Pink Saturday@How Sweet the Sound

It is really true, the simple things in life are the best. Who would think you could create something so sublime with flour, butter and salt. Add a little brown sugar and you take it to the next level of yummy. Butterscotch shortbread does not last long in my kitchen…I stand guilty for my part of the cookie disappearance.

I use a short bread pan to bake, but a pie dish will work as well. It might be fun to roll into cookie balls and press with cookie stamps or pretty press.

It’s been a strange spring for us here in Annapolis. Winter still is putting in an appearance but hopefully spring has it on the run. The cold, overcast weather just does not belong in May.

The Usual Cast of Characters

1 cup of all purpose flour

1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter

1/2 cup of packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon scotch or vanilla extract.

The Steps to Glory

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees

2. Beat butter and gradually mix in brown sugar and salt

3. Add scotch or vanilla and gradually add flour. Beat until smooth and well combined.

4. Press evenly into pan and push down with a spoon.

5. Score the bottom with a fork.

6. Bake for about 55 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Let shortbread cool completely before cutting into squares.

Can’t wait to walk without a winter coat.

Metamorphosis Inspire me Monday. Inspire me Tuesday .You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Wednesday blog hop. Share your style. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm.Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters.Create bake grow. Happiness is homemade. Create with joy. Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. heart and souls simple sunday silverado. The Fabulous Party. homestead blog hop traffic jam busy Monday. Love your creativity inspiration party share the wealth Karen’s kottage. Crafty creations sunshine Sunday potpourri. Full plate

And the rain came down…and came down…and came down! What to do in Charleston in the rain, I mean, I guess we could explore the lovely gardens and historical houses and get really, really wet…but I’m not a fan of sitting in wet clothes. Inside it must be and, thankfully, Charleston had some things to offer.

Our first stop was the aquarium. I had some reservations about crowds and keeping a little space apart but I was surprised at how well everything was organized. Make sure the pre-buy your ticket and go early.

The highlights were the beautiful, huge turtles that swim so serenely in their large enclosures. It was actually pretty mesmerizing to watch them. The Princess enjoy the fish darting around and the educational area in the turtle hospital. I learned much about turtles myself.

When we left the aquarium it was raining even harder. Thank goodness we had umbrellas as we waited for the free city shuttle. We headed to King Street for our next adventure…perfume making! We actually saw this place a few days before and my science loving Princess thought it might be a fun thing to do. I thought it would be fun as well, so we spent a delightful hour crafting our signature scent. The process was so well laid out that we never felt overwhelmed. What a special memory we made at Tijon perfume lab. I highly recommend it.

We were sad to bid Charleston behind but we have so many lovely memories to cherish. We can’t wait to visit again.

Metamorphosis Inspire me Monday. Inspire me Tuesday You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Wednesday blog hop. Share your style. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm.Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters.Create bake grow. Happiness is homemade. Create with joy. Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. heart and souls simple sunday silverado. The Fabulous Party. homestead blog traffic jam busy Monday. Love your creativity inspiration party share the wealth Karen’s kottage. Crafty creations sunshine Sunday potpourri

An oldie but goodie post from the past…Happy Easter!

Jesus Christ is risen today,

Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!

Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Wishing you a happy and blessed Easter Sunday!

Metamorphosis Inspire me Monday. Inspire me Tuesday .You’re the Star.Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Wednesday blog hop. Share your style. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm.Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters.Create bake grow. Happiness is homemade. Create with joy. Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. heart and souls simple sunday silverado. The Fabulous Party. homestead blog hop traffic jam busy Monday. Love your creativity inspiration party share the wealth Karen’s kottage. Crafty creations sunshine Sunday

So apparently next week is Easter. It doesn’t seem real. Winter and spring seem to be battling it out for control, my cold weather outerwear is still in the closet and the heat is still on…a lot. My first thought upon waking this morning? Eggs out…pronto, and throw a few bunnies out for good measure. The fastest decor change ever! I mean, spring has got to win out eventually, after all the daffodils have popped up and I spotted a few robins the other morning. I just want to enjoy them puffer coat and mitten free!

Speaking of time going quickly…The Princess turned 9 this week!

Metamorphosis Inspire me Monday. Inspire me Tuesday . You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Wednesday blog hop. Share your style. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm.Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters.Create bake grow. Happiness is homemade. Create with joy. Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. heart and souls simple sunday silverado. The Fabulous Party. homestead blog hop traffic jam busy Monday. Love your creativity inspiration party share the wealth Karen’s kottage. Crafty creations sunshine Sunday

Senior Salon@Esme Salon

After a few lovely days exploring downtown Charleston, we headed across the bridge to experience a bit of the countryside. We purchased our tickets for Middleton Plantation and set off on an adventure. Our morning included the annual sheep shearing, alligator spotting and a tiny lamb just hours old. The grounds were lovely and perfect for a stroll.

Back in Charleston, we gained another perspective, by water. We found the history and back stories very interesting, and on our boat tour the Princess enjoyed a nap. A long afternoon called for ice cream! I’ve waited a long time to visit the original Jenni”s ice cream shop…ever since we bought her book at the County Living Fair in Ohio. We may have gone back a time or two during our stay.

Inspire me Monday. Inspire me Tuesday . Metamorphosis. You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Wednesday blog hop. Share your style. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm.Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters.Create bake grow. Happiness is homemade. Create with joy. Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. heart and souls simple sunday silverado. The Fabulous Party. homestead blog hop traffic jam busy Monday. Love your creativity inspiration party share the wealth Karen’s kottage. Crafty creations sunshine Sunday

Senior Salon@Esme Salon

Morning Cup of Joe@The Cottage Market

On March 14th, 2020, I finished packing suitcases and set my alarm for an early flight the next day. Bags packed, plane seats chosen, book downloaded and plans in place for a beautiful week in Charleston. I woke up to a changed world. It was heartbreaking. I know many families suffered so much more than a missed vacation. We were quite blessed really, but it still hurt. Finally, two years later, we had the opportunity to put those plans into place. It was worth the wait. Some cities just grab your heart the moment you open your hotel room door. Annapolis is and will always be our beloved home town, but Charleston was like a home away from home. It was the perfect spring break destination.

Where we stayed. Our hotel, The Harbor View Inn, was the perfect location for downtown excursions. We were near the Battery, steps away from Rainbow Row, and a short walk to the City Market. It was beautifully appointed, served a wonderful breakfast to your room and generously provided wine and cheese at 5:00 and milk and cookies at 9:00 each day.

Where we shopped. Of course, King Street is a shoppers’ Mecca with beautiful boutiques, high end antiques and specialty stores of every kind. It was fun to window shop but most of our shopping was done at the City Marketplace, a fun place to find the perfect souvenir or gift. It is also a fun place to see local artists and sample well known Charleston treats.

We finished our day meeting a dear friend for diner at California Dreaming, a fun restaurant with great South Carolina dishes and flavors.

Inspire me Monday. Inspire me Tuesday . Metamorphosis. You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Wednesday blog hop. Share your style. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm.Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters.Create bake grow. Happiness is homemade Create with joy. Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. heart and souls simple sunday silverado. The Fabulous Party. homestead blog hop traffic jam busy Monday. Love your creativity Karen’s Kottage. Crafty creations inspiration party share the wealth Sunday sunshine

Senior Salon@Esme Salon

Encouraging Hearts and Homes@Slices of Life

Full Plate Thursday@Miz Helen’s Country cottage