Who knew?

...Hello independence...

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" Independence is happiness" - Susan B. Anthony

Independence Day.  July 4th

A day celebrating the anniversary of our nation's independence.

Thinking about the upcoming holiday made me realize how lucky I am & how independent I've become in my 28 years (...I can thank You Tube "How-Tos" for a lot of it). 

Example A.

The best way to cut a watermelon (because I've been doing it all wrong!)

The 4th of July would not be complete without some watermelon.   I always struggled when trying to figure out the best way to cut a watermelon where I can enjoy it & still look like a lady while eating it.

Being the only human in my house (& the pups can't talk, how helpful, right?) I went to You Tube to find my answer.  Click the link above to see  my new way of producing the perfect slice for the holiday weekend!

* * * 

Who knew?!  You're welcome! 

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However, that got me thinking.  What else am I cutting all wrong?

Apparently a lot.  I found this link that had a run through of 10 foods I have been cutting the wrong way.  These clever tips & tricks will not only save you time, but will change the way you cut your foods forever.  Amazing! 

 

* * * 

...oh DVF, you're spectacular!... 

Independence: a fabulous quality to have! 

The more you approve of your own decisions in life, the less approval you need from everyone else.  I always say take me as I am, or watch me as I go.   

...be fearless, independent & original honey!

xo

-W

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Conquer the Kitchen

 ...Ohhhh you're halfway there, oh oh!, you'll make it I swear....

* * * 

...the kitchen is the heart of the home...

My next favorite spot in a house, right after the porch, is the kitchen.

Just because I'm in a rental, it isn't stopping me for making the space my own.  Also, having a small kitchen forces me to be organized whether or not that is my forte.

Day two of getting your life organized: The kitchen.

Step one: Pantry (or cabinets) & Fridge

Toss everything that is cloudy, sticky, grimy, stale, etc.  & not just the stale cereal that you bought because you just knew you were going to kick start that diet and start eating breakfast... kick the Tupperware to the curb too!

* * * 

I keep cookbooks handy & on display for when I need help planning a meal &  to add a little dash of darling to the kitchen! 

Step two:

Keep supplies close: 
dishes near the sink/dishwasher & pots/pans/cooking utensils near the stove.

* * * 
"eat well, pray often, love always" - 

Keep a tiny dish near the sink for any hand jewels.  I KNOW there have been times when you've missed placed these after washing the dishes...  now, you will know exactly where they are!  

* * * 

   

Spice things up! 

I keep my spices near the stove as well.  It helps spice up an ordinary meal with just a quick pinch.  I find myself getting a little more creative with my dishes when the spices are near.  

I also keep a lemon handy too, you just never know when there might be a funky smell coming from the disposal.  Quick Fix: cut a lemon, throw it in, & you now have at fresh kitchen smell! 

* * * 

...season everything with love... 

I have found many of my delicious spices at Homegoods for half the price!  Stock up.  It's handy to have these on reserve and you never know what a recipe might call for.  

  

Group "like with like" : Coffee mugs, wine glasses, bowls, plates, etc. together neatly. I've placed baskets above my fridge to hide nick knacks & add a little decoration to the space.

* * * 

Now that your kitchen is organized.... 

Menu planning. 

Don't freak.  It can be simple & fun.  And, if you have already planned for the week, it is one less thing you have to worry about (being organized = less stress!).  Below is not only a cute & creative way to display what's on the menu, but also informs the rest of your household on what is coming down the pipeline!  Be creative, have themed nights to keep things interesting! 

 
* * * 

The best thing about memories, are making them.  Some of my favorite memories were made in the kitchen. 

* * *

...Meals & Memories are made here...

 Take 15 minutes today and clean out the fridge... that's a good place to start!

... life is short, dance in the kitchen...

xo

-W

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Office Space

Memo: From the desk of:

 

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 It's Summer.

For me, things slow down (kind of) so it is the perfect time to get my life back in order!

Balancing a job, workouts (some days, I try!), bills, laundry, and a social life can start to pile up...

Don't be overwhelmed.  I've got your back!

I like to be organized, in all areas of my life & this week I'll be sharing my tips & tricks for organizing your life.

Today, I'm starting with my office. Take notes.

* * *

...my home away from home...

 

The desk. 

 

I like to look at my office like I look at my house.  Everything has it's own perfect little spot!  Having a clean desk is step one towards getting your office space organized.  So:

1. Toss unnecessary papers, you don't need those anyway & they just take up space. 
2. Keep personal papers in a separate drawer, away from your work.  Don't mix work with your personal life, duh.
3. Store desk supplies according to how often you use them.  Use them everyday?  Those items deserve the top drawer... & so on.
4. Cords galore.  Nothing feels more like clutter when you see cords all over.  Plug into one power-surge under the desk (if possible) & bundle them together with twist-ties.

* * *

... my office sidekicks...

 

I found these cute file organizers at Target several years ago.  They are a life saver when storing my "to-do" items & my "to-file" items.  This also helps keep the desk top clean.

 

...Master Your To-Do List...



One of the top 5 things successful people start each day with is creating a daily to do list.  I agree.  Knowing what needs to get done each day & seeing it on paper helps you prioritize and get to crossing things off that list! Two of my must haves are my Lilly planner & Sugar Paper 2015 Planner/Calendar (this can also be found at Target).

 

* * *

"Clutter: Anything that stands between you & the life you want to be living." - Peter Walsh

 

One more for the books:

• Remove all distractions: the less you look at your inbox, the more you will get done.  CLEAN IT OUT & ARCHIVE.

 

Now that you are one step closer to being organized...

 

Decorate.

If you are like me and spend the majority of your time in your "office space" you may want to make it feel homey.   I find that having pictures & a dash of decorations in the space help me relax.  Need ideas on converting your office?  Check out these 54 Ways to spruce up your office space !

* * * 

I challenge you this week to pick a room, or a spot in a room, and clean it up! You'll start to feel a little less stressed one day at a time.  Promise!

Happy organizing!

... you can't reach for something new if your hands are filled with yesterday's junk...

xo

-W

Summer Shindigs with a side of Summer Salads

First and foremost:

Happy (early) Father's Day to all Dads out there!

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"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me." - Jim Valvano

Dad: a daughter's first love.

I want to thank my Dad for teaching me the dance of life.  I am FOR SURE a Daddy's little girl, and will be forever.  I may have outgrown his lap, but I will never outgrow his heart. Dad, I love you to the moon & back! 

* * * 

Summer Shindigs, with a side of Summer Salads

It is hot here.  Too hot to cook.  

So, I'm going to throw together a recipe for a cool Summer shindig.

Pick out 3 to 4 of your favorite salads (some recommendations below!), a refreshing summer beverage, spread them all out on a table & Voilà!  Just grab some gals (because men prefer meat & potatoes) & there you have it, a Summer Shindig.

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15 Summer Drinks

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Secret fruit salad:

 Mix together your favorite fresh fruits & add my secret ingredient: Dry, instant vanilla pudding mix. Just sprinkle it over the fruit & stir for an extra flavor punch!

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TOMATO, CUCUMBER, AVOCADO SALAD


* * *
World’s Best Potato Salad

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Broccoli salad w/ bacon, raisins, and cheddar cheese

Finishing touches!

Key Lime Pie
*  **

Food done.  Drink done. Dessert done.

Please set the table. (For some reason I can still hear my Mother's voice telling me that)

I found the picture below on Pinterest when trying to find inspiration for my next dinner party and LOVED how simple but elegant this table looked.  Nothing fancy, but you still get that polished, delicate feel.

Everything you Need you already have:

• Plates
• Silverware
• Napkins
• Glass
• Tea candles 
• Flowers (try Trader Joe's)

* * * 

 There is nothing more relaxing than having dinner by candle light on the porch.  I've lined my porch with white lights (stock up on after Christmas sales!!) and tied clear mason jars from my table umbrella for extra light once the sun sets.  PERFECT evening setting for a Summer Shindig!  Who's coming?

Cheers to the weekend & happy dinning! 

...keep shining beautiful one, this world needs your light... 

xo

-W

My prayers and thoughts are with those who were touched by the tragic shooting in Charleston
*

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Looking for something to do in Charlotte this weekend? 

Here is a list of 57+ free things to do! 

porch & palette: in Wilmington

 - p & p's  FIRST featured porch - 

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Hagwood est. 2013

Lyle & Amanda.

This past weekend I had the pleasure to spend quality time on a porch built with love.  I've known this couple for years now.  Before the knew each other, when they met (on our porch on Wade Ave! Y'all can thank us later!), and now as one of my favorite married couples. It has been fun to watch their love grow!

From Raleigh to Wilmington, they carried their creativity & passion for redesign with them to their chic, welcoming, quaint beach B & B.

Before the transformation into  what I'm going to call the Hagwood Grand Oasis

When they bought the house, Lyle promised Amanda that they would make their concrete slab their own.  And with a little sweat, a lot of love & hard work (and cold beverages) the transformation happened.  I laugh, because when I ask where the ideas and vision came from their answer?  "Ah, we just threw it together!"

... my slab would not look like this if I "just thew it together" - they have such talent!

"The Spot"

Perfect spot to cozy up to your honey on this handmade love seat crafted by the hubby & painted by the wife

... I pulled up a chair and stayed for awhile... 

* * *

I think that is one of my favorite things about a porch, it brings people together.  The stories that we shared sitting in this spot brought back so many memories and laughs (& a lot of "oh my, what was I thinking!) from our days back in Raleigh (&  we created new ones!).  

It was so enjoyable listening to Amanda talk about how their porch went from A-Z.  One (of many) of my favorite things about this porch are all the uses of old pallets (my other favorite palette).  They "threw together" some old pallets and scrap wood from other projects and created an eccentric place on the porch.  From day to night the cheerful feeling does not stop here at the Hagwood Grand Oasis!  

* * * 

... the feeling was whimsical... 

* * * 

Life is about using the whole box of crayons &  I'm pretty sure the Hagwoods nailed it. Creativity is intelligence having fun (thank you Albert Einstein) and their ideas that became projects scream fun written all over them.  Every corner, from top to bottom, and across their backyard was touched and given so much character.  They made it their own.

God gave both Lyle and Amanda immense talent that is shining through on their porch.

Wooded cooler made by Lyle

The  tin sign was from his family's old barn that added that extra special "keeping it in the family" touch.  This is a great example of mixing old with new to create something unique & one of a kind!  Not to add,  a conversation starter!  The wooden sign was a gift I painted just for their porch (& for their weekend hospitality!)

* * * 

Sweet sweet Lillie 

(my Maggie's bff while in Raleigh!)

...Porches are not just for people, pooches are invited too...

 Addie, the adorable rescued pooch 

( the Hagwoods save dogs too, they are amazing people)

"Come sit on the porch with me. The drinks are cold & the friendships free"

* * * 

Not only are Lyle and Amanda an amazing couple (& fabulous weekend hosts!), they are such an inspiration in all areas of life.  From their love story to their Hagwood Grand Oasis redesign,  I've enjoyed being part of their once upon a time and happily ever after.  Can't wait to see what's in store for them next!

... cheers to my people 
& 
a BIG thank you to the Hagwoods for letting me tell their story... 

xo

-W

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Interested in showing off your spot?  Shoot me an email, I'd love to come sit & chat! 

May Good Things Grow: Magnolia Inspiration

Happy Wine Wednesday

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* * * 

Inspiration Found on HGTV's Fixer Upper's: Magnolia

This week has been nuts.  I'll be back in action tomorrow!!

xo

-W

The tans will fade...

...Back at it...

* * * 

Mondays are rough.

But thinking back on the amazing weekend I had at the beach with amazing friends will help me pull through!

Luxury to me is not about the expensive things; its about the priceless memories made with the people who mean the most to you.  So, if you ask me, I'd say I'm pretty rich.  It's those moments where hours seem like seconds that last the longest.  A good laugh is the best cure for anything, and this weekend there were many! 

I am crazy thankful.

* * * 

 "the tans will fade but the memories will last forever"

I'm obsessed with becoming a woman comfortable in her own skin... 

So, this week's challenge: do one thing everyday that makes you happy.  This could be anything. Do it, and do it for you.   So tonight, I'm going to have my dinner on the porch (imagine that!).  This will be the perfect way to wind down after a action packed weekend & a Monday...

On the menu?  Stuffed peppers.  I was trying to think of something yummy & light.  I'll let you know how they turn out!   

* * * 

Sneak peak of my first "Feature Porch" (coming later this week!)

  

...drink coffee & get things done... 

xo

-W

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The beach is calling...

... to travel is to live...

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I love early mornings when it feels like the rest of the world is still fast asleep and you're the one who's awake & everything feels like it isn't really real and you kind of forget about all your problems because for now it's just you, the world, & the sunrise 

(...with coffee & 2 dogs & theSkimm).

Oh darling, let's be adventurous! 
I'm off to Wilmington.

... a year ago, I would have never picture my life the way it is now...
I'm blessed.
xo
-W

Never come empty handed: Beach Prepping

 ...Thursday... 

* * * 

I can already smell the salt in the air & feel the sand between my toes... 

This weekend in Wilmington will be a long over due reunion & belated birthday celebration for two of my favorite friends (MUCH needed!).  This week I have been working on "beach prepping" by: 

• Completing my Wake-Up call challenge (see blog post "Dear Stress, let's break up) each morning (whew, one more day to go!  Is anyone else's rear feeling it?)
• Creating the perfect hostess/birthday gift
• Making sure my hands feel & look spectacular (thank you Carson Cogdill!)
• & picking up some weekend necessities 

No one has ever become poor by giving.  I love giving someone a gift that makes them feel special.  My sweet friend Amanda and her husband are opening their doors for me this weekend.  So, as a thank you (and late b-day gift, my bad!) I put together a little something that both will enjoy (probably more so Amanda than her husband)

Pictured above is what I've put together for the Hagwoods.  I thought about things that would make it unique for them.  So, here is what I created:

1. Decorative Crab Dish (found at Homegoods) & Snyder's Pretzel bites (my fav: honey mustard & onion)
2. Cocktail napkins & Flirty Bird wine
3. Porch decor (hand painted by your's truly just for them, they enjoy their porch just as much as I do...  and this is why we are friends! )

Just tie is all together with a dish towel and done & done.

Never come empty handed...   especially if there are men in the house.

* * * 

So, I was trying to be a good guest for the Hagwoods and was going to bring down a breakfast casserole, but life got in the way & I ran out of time.  Whoops!

Back up plan: Ladyfingers signature shaved country ham rolls.  TO DIE FOR.  You can find them (& much more deliciousness!) at  Reid's Fine Foods here in Charlotte.  In the Fort Mill area?  Good news, they have a store there too! 

When I say these are to die for, that is an understatement.  A very special lady introduced me to these and now my parents request that I pick some up every time I come home.   I guess that's my ticket in!

This is the perfect pick to take with you when you're going to be a house guest (or to a party!)  Just pop them in the oven for 25 minutes, put them on a pretty plate & you're good to go! 

* * * 

Now that the gift is set & the breakfast is done it is time to focus on yourself.  My mother always says be on your best behavior wherever you go because you just never know who you might meet..

You also just never know who's hand you might shake...

* * *

"To be a lady no. 160: shake hands firmly & confidently." - 

Want me?: I'm Here.

... so always be prepared!

This past week I have been using these BeautyCounter hand products (soap & lotion) that my dear friend @truegraceoils sent to me from SC.  The citrus smell is so fresh and just feels like Summertime!  I can't tell you how amazing my hands look & feel just after one week.  So, you should try it out yourself!

She has me hooked.

As a little girl, I can distinctly remember looking at my mother's hands and thinking how beautiful they were.  When asked to be a hand model for a brochure, she chickened out.  Oh mother! 

Maybe I'll send her some hand cream in case the opportunity arises again... 

...keep calm & let karma finish it...

xo

-W

Happy 30th birthday to my dear friend Elisabeth Murray!!

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Bringing the Coast Home

... happy W.W...

(aka: wine Wednesday)

* * * 
"Never let the sadness of your past & the fear of your future ruin the happiness of your present" - Kushandwi

First things first.

Overwhelmed with happiness! Such joy! & a Happy Heart!  I have been receiving the sweetest messages from you all and some from people who happened to stumble across my blog on Facebook and don't even know me.  Thank you!!  It is a sense of encouragement & reassurance that porch & palette was a step in the right direction.  I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.  I want to thank  you for your part in my journey! 

Every piece of the puzzle is starting to fit...

Ok, moving on

Count down to my Wilmington Weekend: 3 days.

* * * 

Whisk together a piece of the coast, herbs from your garden, and thisishappiness (you should take a look!) blog's weekly style challenge & you have a recipe for the perfect Summer supper.

On the menu: 

• Crab cakes & shrimp (w/ homemade remoulade & cocktail sauce for dipping!)
• Side note:  keep it simple, I bought some already prepared
• Herb (from my garden!) & feta sauteed corn: Thank you Pinterest
• Asparagus w/ lemon pepper
• Garnished w/ a slice of lemon & love
• Topped off w/ a Sauvignon Blanc (although wine experts suggest a Chardonnay)

... unfortunately, I was too hungry and forgot to take a picture of the final product... 

#YourHomeStyle

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Small space?  No problem.

Just because my tiny house doesn't have an 'official' dining room, I didn't let that stop me from submitting my 'dining room' inspiration on this week's‪#‎YourHomeStyle‬ challenge. I find that living in a small space can be challenging, but I don't let that stop me on creating a spectacular dining experience in my 'dining room'. 

In honor of my weekend get away, last night's table setting was for a meal inspired by the coast (see above)! I find that stacking/layering dishes always makes a table look a little more elegant. Bon appetite!! 

* * * 

...Welcome to my office/dining room...

Day 3 of my "Wake up Call" workout challenge (see "Dear Stress, let's break up" blog post) is starting to kick in... hope your's is too! 

... I think it is time to be happy again... 
x0

-W

Need something encouraging to get you going?  this is pretty cool!

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