China Cabinet Re-Do...Coastal Style

Our lil' dining room has been driving me crazy...it's a bit mis-matched and doesn't quite have that coastal vibe I love.  So, I decided to paint our china cabinet from black to white.  I had nooo idea what a big undertaking this would become...it took me 3 weeks!  Anyhow, you'll have to let me know what you think.  I'm pretty pleased with it, but I'm thinking I may paint the stained area white as well...we'll see.

The "Before"

I never realized how much of the cabinet I'd have to take apart in order to paint it!



The "After"



I love this cabinet...all white with a pale blue background. 

I may attempt to re-paint my cabinet this way one day....it's just my style!



Join me over at A Beach Cottage for her Good Life Wednesday Link Party!

A Lil' Reminder of Warmer Days

My mom knows how much I love sea turtles.  They are such graceful, majestic sea creatures with the cutest lil' faces.  She gave me an adorable key ring from Brighton.  Now, every time I grab my keys to head out the door I'm reminded of my favorite sea creature, the ocean and my family.  Check out these other beachy key rings.  Which one do you want/like?

Marvels Turtle Key Ring from Brighton

Malibu Anchor Key Ring from Brighton

Beach Multi Mix Key Ring from Coach

Juicy Couture Tropical Key Ring from Nordstrom

Leather Mermaid Key Ring from Coach



My parents visited my brother and I a week ago in San Francisco. We had a great time exploring the City, wine tasting in Sonoma and Napa, and taking in the beautiful sights of the Bay in Sausalito.  Here are two of my favorite pics of their visit!  I'm already counting down the days until I visit them in October.

Mr. H and I spent the Fourth of July holiday in Yosemite National Park.  It was our first visit and we had the best time! Our proudest moment of the trip was hiking the strenuous 3.5 mile trek up to the top of Nevada Falls at the top of a mountain....our legs were soooo shaky walking the 3.5 miles down.

Fetching Collars for the Beachy Dog

I've been meaning to purchase new dog collars for Toby and Bella.  While at a cute pet shop in New Smyrna Beach I purchased the collars pictured below, and what do you know....the collar I bought for Bella was featured in this month's Coastal Living Magazine!



Top: Pink Palms Collar
Bottom: Sea Turtle Collar



The collars I purchased are from the Sanibel collection at http://www.upcountryinc.com/ for $21 each.  Be sure to join me at The Beach Cottage for Wednesday's Linky Party!

Florida is like my second home...

Hello!  It's been a while since I've posted anyhing, but I've been a bit busy.  I hope you had a great holiday weekend!  Mr. H and I spent the weekend exploring Yosemite National Park....it was amazing!! Then we watched the famous fireworks show last night in San Francisco....incredible show!

So, I've been meaning to post pics about my recent trip to Florida.  My parents are from Florida and I was born in Orlando...we go back to the sunshine state once a year to visit our family who live there....it really feels like my second home.  I'm without a doubt a water and sun baby....if only I could own a cottage right on the Florida coast...man, that would be my dream!  I spent several days with my grandmother, mom, sister, and grand-dad in Florida and we ventured to our favorite coastal town, New Smyrna Beach, for 3 day trips.  Here are a few pics of the places and peeps I love... 

Bathing beauties....my grandmother and mom looking pretty on the beach.

It's a tradition for me to eat a hot dog on the beach....there's something so yummy about it....maybe the mix of sand, sun and sea?  Or maybe I'm just weird! Hehe

New Smyrna Beach

Me and my sis partaking in our favorite activity...sunbathing!

I could stare at this view 24/7.

Where my toes should be....

Entrance to New Smyrna Beach from Flagler Avenue.

Small festival held on the streets at New Smyrna.

Looks like I need this bench....it has The Coconut Life written all over it!

The ladies of the family all dolled up for a delicious seafood dinner.

We spent a day exploring Winter Park which is a suburb of Orlando.  We took a scenic boat tour of the Winter Park lakes.

I love this photo because it reminds of the Southeast....look at all of that moss hanging from the trees.

Lone Tree in the lake...

The lakes of Winter Park are connected with canals like the one pictured above.

Smile and pretend like you're not melting in the hot, Florida sun!  But hey, I'm not complaining....this NorCal transplant will take the heat any day!

We stopped for lunch and a bit of window shopping at the cute shops in downtown Winter Park.  This was a French restaurant called Paris Bisto....my crepe was yummy!

Another day on the beach.  Clearly, we're not the only ones who thought it was a perfect day to spend at the beach.

Soaking up those rays!!!

The water felt amazing....a cool 80 degrees.

Me and my sister pictured with my Granddaddy on Father's Day.

How are your summer plans/trips going?  Even though it's not beach related, I'll try to post a few pics from my recent trip to Yosemite.  Have a lovely day!

CooCoo for Coconuts!

I purchased adorable cookie cutters on my recent trip to Florida and decided to make delicious Coconut Sugar Cookies with them.  Wow, I'm impressed with this recipe!  The cookies are delicious and are the perfect summer treat.  It helps that they look like they came straight from the Caribbean!  I found the recipe online and added my own twist by adding coconut flavoring to the batter and icing.

Cookies
- 1 c. butter
- 2 c. sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind
- 4 1/2 c. sifted flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2/3 c. sour cream
- 1 c. flaked or shredded coconut

Icing
- 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. coconut flavoring
- 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
- 3 1/2 tbsp. milk

Set oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all ingredients together. Chill in refridgerator for 15 minutes.  Roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutter or make out in balls and press down. Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Once cookies are cool, spread icing on top with sprinnkles.  Enjoy!

Be sure to join me for DebbieDoo's Newbie Blog Party today!

Nautical Bargains

I got home earlier this week from a great getaway to Florida to spend time with family.  I'll be sure to post pictures from the trip soon.  But first, I want to share with you some incredible bargains I found perfect for any gal's summer wardrobe.  I have an upcoming event to attend and wanted something new to wear.  I tend to pick up shoes and clothing along and along and will wear them for years.  This sometimes leads to me dressing a bit outdated, so I'm trying to be more stylish while still on a limited  budget. 

The following pairs of espadrilles are from Payless....yes, you heard right, Payless Shoes!  They are running their BOGO promo (Buy One, Get One Half Off), and the shoes were on sale!  I purchased one pair for $11 and the other pair for $5.  What are you waiting for?  Hop in the car and head on over to Payless!

So, I made a quick stop (not really quick, I stood in line for 30 minutes to check out) to H&M.  They have really trendy clothes for cheap.  I picked up this adorable white and navy dress for $34.50.  The dress even has pockets!

Because the event I'll be attending is in the evening, I've decided my patent red pumps will coordinate perfectly.  But if I want to dress down the outfit, I can wear one of the two espadrilles I just bought!

What do you think of the outfit?  I'm still trying to decide how to accessorize it.  What do you suggest for accessories? 

TGIF!

Headed to Florida!

Hi fellow beach lovers....I'm headed to Florida for several days to spend time with the girls in my family.  My mom and sister are flying from DFW and I'll be flying in from San Francisco.  I can't wait!  I'll be sure to post some pics of our time together.  In the meantime, I wish you all a wonderful week!

Me, my grandmother and Cathy at New Smyrna Beach, Florida.



My sister and I at New Smyrna Beach, Florida on the 4th of July....yippee!!!



Me and my pretty grandmother at one of our favorite seafood dives...Boston's Seafood!

My mom and I in Monterey!

Tropical Thursday Recognizes World Oceans Day

These photos were taken this past February while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.  World Oceans Day is a celebration of ocean conservation.  I have such a love with the sea and all its creatures.  Please join me in remembering to take care of one of our most amazing natural wonders.