We have been busy with all the things. Why does May seem so rushed and busy, especially when you are a teacher? And suddenly it is June and you are in the midst of all the summer stuff. We were extra busy after school let out! We traveled…pretty far this time…to Germany and Paris, France! So much to share. The Princess was over the moon and my Hero and I loved seeing the joy in her eyes. Even her jaded middle school attitude seemed to evaporate, at least for the week.

We started our journey in Stuttgart, Germany. We stayed with family, visited a great downtown area, ate wonderful food and wine, climbed a castle and (some of us) zipped over a Forest.

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There are so many positives about our kitchen renovation, counter space, improved appliances, gorgeous light…but I’m enjoying the addition wall space where I can display some of my fun collections. One tip for displaying collections in the kitchen is to group like together and allow space around them. I collect with a few groupings in mind, and as tempting as it could be to start 50 more collection, I’ve curated for the ones I really enjoy. I collect from many sources from garage sales to EBay to Facebook marketplace. I love the hunt for just the right addition. Let me show you some of my favorites.

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It’s spring! One of our favorite traditions is our annual strawberry picking morning. A drive to the country, luscious berries warm from the sun, and the way the car smells like strawberry for our drive home…everything to love. Of course, the best part is teaming these beauties with golden, sweet shortcake and whipped cream. I’m baking today, even if it is Mother’s Day!

The Usual Cast of Characters

• 1 cup flour
• 2/ 3 cup sugar
• 1 1/ 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/ 4 teaspoon salt
• 1/ 2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/ 3 cup butter, softened
• 1/ 2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• fresh berries
• whipped cream

The Steps to Glory

Heat oven to 350°F.

Prepare Shortcake pan with baking spray containing flour and thoroughly coat the details of the pan.

In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients.

Blend at low speed until moistened, then beat 2 minutes on medium speed, scraping bowl often.

Pour batter into pan, filling only ¾ full. Gently tap pan on countertop to remove any air bubbles.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cakes cool 8-10 minutes in pan and then invert onto cooling rack.

Repeat steps if there is remaining batter. Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries.

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I’m so excited. Porch weather is upon us. It was a little chilly today but still the perfect place to be was on my porch. We could blow the winter away…and the early spring pollen…and once again watch the neighborhood come alive. Come on up…

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This lovely poem was written by AI!

The world awakes, a vibrant hue, 
With emerald leaves and skies of blue. 

The gentle breeze, a soft caress, 
Awakens nature’s sweet finesse. 

The sun shines bright, a golden ray, 
Chasing shadows far away. 

New life unfolds, a joyful sight, 
In spring’s embrace, bathed in light.

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Hard to believe but spring is here, with Easter in our near future. We had a little taste of warm beautiful weather when we journeyed to the exotic island of St. Lucia for a break. It spoiled us for sure, but it did motivate me to incorporate more springy things into my decor.

I saw the daffodils pop out in our garden this weekend, so warm is right around the corner here. I am certainly ready!

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A restful weekend here in Annapolis, in no small part thanks to a crazy burned out electrical transformer that led to a blown out Verizon box that led to a service call to happen between 9am and 9pm that led to a mandatory day at home.  It is a wonder how we ever did anything without the internet…or Fios TV. Anyway, it did give me time to put together a St. Patrick Day mantel.  I have never attempted to capture the luck of the Irish in my decor, but like my Valentine’s mantel, I am quite pleased that the simplest additions really do have major impact.  Do you like the sparkly shamrock? I give the Princess full credit!

Some green depression, vintage postcards and a bunting of shamrock pennants gives homage to Old Saint Patrick.
A close-up of the gorgeous green of the glass.

Vintage St. Patrick postcards are known for their amusing nature and exuberant love of the perfect Irish lass! I love these examples of both.

Also a first…the princess’ first middle school dance…how can that be!

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I have missed you Spring! Your subtle beauty and clear light, your gentle winds and sparkly sun. You are like a breath of fresh air after the darker days of winter. It may still be 35 degrees outside but in my house…we welcome spring.

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Valentine’s Day is approaching and with it the thought that spring might be kind of..sort of..mostly near. Not that snow isn’t impossible, I mean it snowed on spring break last year, but the warm fuzzy feeling of Valentine’s Day just translate to warm days and green returning.

I was never one to decorate for Valentine’s, but an impulse pillow buy led to another and some vintage Valentine postcards found their way home and next thing I know…full on Valentineo decor…and I like it. Come on inside and experience the LOVE!

Well, we made it to February. The air is still chilly, a little snow is still on the ground, but love is in the air to keep us warm. Come on in to see our Valentine touches.

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