Small Kitchen With A Big Impact

I've been looking for ways to dress up our kitchen and happened to stumble upon these photos. I loved them so much I thought I would share them with all of you.

Some people think you need to live in a large home to have a stunning kitchen. These photos show that smaller kitchen's can have a big impact as well. It just takes adding architectural elements and the right touches with decorating.

There are so many details in this kitchen, big and small. I love the detailed hood over the stove. This would be perfect in my kitchen (I just need to figure out a place to put the microwave since it is right above the stove). The glass front cabinet is darling. The stone floors adds to the character of the kitchen. Don't forget to notice the sink faucet. Sometimes it's the simplest changes that offer a big impact.

My kitchen is very similar to the layout of this kitchen. These photos have given me lots of ideas. Too bad we weren't doing a complete kitchen makeover because I could just hand this photo to the contractor and say "Give me this".

I love the crown molding, especially the thickness of it. Also notice the legs added to the cabinetry below the stove. I also love all the extra details in the island. The legs added to make it seem more like furniture. All these little details add up to one fabulous kitchen.

Here's another kitchen with a lot of details. I particularly like the design of the back splash behind the stove.

This idea is one of my favorites, putting shelves on an island for cookbooks. Such a great use of space.

I Want This Outfit

I love, love, love Kelly Ripa's outfit in this photo. It is so my style and taste. It would be perfect for summer, the "go-to" outfit as I call it. You know, the one you grab when your in a hurry or when you want to look cute and summery or when you want to be comfortable and stylish at the same time. It almost becomes your uniform because you love it so much. Now all I need to do is get a hold of Miss Kelly and find out where she got it because I want it!!!

Easter Treats

Since the kiddies were out of school today, I thought it would be fun to make Easter treat bags for a few friends and neighbors. This year I decided to make the cookies from scratch which I have never done before. I always cheat and buy the pre-made cookie dough.

All the supplies out to begin the assembly of each little treat bag.

And here's some of the finished treat bags.

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter!

Today It Kicked My Butt...

We went to Florida for Spring Break with four other families. After having happy hour every night to watch the sunset at the beach and eating big, gourmet dinners afterwards...my waistline did a major expansion. Feeling more like a beached whale than a human, I decided to start exercising to get rid of some of the "blubber". (Did I mention I hate exercising?)

So this morning I make my way down to the basement to the treadmill. I get on thinking I can run a few laps and walk a few while watching Oprah. Sounds easy enough.

I get on...I walked a lap and got courageous thinking I could run the next three laps...I'm going to push myself...I'm going to sweat.

I'm running....I'm huffing and puffing....I push that button so fast to slow down after running only one lap. I walk a few more and try it again.

As I'm running, I'm watching the lights light up on the treadmill as I make it closer and closer to finishing the lap. I'm starting to sing and yell just to get this one lap done (thank goodness no one was home to hear all this) because Oprah just wasn't doing it for me. Finally I made it, actually did 2.5 miles in all. I slow down and get off and make my ways upstairs cuz now I'm HUNGRY. No fruit, no healthy snacks so what do I grab...Cocoa Puffs. I'm eating them by the handfuls...who needs a bowl. I grab a Pepsi cuz I hate water even though I did make myself drink it while I was attempting to "run". So all the good the exercising did if I end up eating half a box of Cocoa Puffs while chugging a Pepsi. So what was my purpose again?!! Watch out treadmill...I'm coming back tomorrow to kick some butt. (And then maybe finish off that box of Cocoa Puffs). LOL!!!!

Good Bye Warm Weather, Hello Snow

We left this:

To come home to this:

Yuck, it's cold here!! After spending a week in Florida and then arriving home to snow and cold weather, I'm ready to head back to the sun, beaches and 80 degree temperatures. I definitely wasn't ready to be greeted by snow.

"Real Housewives of New York City" Divorce

Yes, I admit it, I watch the Real Housewives. It's entertaining, intriguing, and pretty ridiculous in how the women act and that's what makes it interesting to watch.

I just read that one of the women is getting a divorce because her husband is having an affair. Ouch!!! Can you guess which one?

One hint: This is her "summer home".

To find out who, click here.