AWNINGS -

Today was the breaking point....

I love my awnings... They are sooo cottage! Many of us have them in the historic district.. However awnings and pecan tree sap do not do well together!  So today while out scrubbing the awnings again with bleach.. I decided to take the bull by the horns and move them out of harms way of the pecan tree sap.... 

Before....  

After.... 

she looks a bit plain jane! 

I cleaned the windows... 

Whew... what a day!! Super hot here n North Texas today!!

What did you do today??
Hugs..
Valarie  

Getting ready....

Flags are out.... 

Flags tucked in all my buckets...

Come back tomorrow for the best cupcake recipe!!
See you then!
Valarie 

reflections....

Sharing a few vintage mirrors I had in the house moved over the outdoor mantle to enjoy! 

Reflections of the birdhouse & greenery - simple things make a home! 

AND THE WINNER OF THE BURLAP CUSHIONS ..... (DRUMROLL) 

Robin - Decorating Tennis Girl.. pop over here and tell her congrats!! 

Stop by next week for another drawing!! 

Happy Friday!!  

The Trailer Gal

Come see me here today and follow my blog!   

I'm a happy camper! 

Valarie 

Having a Give-a-way!!!

Remember when I made these for my dining room last summer.... Well I am giving a set of six of these away!! Leave a comment if you want to enter and follow my blog .... Click on the link above for a photo of all the different cushions! Hugs...

Did you enter??

Valarie 

Flowers are thriving...

Thought I would share with you what seems to be working in my flower beds this summer! 

Creeping Jenny 

Ferns are amazing...in black urn 

Lantana & Potato Vine (very low watering and spread like wildfire!) 

More lantana in side bed 

Impatients in hanging baskets 

Impatient hanging cone basket -

Hope you enjoyed - Have a blessed day!
Valarie 

GRANDmothers pulley...

I love my hanging pots.... more importantly I love my GRANDmothers well pulley... This came off the farm in Wichita Falls...

Happy Tuesday!!  

See you soon!! 

Valarie 

Fresh Bouquets!

Making a few fresh arrangements for the table decor tomorrow!

I used fresh mint, basil, few roses, sprigs of fern, lantana, all out of my garden..
Happy Saturday!!
Valarie 

Chicken Feeder

My chicken feeder has played multiple roles around the blue cottage - for the last few years I have used as a planter for the mantle of the outdoor fireplace... 

Happy Friday! 

 

MCKINNEY BED & BREAKFAST --

Photo courtesy of business owner  

New B & B in town... seconds from my blue cottage... Check out more info here!! 

McKinney Bed and Breakfast Details:

McKinney Bed & Breakfast offers three separate rooms:

• The "Green Room” (originally the kitchen in 1890) boasts a luscious California King-size bed and full bathroom.
• The “Latte Room" has a queen-size bed so high and majestic, there are stairs on each side to assist you as you climb in for the night.
• In the “Family Sweet”, families and friends can enjoy staying together in one large room with a game room and full bathroom attached. With three twin-size beds, a full-size bed, a queen-size bed, and a day bed, there’s a comfortable night’s rest for six to eight who are enjoying all kinds of fun events: girl’s shopping weekends, scrap-bookers, office retreats, wedding parties, birthday celebrations, family reunions, or even golf weekends.

For rates, reservations, or additional information, please contact the Hills at 214-808-6727, or find them online at www.mckinneybedandbreakfast.com -  

PS.. SHE DOES GIRL WEEKENDS, SCRAPBOOK PARTIES, RETIREMENT PARTIES AND SOOOO MUCH MORE... Call Vicki for your next getaway! 

Hugs.. 

Valarie 

Nothing like summer camp!!

Did you attend summer camps as a kid... do you remember the excitement? Packing your new swimsuit, a new fluffy beach towel, girly pj's, and meeting new friends?

Well my little almost tween GRANDson and almost too cool for MIMI loves summer camps! 

I love to take & pick him up from camp! Making the top bunk bed perfect for his week stay,  leaving a happy note that he will find at bedtime, meeting the counselor.. and meeting his new friends for the next week... 

The Ranch - 

All the counselors greeting you at the entrance gate!  

Ice cold watermelon for everyone 

Walking to the cabin... saying our good bye!
Thankful for this child, thankful to play a part in his life!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
Valarie 

road time

Drive home.... a whole lotta windshield time today!! 

I did enjoy driving into the sunset!! 

Hope your day was happy!! 

Valarie 

MCKINNEY GARDEN & HOME TOUR - Sneak Peek!!

Just a peek of one of the back yards on tour... The home is fabulous and the gardens are spectacular!! 

The homeowner designs the most beautiful mosaic art for her gardens! 

Nothing like a beautiful home in Historic Mckinney!! 

DID YOU NOTICE THE MOSIAC ARTWORK ON THE FENCE POSTS??? (FABULOUS RIGHT!)   

Check out the box spring over the wine arbor!! 

Another piece of art - created by homeowner Fredda! 

Eye candy galore!! (excuse the water hose they were working hard when i took these pictures!)

 TICKETS HERE !! COME SEE US IN MCKINNEY!! 

Smithville Ranch

Yesterday I told you about my dear friend Christina... She is the pioneer woman I have known for 30 years... I am so glad to call her my friend... I hope you all have enjoyed meeting her through my posts (no, she will not blog!) - this is a few snaps of the Ranch! 

Martin birdhouses... 

Peaches galore!! 

Beautiful - 

Her style chippy, rusty and crusty before the trend was cool.... because my friend is just cool like that! 

Only one of the horses.. isn't he beautiful?

Hope you enjoyed a glimpse of the country!!

Make it a day to celebrate and reach out to all those girlfriends who have loved you through the years!!

Valarie 

Cooking it up!

Sharing my Family & Summer Sunday dinner meal with you!!  

Menu: 

• Grilled Pork Chops marinated in jalapeno jelly 
• Peach Pie - Find recipe here! 
• Steamed fresh green beans 
• Baked squash casserole-  Courtesy of Paula Deen 
• All fresh vegetables farm grown at The Smithville Ranch... my dear friend Christina! 

Fresh Squash 

=great Baked Squash recipe courtesy of Paula Deen.. 

Peach pie was a hit... was talking while making so my lattice work is not perfect! :(

My hope is you enjoyed your Sunday with family - 

3 of the 4 kids... (we miss you Ashley!!)
Have a great week!
Valarie

Have a great week! 

Crazy week....

It has been a crazy week... Working my business... 1 closing this week and 2 under contract ..  finding time for family....

Closed on this beauty in Heatherwood - Mckinney - Congratualtions to my clients from Iowa! 

Wrote contract on this home a modest 942k!  Located in Frisco 

Wrote contract on this beauty in Rowlett, inspection went great.. awaiting appraisal... 

Attending baseball games ... and enjoying the GRANDSONs 

Nothing like little league baseball... 

Fresh peaches from a dear friend= peach smoothies for an afternoon delight!!
Have a great weekend!!
Valarie