So long, farewell!

- Sweet friends - 

I apologize for the lack of posting in porch & palette but the big move is THIS WEEKEND (hence the reason for lack of posts)  so I will be back up & posting next week!  

* * * 

... for now, do something today that your future self will thank you for... 

...ahhh, wine Wednesday....

xo. 

- W

Bitter Sweet

... last call... 

* * * 

August 21st - Charlotte - Neighborhood Theater

Farewell Tour?   ... makes my heart sad.

The Dirty Guv'nahs

Several years ago my older brother introduced me to this phenomenal band with exceptional talent & they immediately jumped to the top my list... 

Good Luck Charm... one song & I was hooked.  Maybe it was their story or maybe their music (or the fact that they are pretty handsome & genuine) that I've enjoyed their shows & feel fortunate to have had their tunes cross my path.  If you are in the Charlotte area August 21st, you must come out and enjoy their last show in CLT! 

You can snag your ticket here before it is too late!

...good thing their music will still be around.

On a happier note, I found this delicious recipe for Mango Salad Dressing on The Tasty Alternative.   Needless to say, it has a bitter sweet taste! 

* * * 

Mango Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

-1 VERY ripe mango, peeled and chopped (2 cups)

-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar* 

-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar* 

-3 tablespoons filtered water

-1 tablespoon oil 

-1/8 teaspoon salt 

.... then.... 

Blend all ingredients in food processor (or blender of choice) until smooth.  

I threw the dressing on top of a salad with grilled chicken, peaches, pistachios, & feta cheese.  The perfect combination.

* * *

Ironically, The Dirty Guv'nahs have been assisting me with my farewell to the place I've called home for the past two years.   Sitting on my almost empty porch this morning having my coffee (because all the mess/boxes/chaos in my house stresses me out) a flood of memories came back.

The good, the bad, and the ugly, & I thank God for all three. 

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about my "last call" with this house.  Just when you think you have your life figured out, it changes.  

That just means one thing... 

 

* * *

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

Love at first sight...

...love at first sight...

* * * 

Several months ago I came across this beautiful piece of art on Pinterest and it was love at first sight.. 

... and also out of my price range. Bummer.

However,  while browsing in At Home (if you haven't, take the time to make a visit!) I turned the aisle and there he was, that handsome face just staring at me.  My heart skipped a beat when I saw him.   I said to myself, Do I even want to go look at the price just to be disappointed? 

But I had to.  It just felt like we were meant to be.  It was a sign!  & lucky me, in my price range. 

You are now looking at what will be my birthday/house warming present to myself.  Now he just needs a name... 

* * * 

"Every woman deserves a man who looks at her everyday like its the first time he saw her." -

Another Pinterest find were these gold dipped wine glasses.  These were added quickly to my project list (which is starting to get lengthy) the moment I saw them.  BUT

* * * 

... the best things in life just happen.

* * * 

...like me getting turned around in At Home and stumbling across these gems.  Some things are just irresistible.  This perfect duo was $5 and they have a neat texture that I would have not been able to accomplish on my own.  Jackpot!

Friday afternoon tunes:  Future Islands   

Rarely do I post about music, but I was introduced to this band this week & haven't stopped listening.  If you are looking for a new band, Future Islands should be added to your playlist for sure!

* * * 

Take a quick break & listen to "Where I Found You"

This week has been a good one.  I'm so very blessed.  The pups and I are one week closer to moving & getting to put my new treasures to use in the new house and one week away from a beach weekend with some of my favs!  

Closing thought: Don't ever let anyone dull your sparkle.

- Happy Friday friends -

...cheers...

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

Sneak Peak, eek!!

* * * 

I've been slack.  Real slack & I apologize!

* * * 

... home sweet home... 

in just a few short weeks

Procrastination has kicked in.  Instead of packing (like I should be doing)  I am finishing all the small projects that I've been meaning to tackle.... & I wanted to give you a sneak peak! 

So what better time to start when moving into a new house?!

...Two years later....

* * * 

... and I'm finally finishing the bottom half of my home office desk.

I have a bad habit of seeing something I love and saying "I bet Dad & I could do that"... and shoot off the idea to him.  Well in doing so, 3 or so years ago I came across Shanty 2 Chic.  These two sisters from TX created a site with free plans on all their projects!  Needless to say, I've taken two of their plans and put my spin on them... thank you Shanty 2 Chic! 

So nice of them right?  If you haven't checked them out, you must!

...step into my future living & dining room...

I call this my clean slate, music to my ears!

* * * 

"My beauty comes from having my own style, living my own way, and knowing my own mind." - Anonymous 

* * * 

So my 8 dining room chairs (that were found at an estate sale) have called my parents' attic home for the past couple of years.  They are now out & about and getting a makeover!  Let's just say that project was a family affair... Dad didn't know what he was getting himself into!

I'll have more details in posts to come, but for now, in case you were wondering where that darling fabric came from, check out www.overstockupholsteryfabric.com. The selection of fantastic styles & patterns is ongoing and the owners I must say are pretty fabulous!

Another procrastination habit is antique shopping.

I found these beauties ($10 for both!) at a small antique shop on our way to Black Dog Salvage.  Who knew a road trip with your mother could be so much fun?!  The burlap shades?  $5 a piece at Family Dollar... I know, shocker!!  

                                       

* * * 

I've found that if you piece two things you love separately together, you just might end up with a one of a kind beauty.

... pull up a seat! 

* * * 

"Every empty bottle is filled with stories." - 

My next favorite room in my house,after the porch, is the bar.

Don't worry Mom, my bar will be more than just a place for a cold one!  

This room gets the perfect amount of natural light so my plans are to use this as my breakfast room/coffee bar/bar bar/a place where my Johnny Cash & I can hang out... 

... Oh Johnny... 

* * * 

I just need to find my own Johnny Cash... 

This may always be a work in progress, but it is my work in progress.  Or my therapy.

... cheers to Wine Wednesday... 

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

& 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

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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

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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

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