TGIF-

This week-end we are chillin'
What are you doing this week-end?
Valarie 

Blank Canvas -

We pulled out all the bushes - 

Turned the beds over... and raked bags of leaves

Trimmed all the rose bushes back. turned over the flower beds... 

Turned over and dug more weeds out of the flower bed 

Whew.. finally a blank canvas for new landscaping.. we also lifted the rock around the flower bed - it was flat on the ground - could not see from the street.. so hopefully with lots of color it will pop now.. 

New mulch in beds, all weeds gone, need to plant color & hopefully my hosta will come back this year.. 

Pretty rose bed to the right, roses trimmed, new mulch.. just need to fill my flower baskets hanging from the pergola-
We had help yesterday, really awesome help, 4 strong young men - 8 hours later all was done...
Stay tuned for more coming soon....
Valarie

 

Dressing the Nest......

Few ferns are potted... 

Bird seed is waiting for all the birds to come see us this spring.. 

Once I plant my ferns ... I really get SPRING FEVER!  

More bird seed in my rusty chippy old bird bath.. now a feeder... 

What  is your favorite thing you do to dress your nest?
Hugs..
Happy Tuesday!!
Valarie 

Peaceful...

LOML & I enjoyed the beautiful weather & sunset this past weekend..
hope you have a peaceful & productive week!
xxo,
Valarie 

Tour de Coop!!

Our historic district has been kicking around the thought of having a tour de coop this fall.. 

Thought I would do a little research on making one of these for the blue cottage.... Oh my ... look at all the cute coops I found here...

ADORABLE RIGHT? I borrowed this pictures from BACKYARD CHICKENS.COM -  go to his website to see all the coops... 

Let me know which one you would pick for your backyard!! 

Happy Tuesday ! 

Valarie 

MCKINNEY HOME & GARDEN TOUR - SAVE THE DATE!!

Please click here for more information!! Will I see you there?  

Valarie  

Dreaming....

Remember the cottage by the lake we were dreaming of... 

 The kitchen is the heart of the home right? So to the left is the kitchen - the cabinet over the bar needs to be torn out and the bar area to open up the dining area.  The back door needs to be replaced with a new french door.   The 4 windows I would love to put large french doors that open to the deck on the other side of the window..  

All of these cabinets need to be ripped off the wall. I want to beadboard all the walls, open shelving, farm sink, obviously remove the stove it was a 70's model.  

So ... I been thinking it over here are a few options I kinda like!  

Charming... 

Love the chalk board.. fun for a cottage by the lake 

Very industrial looking... with the black brackets.. 

 They didn't accept our first offer.... waiting on counter.... & waiting...

I can see me in any of the above kitchens surrounded by family & friends. 

Which kitchen would you like to come visit? 

Smiles.. Valarie 

A place I call home!!

Addicted to chandeliers! 

Love is where my heart is!
Have a great day! 

Slowing down...

Slowing down to enjoy home today! Beautiful AND 75 today! Dreaming of green grass and planting flowers- Spring is on it's way!!

Enjoy your day!! 

Valarie 

Early Spring....

70 degree day here in North Texas I had to hang a fern!!
Can't wait to start planting!!
hope you had a great day!!  

enjoying home....

Beautiful Roses from the love of my life 

Roses are my all time favorite 

I have a weakness for farm animals... love this painting!! 

Hope your day is happy! 

Happy Love Day!

Wishing you a day of LOVE & HAPPINESS WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE!!
xxoxx,
Valarie 

Just making cupcakes.....

Nothing like the smell of chocolate cupcakes baking.... 

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and muffin pans for cupcakes or use cupcake liners. 
2. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 2 minutes on medium speed of mixer. Stir in the boiling water last. Batter will be thin. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Come on over and let's talk about our day and enjoy a cupcake!  

Cottages under contract.. Historic McKinney -

These two are under contract now... 

This one on the market and in the district... 

Real Estate is booming here in North Texas!!  

Call me to find your next home! 

New Listing in the District...

New Listing on the cusp of the Historic District in Mckinney-

Adorable Cottage... located at 514 N Kentucky!

Love the black-white tile floor with the blue bird paint in bathroom



Mix, Mingle and Entertain here.. 



Perfect adorable kitchen... black cabinets .. with chopping block counter



Large open living area 

Spacious Bedrooms

Living area open for entertaining.. 

Open house this weekend!!

Stop by and see me! 

MY CLEAN KITCHEN.....

just finished cleaning my kitchen... 

All my rowdy friends are coming over tonight!! 

Happy Super Bowl!! 

Valarie