  Every flea market or antique store I browsed, my eyes were always open for a good find!   I challenge you to find your new collectible in something around your house.  It's not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.  Although my family isn't physically present everyday, everyday I feel like they are with me through the pieces in my home.   So, the next time a family member says "Do you want this?", the answer is YES.  I have faith that you can find the perfect spot for it!

... choose happy...  

xo 

-W

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Don't let it rain on your parade!

Bonjour friends! 

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"Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass.  It's about learning to dance in the rain" - 

Although Party in the Park was cancelled due to inclement weather (it was rescheduled for June 3rd), we didn't let that rain on our parade!  Instead, we took our picnic to the porch (thanks to a dear friend & her amazing screened in porch).  I like to look at every situation like an opportunity, not an interruption!  Last night was the perfect combination of catching up & keeping all things simple.

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"Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication" - Anonymous 

Simple menus are the best menus.  You don't have to have an extravagant menu to have a meal fit for a queen!  Below was last night's recipe for the perfect picnic.

• Assortment of cheese & crackers
• Strawberry, cucumber & feta salad with poppy seed dressing (OR Trader Joe's  Champagne Vinaigrette, oh yum!) 
• Chicken salad (keep it simple, pick up your store bought favorite!)
• Rosemary bread with balsamic & EVOO for dipping
• Choice of beverage 
• Good company! 

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"In my friend I find my second half" - Isabel Norton

Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe called life.  Do small things, but do them with great love and they will be a success! 

...make it simple, but significant... 

XO

-W

A Day off the Porch

- Hello Wednesday - 

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"Surround yourself  with those who make you happy"

Life is too short to start your day with broken pieces of yesterday, it will definitely destroy your wonderful today and ruin your great tomorrow.  I made the most of this past long weekend.  I'm lucky that Charlotte has so much to offer no matter what you are looking to get into!  Some friends and I rented bikes for a Sunday cruise that made a fabulous Sunday Funday (I came back with battle wounds...).  But who doesn't want to grab a delicious lunch and taste the craft beer Charlotte has to offer all while getting exercise!?  Enjoy the little things... 

Looking for something to do in Charlotte?

Charlotteonthecheap.com

Charlotteagenda.com

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King's Drive Farmers Market (Charlotte) flowers, can't be $20!

Another one of my favorite Saturday activities to start my day off with is making a trip to the farmers market. You can't beat the options of fresh flowers & vegetables that are displayed!  King's Drive Farmers Market is another one of my "go-tos" when I need to brighten up my house with vibrant colors from fresh flowers.  I'm telling you, they say people that keep live plants in their house live longer... just saying!  Get up each day with the mindset that you are going to make this day fabulous.  Do something out of the box, or simply just stroll the local farmers market.  When you start your day on a positive note, you can't go wrong! 

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YUM: OMB Cooper with a view

At the end of the day your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.  Who you were, who you are, and who you will be are three different people.  Remember that.  I'll look back on these times and smile because it was life and I decided to live it.  It feels good to be lost in the right direction!

... may your coffee be strong and your Wednesday be short... 

xo

-W

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Weekend Guest!

- Happy Tuesday - 

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"The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are.  The second greatest is being happy with what you find." - Anonymous  

I find true happiness and joy in having weekend guests come stay!  Those that know me know that I enjoy entertaining and making my guest feel right at home.  This past weekend I spent with my Dad, one of my favorite guest to have!  It is always fun to create a "Welcome basket" for those that stay.   Here are several weekend guest "staples" that I always keep around that can also all fit into one basket (and I love a good basket!)

1. Clean towels - I spray both my towels & linens with linen spray (always nice to have around for a quick spritz!)
2. Breath mints
3. Travel size toiletries (quick tip: stock up while traveling!)
4. Water cup
5. Reading material (make sure to personalize it for your guest and select something they would enjoy!)
6. A bottle of wine (or drink of choice) for them to take when they leave (or for drinking it on the porch!)

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 ... less house, more home... 

I always like to take the opportunity to spruce up each room in the house for my guests.

Sometimes even the smallest rooms get looked over when preparing for a guest.  I found the BEST hand towels on a summer trip with my Mom to Williamsburg, V.A.  a couple of years ago.  To this day, they are displayed in my bathroom.  Not only does it make me smile each day remembering our trip, but also lets the guest know whose towel is whose... we wouldn't want them to get confused! 

The weekend would not have been complete without a date with my number one man, enjoying one of my favorite meals, on the porch.  These are the moments and memories that I hold onto with my Dad.  I might be partial, but he is pretty incredible!  The greatest advice to give is to treat every occasion like a special occasion.  

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collect moments, not things

A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are.  This weekend I had it all! 

...be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons... 

xo 
-W

Reservation for one

Happy Friday my friends! 

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Reservation for one: on the porch please! 

My entire life can be described in one sentence: "It didn’t go as planned and that’s OK."  I like to look at it as a plot twist!  If it wasn't for this plot twist, porch & palette may have never been a reality for me, just a dream.  You learn to turn the page, even if it is the hardest thing you have to do (but TRUST ME, it won't be, it only seems like it in the moment!).  The older I get, the more I find truth in Lucille Ball's quote: "love yourself first and everything else falls into line.  You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this word".   AMEN! 

Just because my date nights won't be like they were in the past, doesn't mean they still can't be fabulous!  I took time to stop and smell the roses (literally!) and bought some fresh flowers that inspired me to have a date night to myself, it was magnificent! 

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Bon appetit! 

Trader Joe's Lobster Ravioli 

Who said cooking for one is tough?  Thanks to Trader Joe's it can be simple, sexy, and under budget! I discovered their lobster ravioli about 5 years ago when I was hosting our Supper Club... it is now a go to of mine!  This meal is simple quick and easy (three of my favorite things).  Here are a few tips to spoil yourself for your next reservation for one!   

• Mix & match table settings & colors (think outside of the box!)
• Fresh flowers (Those that know me, know that I love fresh flowers to add to any table in my house.  Above flowers: $4 from Trader Joe's!)   
• Break out the nice napkins, every occasion should be a special occasion
• Splurge on the $7 wine! Foodies is always a good pick
• Good tunes & a good read - I was catching up on this edition of Garden & Gun (can't go wrong!)

So, go spoil yourself today, buy some fresh flowers & do what makes you happy!

...So technically the reservation was for 3, Louise (Maggie not pictured)

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...Don't look back, you're not going that way anyway...

xo

-W

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Thank You

Hello friends & family! 

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"She designed a life she loved" - 

- Anonymous 

When people ask what inspires me, I automatically respond with life.  Each person that I have been blessed to meet and everyday life events are what inspire my "life's palette".  To be human is to be creative.  You don't have to go outside yourself to find creativity, you already have it.  It lives in your heart and mind in every moment of every day.    

I want my first post to be a thank you to everyone that has encouraged me to give my passion a home.  A place where I can share the things I love and leave inspiration in all forms.  Thank you for the motivation and support.  porch & palette is my thank you to you! 

My day job is in the material handling industry and supply chain (mouth full, I know!).  An industry that I never thought I would be in, but have enjoyed learning something new everyday about the industry that makes the supply chains work.  (To this day, I don't think my family and friends get what I do).  I had one of our members who has been in the industry for many years ask me what my dream job would be.  My answer "Something with interior design and style".  They gave me a funny look and responded with "So nothing to do with the material handling industry?"  Whoops, wrong answer!  Since then I have been struggling with "how can I share my passion on what I love (and still keep my job!)".  porch & palette is my answer.

Today I start a new chapter in my life and I can't wait to see where the journey takes me!
They say if you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it.  I owe it to everyone,
I finally did it.  After MANY suggestions from friends, family, and even strangers, I have started a blog. So, it is my hope that porch & palette brings inspiration, happiness, & smile to everyone that crosses its path!  Enjoy!

Make today ridiculously amazing... 

xo

-W

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