& so it Begins!

... Let the fun begin... 

* * * 

... my reaction when I got the news I found a new home & one I know the pups & I will love!...

I am looking for a smooth move this go round.

I should be a pro at packing/taping/moving etc. by now since it seems like I've lived in almost every zip code Charlotte has to offer since moving here back in 2011.

This time, I'm going to gift it, thrift it, or trash it... the junk will NOT be making the move (&  I will be posting design inspirations for my next home throughout this post to add some glamour to it!)

*** 

Entry way inspiration 

TIPS & TRICKS I've learned along the way:

Start decluttering immediately.

DO NOT pack that clutter that isn't "decorative clutter".  If it doesn't have a purpose, chunk it (or gift it or thrift it).  Even try selling it for a little extra cash! 

* * * 

Do a little everyday.

Do away first with the trinkets you can live without on a daily basis.  Get in the attic & tackle it.  More than likely those items aren't in your everyday routine.  Pack up (or keep them packed) the holiday decorations.... Christmas in July is over folks. 

* * *

...LOVING this "kill" for an office space...

Label everything.

... just in case you don't move immediately & need to find that one thing you've already packed.  I have a bad habit towards in the end labeling boxes "assortment", calling it a day, & just throwing things in there.... NOT the brightest idea.  More than likely, those are the items that should have been tossed from the git-go.  This also helps movers (or friends/family) to know which room to place the box in the new home.

* * * 

Pull up a seat & stay for awhile... a bar should always be inviting, cheers!

Don't do it all alone.

Ms. independent over here thinks she can do a lot on her own (which I can) but moving is not one of them.  Making a move requires the help of family & friends & the movers you've lined up!   Accept the help that is offered, no matter what it is.  Once all is said and done, invite them back over for a "thank you" dinner... 

* * * 

How SIMPLE.  This look will be on one of the porches (yes, I have TWO!) for sure! 

Have the right supplies.

Sharpies, tape, scissors, boxes, & wine/beer.  Or both.  Having these items in each room of the house (maybe not the wine/beer) keeps you from having to scramble looking for what you need.  I keep a supply of these in every room in case I get the urge to start packing.  Its all there & no time is wasted.

* * * 

Plan to live in a mess for weeks.

The boxes will start to pile up & you will be living in a mess!   Towards the end, just have fun with it,  accept the fact your house will be chaotic.  So just go have a take out picnic on the living room floor, you'll forget you're even in a sea of boxes! 

* * * 

I finally have a dining room & I can finally use my dining room table... sorry Mom, I'm going to need that back! 

... this is about to go down... 

TGIF, right?

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

Moving On: A New Adventure, a New Porch

.... I'm a huge fan of moving.... 

* * * 

Yesterday I got some big news.

"The owner of the property wishes to terminate the lease agreement at the end of the lease term"

Crap.  Straight panic.  I'm about to be homeless.  Where is the wine.

Oh the joys (or unknowns) of renting...  Lesson learned? Don't trust a verbal agreement.

So, it is now 2:45 am and I'm wide awake thinking of everything that has to get done before the end of August... & what do I do to calm my nerves?  Write about it.  Sigh.

Lucky you, you get to go on this new & exciting adventure with me.  Starting with packing up the old and ending with new.  Packing, cleaning, moving, decorating & everything in between... let the party begin!

* * * 

... the porch that inspired porch & palette... 

First things first (right after you find a place):

Of course the property agency has their own "check list" I need to tend to, but here are some other's that need to be added to your personal list and get done right off bat.

I call this: The Before You Move Checklist

• Change your address with the USPS.   This is usually my first step when moving (after finding a place!). It forwards your mail for up to a year in the event that perhaps you missed notifying someone. You can either pick out a change of address packet at your local post office for free, or you can change your address online where they will charge you a $1 verification fee (really, only a $1?) 

• Change your mailing address for all of your bills, even if you are using automatic bill pay.  If someone tries to send you something via snail mail and it hits the USPS forwarding system - it can be delayed by a couple weeks. So if you do have paper bills, this is especially important to do and have set up before you order your moving truck.  Be sure to change the following:
• Credit cards
• Insurance
• Investments/Retirement Accounts
• Internet
• Phone
• Cable/Satellite TV
• Car payments
• Bank statements/accounts
• Employers/paychecks
• Magazines

• Transfer/start/stop utilities including gas, electric, water, sewer, garbage/recycling.

These are just a few things you need to do once you know your address.  Don't worry, there is plenty more to come!!

* * * 

Sometimes God closes doors (literally) because it is time to move forward.  He knows you won't move unless circumstances force you to.

Look at the good in every situation.  My first reaction to the news of course was not pleasant.  But hey, this is my new adventure on a new porch, with new projects & memories...  & I get to share them with you! 

You might not end up where you thought you'd be, but you'll end up where you are meant to be... 

... bring on the wine, it's packing time... 

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

Living off the Land & Dining In

... Ok Monday, let's do this... 

* * * 

"It's fun to get together and have something good to eat at least once a day.  That's what human life is all about... enjoying things." - Julia Child

My first produce came in (& my thumb is NOT green, so this is exciting!)

So I decided to use it in my dinner dish & write about it, duh.

On the menu?

Fresh Sauteed Zucchini 

Roasted Corn w/ Goat Cheese

Farmer's Market Strawberries

Foodies Pinot Noir 

Leftover crock-pot pork tenderloin (I can't waste a good leftover!)

* * * 

Sautéed Zucchini 

1 large zucchini

Olive Oil

Stubb's Liquid Smoke

Original Allegro Marinade 

S & P to taste

Side dish 1.

Using just one of my zucchini (was plenty for me, but you may want to use 2, depending on your dinner crowd) I washed, cut in 2 length wise,  & chopped into small semi-circle pieces.  Place in a bowl, pour in the OO, marinade, liquid smoke, and S &P and let sit/soak for about 30 mins in the fridge.

Saute on medium to high heat until the zucchini is tender, I'd say around 15-20 minutes (or however long, you can't burn these.  Just make sure to turn the heat down to low/medium)

My secret ingredient.  Stubb's Hickory Liquid Smoke.  For that grilled smokey flavor minus the grill!  Must try!

* * * 

Liquid Smoke aka My Secret Ingredient 

Side dish 2.

My corn was easy & ridiculously delicious.  I found a recipe in this month's Cooking Light Magazine & put my own spin on it.

So simple. 

Warm butter in a saute pan on medium/high heat.  Throw in the corn, garlic, S & P, herb & sea salt blend and saute for about 10-15 minutes (or longer, again, you can't burn this!)  Toss in the goat cheese & parsley and stir until the cheese is slightly melted.... & done.  Enjoy!

* * * 

Roasted corn w/ Goat Cheese

1 can corn kernels (or fresh, whichever)

1 clove garlic

Butter

S & P (to taste)

Herb & Sea Salt Blend (found mine at Homegoods)

Four Pepper Goat Cheese

Parsley for garnish

The goat cheese that I used was from Trader Joe's.  They came in a set of 3 (& only $4!): Mixed Herb, Plain, & Four Pepper.  I used the four pepper to add a little bit more of a kick, which wasn't much of a kick at all, perfect amount! 

* * * 
"Cooking is love made edible." --Michael Mullan

It is ideal to have a cold dish with every Summer meal, so I finished up my fresh strawberries from the farmer's market.   Just rinse, remove the caps, cut in half & sprinkle a dash of sugar, delish! 

Can't seem to eat your strawberries fast enough?  Check out this cool trick from The Krazy Coupon Lady on how to make your strawberries last longer with just H2O & vinegar. This will be used in my future! 

* * * 
... eat good feel good... 


* * * 
"I love to cook with wine.  Sometimes I even add it to the food." 

I guess I can now say I'm somewhat "living off the land", this is exciting!  Let's see if the rest of my garden grows...

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well." - Virginia Woolf

... happy Monday & happy cooking.... 

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

So Fresh!

...there is something incredibly hopeful about a fresh start...

* * * 

"This is the start of something wonderful" -

These past couple of months since starting porch & palette have been magnificent.

They have been my "fresh start".

You can have your's too, in all aspects of life!  I like to think you can have a fresh start anytime & anywhere.  From your house to your attitude, to your wardrobe, to your lifestyle, it is up to you to find where you need a fresh start!

I'll walk you down the road to a few of mine.

Mondays don't have to be manic & miserable! There are a lot of easy little things that you can do on the weekends to "reset" for a fresh, smooth work week! 

1. Wash your sheets & make your bed

2. Do all your laundry & choose outfits for the entire week

3. Prepare breakfast and lunch for Monday (or the entire week)

4. Empty all your trashcans

5. Tidy up your home

6. Restock your refrigerator & pantry

7. Check your calendar & create a fresh to-do list

These are just a few of my weekend habits to prepare for a Monday.  Crawling into a bed with fresh crisp sheets & knowing what you're getting into the upcoming week just has peaceful relaxation written all over it! 

A great way to end the weekend.

Freshness in the house.

1. Rearrange 

2. Remove unnecessary clutter (not decorative clutter) 

3. Update picture frames (out with the old, in with the new!)

4. Switch up your bedding

Above are just a few tid bits that I have done in my house for a fresh new feel.  When you update your picture frames, put the old memories in a album or box so they don't get lost.  I removed my "unnecessary clutter" from my fridge.  The things I needed to keep, got moved to the side where they weren't as visible.  

For my bedding (see below), I mixed old pillows from my guest bedroom in with a new comforter & matching shams.  You won't believe the difference you'll feel!  

* * * 

If it doesn't matter, get rid of it.  "New" home, new adventure, new memories! 

...goodbye 10 inches.... 

* * * 

"A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life" - Coco Chanel 

Back in March, I cut & donated close to 10 inches of my hair to Locks of Love.  Not only did it feel amazing to get a new look, it felt amazing to be helping someone out!

You don't have to change your physical look just to help a stranger out.  So, I challenge you to go pay it forward.  Here are  40 Ideas to Pay it Forward !  There is something gratifying knowing you helped someone today...  

* * * 

... the best is yet to come... 

YOU are in charge of your happiness.  Today, instead of thinking about what you are not, try thinking about all that you are... wake up everyday with a grateful heart & you'll be amazed at the life you step into.

... let go with no regrets & move on with full confidence... 

Cheers to another weekend!

xo

- W

Facebook: porch & palette

Shopping for Men: Ladies, it's doable.

... Made it to Thursday... 
Congrats!

* * * 

Yesterday, this man turned 90 & he sure is incredible.

Just last year, he broke a world record in golf.  At the age of 89.  I am proud to call this man my grandfather!  Happy Birthday Jinks!!  90 and still going strong... 

So blessed with good genes.  Whoever I end up with might want to take note, I may be here for a while! 

That got me thinking, men's birthdays can be tough for women if you have a picky present person on your hands OR the extreme opposite: "I don't care".

In need of some ideas?  

1. Shop Local

                                    

* * * 

The Sporting Gent
Charlotte, NC

The Sporting Gent is a locally owned & operated gentleman's clothier and outfitter displaying a selection of fine outdoor and casual brands.

Their mission: "...to preserve and support the true gentleman, from the field to the dinner table"

Interested in learning more? Like their page on Facebook

Onward Reserve
Athens, GA

Athens, GA based company, Onward Reserve, has you covered for any type lifestyle. Whether your man is gearing up for golf, or heading to a wedding, Onward Reserve  has what you need.

The man in your life will sure be looking sharp!

Speaking of sharp... 

2. Join a club.  

The Dollar Shave Club.

* * * 
"I like shaving with a dull razor" - No one, ever.

It's the gift that keeps shaving all year round.  Dollar Shave Club delivers amazing razors and grooming products straight to your door. Convenient right?

How does it work?

Select one of their great blades, pay only for the cost of the blades, and they'll send them right to your door step every month.

Beer of the Month Club

* * *

"Some days, the toughest decision is "bottle or draft"

If you have a craft beer consumer on your hands, check out the  Beer of the Month Club. Hand selected by master brewers & beer judges, again, delivered right to your door monthly! And an added bonus, gain more knowledge about these hand-crafted microbrews. 

3. Shop Online: 

Sometimes you just want to shop from home.  I get it.  So, here you go:

Gifts.com: this site has you covered, and with the most unique gifts! 
10 Killer Gifts Every Man Must Have

Happy shopping from the couch! 

... for "tbt"... 


* * *
"Surround yourself with people who are only going to lift you higher" - 

Life has a funny way of working out just when you start to believe it never will.  Count your blessings & good luck finding that perfect gift!  

... go find something to spoil the stud in your life... 

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

The Books I Read

... No cliff notes needed... 

just an open mind

* * * 

"A room without books, is like a body without soul." - Cicerro

Book worms.  I believe can come in all forms.

Whether it is a design, lifestyle, or cook book, those are the ones I love & collect. With these books, you don't need cliff notes & you get inspiration in all forms!

While some get lost in novels, I get lost on the pages in my coffee table books.  You just never know what you may find!  SO many ideas, recipes, and inspiration are in these books.  Just like novels, you can get lost...    

* * * 

The thing I love about these books is that they serve more than one purpose.   You can enjoy the information between the pages (I used the ones above for tonight's menu... let's hope he likes it!) & use them to decorate!   

Stack them up whenever you please & topped them off with an indoor plant (cheap ones at Walmart!).  It adds that little extra something you are looking for in a  space!  My eyes tend to flock towards those that have a pop of color, its eye catching in a room...  

* * *

Looking for some decorative coffee table books?  Here ya go:

29 Gorgeous Art & Fashion Coffee Table Books

Design Darling: Collecting Coffee Table Books (one of my favorite lifestyle bloggers!)

Fashionable Hostess: Coffee Table Books

On a budget? Ollies

.... go to Amazon & get great prices on the ones you love!

* * * 

"A well-read woman is a dangerous creature." - Lisa Kleypas

I have even taken this look into my office.  Keep your eyes open!  I found these gems (if you are into the material handling & supply chain type stuff) while we were cleaning out our old library here at work.  They were going to be thrown away...  so, one man's trash is another man's treasure!  

OK, so I probably won't read these, but they were fitting for the office environment.

Go pick up a book and see where it takes you.  A home cooked meal or new look to a room, and anything in between! 

... oh Tuesday...

...a couple more pages... I said two hours ago... 

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

The Best Ever.

* * * 

...Love the people you can be crazy with....

* * * 

"We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun"- 

Who doesn’t love a good 4th of July celebration complete with old friends, new friends, & family?!  

The perfect set up for one of the best weekends I have had in awhile.  From strangers to friends, this was one for the books! Time & good friends are two things that become more valuable when you get older. 

Thank you to my new friends (& porch & palette followers!), my old friends, & family... it was fun!

... returning house guest... 

* * * 

Fresh peach & mango mimosas 

The Hagwoods were sweet enough to let me spend the weekend, again.

We started the weekend off with fresh peach & mango mimosas: so refreshing & so simple!  The perfect way to upgrade a mimosa is to throw in whatever fresh fruits your heart desires.  And of course, use your favorite, festive glasses!

Next on the "To-Do" list: Snack time! 

While sipping our mimosas, my fabulous host threw together the perfect savory summer snack for the beach: Fresh Summer Veggie & Herb Flatbread

I'll give you the cliff notes version, for the full recipe & directions you can click the link above.

- Ingredients -  

Garlic (2 cloves)

Cilantro

Parsley

Olive Oil

Crushed red pepper flakes

Pizza crust

Red & Green pepper

Yellow Squash

Italian cheese blend

* * * 

Fresh Summer Veggie & Herb Flatbread

- Directions - 

1. Preheat oven to 425

2. Food processor: garlic, Cilantro, Parsley, Olive Oil, Crushed red pepper flakes

3. Bake pizza dough (8ish minutes)

4.  Brush on herb mixture

5. Add squash, peppers, & cheese

6. Return to oven until cheese is melted (4ish minutes)

7. Cut into finger size  & enjoy! 

* * * 

A HUGE thank you to the Lesh family for hosting us for the evening! 

(& sweet Cooper, my 4 legged boyfriend)

Time to wind down.

Sunday supper should be easy breezy after a weekend like the 4th! 

Trader Joe's  & all under $10.  On the menu?  Sundried tomato & goat cheese ravioli ($2.99!), tossed with butter, a herb mixture, & vodka sauce, topped w/ fresh herb goat cheese.... all which can be found in one place.

* * * 

Sundried tomato & Goat cheese Ravioli

Pour a glass & pull up a seat, there you go, dinner in 10 minutes.  Time to relax!  

...I hope you feel beautiful today....

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

Happy 4th from porch & palette!

... Independence... 

* * * 
 Abigail Adams, July 1776

" May the foundation of our new constitution be justice, truth and righteousness.  Like the wise man's house may it be founded upon those rocks and then neither storms or tempests will overthrow it" 

.... happy 4th of July from porch & palette... 

xo

-W

Everyone have a safe & fabulous holiday!! 

Facebook: porch & palette

The Smell of Possibility...

....I love the smell of possibility in the morning...

* * * 

B_SOUP on LIKEtoKNOW.it

The 4th is right around the corner and I'm sure plenty of you are wondering what to wear for the fireworks show...

Ok, well I know I am! (...see picture above, I'm in love...)

We all see those must have outfits while skimming through our Instagram feeds & instantly say "how adorable" and keep on skimming... because we don't have time to hunt down the entire outfit online.

Now you do.  Get excited!  

Recently I discovered LIKEtoKNOW.it, where you can shop your favorite instagramers! 

It's simple.  3 Steps.

1. Sign Up at LIKEtoKNOW.it

2. Sign into your Instagram account and choose to authorize 

3. Enter your email address, save, & finish!

Process complete.

Still needing help with Saturday's party outfit?

Lucky you.  I found the below items on B_SOUP on LIKEtoKNOW.it where you can click on each picture below and it directs you to the site where you can find it.  Pretty cool huh?

* * * 

Another reason I love it?  It's not all about the wardrobe.

Megan Stokes (HOLYCITYCHIC ) is another one of my favorite Charleston lifestyle bloggers because she shares the love for everything I do.  For instance, these coffee table books.... 

And lucky me, she is on LIKEtoKNOW.it. 

* * * 

HOLYCITYCHIC

Trust me, you will find yourself resorting back to this site in the future.  And the best part about it... most of the items are affordable on a young professional's budget! Go get inspired by the talented instagrammers and best of luck finding that perfect 4th of July outfit!

...dress like a firecracker & turn heads my dear... 

Happy Wine Wednesday!

xo-

-W

Facebook: porch & palette