Tammy 
Staying at the Halekulani Sixteen years ago John read an article in Travel & Leisure about this magical place in Honolulu, right on a stretch of Waikiki Beach called the Halekulani. It was our tenth anniversary and we were heading to Hawaii to celebrate. We had spent our honeymoon in Honolulu and we were excited … Read more
I might need to start calling these bi-weekly reviews. 😉 Silly me thinking that once I officially became an empty nester a few weeks ago life might slow down a bit. HA! Joke was on me! Exciting things are happening and I can’t wait to fill you in! I had the chance to visit the … Read more
Right before Andy came home from his mission it was time to nest. 😉 Seriously. I felt like I was getting ready to bring home a baby and wanted to have everything re-done, cleaned like crazy, and just as perfect as it could be. I think there was some added pressure ( that I only … Read more
January temps call for some awesome soup to warm us up from the inside out. I love chicken pot pie filling, but I don’t like pie crust…I know, call me crazy. This chicken pot pie soup is the perfect solution to that problem. It is SO good…insanely flavorful, creamy, loaded with veggies and chicken and … Read more
Happy Valentine’s Day!! I’ve been busy pulling some things together for the Alumni House and getting ready for all the President’s Day sales this week. I love to shop a good sale! It’s been a minute since I put together a weekend wishlist. If you got the newsletter late last week, you’ll recognize this list, … Read more
Oh what a week it’s been. This was the week I officially became an empty nester. There’s been a lot of build up in my mind to this day, but nothing can compare to the actual feeling of leaving your baby behind at a dorm, knowing you’re going home to an empty house. I’m struggling … Read more
The Alumni House is getting closer and closer to the finish line every day. I just got out of a meeting with a wallpaper installer and it occurred to me that I haven’t talked much about choosing wallpaper for this project or frankly how to choose wallpaper for your living room, or the best wallpaper … Read more
If you are looking for the perfect party appetizer that packs tons of flavor, is smooth, tangy and crunchy all at the same time, you can stop your search right here. These mini goat cheese bites pack a punch full of smooth and creamy goat cheese, candied pecans, sweet and chewy cranberries, honey and a … Read more
Oh what a week it’s been! December is always a blur, but this one might take the cake! 😉 With Ash graduating, a work trip to New York and Christmas festivities…whoa. I’m trying to pack it ALL in before I’m officially an empty nester here in just two more weeks. I can’t believe I’m even … Read more
I don’t know about you guys but I am always on the hunt for cute and creative neighbor Christmas gift ideas. For many years in CA we used to deliver chips and salsa to friends and neighbors for Christmas. I love that it is something savory to give that most, if not all people, like. … Read more
It’s the time of year for cookie exchanges. Have you ever been to one? The idea is, you bring a few dozen of your favorite cookies and all the other guests do as well. Everyone there shares their recipes and cookies with each other and you go home with a beautiful plate of assorted cookies … Read more
Happy Christmas Home Tour day! Have you been following along with all of the beautiful tours from yesterday and today? I just love Marty’s tour every year. If you are joining me from Chalking Up Success, welcome!! I am so happy to have you here today to share our Christmas family room decor. I rarely … Read more
I know we’re all in gift giving mode right now, so I’m going to try and do a better job of adding some of my favorite sale finds here on the blog. I’ve gotten terrible about posting them here because I post so often on Shop LTK I forget about this sometimes when it comes … Read more
Happy Tuesday night. 😉 I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend and are feeling great and rested this week. How lucky a re we to have almost a whole week between Thanksgiving and December?! I feel like I can breathe a little bit whenever we get that extra week. I know I usually try … Read more
Oh what a week it has been! We’re staring at Thanksgiving next week already and I can’t seem to pry myself away from the chaos at the Alumni House long enough to even think about what I’m going to make. lol! You might remember me mentioning the appliance installation fiasco last week? Well, it did … Read more
I know, I know…Thanksgiving dessert recipes are all about pumpkin pie, but dare I say that in our house we all prefer apple pie? Specifically Dutch Apple Pie. When I was growing up my mom had a church recipe book, kind of like an early blog, where all the ladies at church submitted their best … Read more
To say that “week in review” has taken a back seat lately is an understatement! I feel like I’m always saying this, but this has been the busiest few months. At what point will things settle down? I’m not sure, but as tired as I am, I don’t mind being busy! November is here and … Read more
Cue “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” You know what that means!! Time for lots of free Halloween printable tags and cute ideas! I love these bold, graphic Happy Halloween tags with their cheery jack-o-lantern taking center stage. The bright orange pumpkin against that deep black background is attention grabbing for sure. Are … Read more
What is it about fall that just makes treats and sweets and comfort food a necessity? When it’s summer I feel like I just want to eat fresh fruit and salads and all kinds of light and healthy things…then September hits. lol! A few weeks ago some friends visited and they brought us a box … Read more
Christmas Markets, incredible lighting displays, festive decor, amazing shopping and dining, seasonal shows and events, and lots of entertainment are just a few of the many reasons that visiting London at Christmas is a must. I’ve been fortunate to spend time in many world class cities at Christmas time – Los Angeles, New York, Paris…and … Read more
Happy Friday! I’ve been sick and in bed allll week, so what does that mean? Lots of browsing for fun things online! 😉 I put together several collages this week over in my LTK Shop, so I thought I would post them here as part of the usual Weekend Wishlist. 🙂 Do you follow me … Read more
Admittedly usually I’m better about weekly recaps, but this month not so much. 😉 So instead, I’m just going to do a quick monthly recap so I get my journaling in. 😉 August kicked off with John and I in London. I felt like I won the lottery getting to go to London twice in … Read more
Guys, this house has been taking over my life. lol! I cannot believe how long it’s been since I posted an update…or posted anything for that matter! One crazy busy summer (but totally epic so I’m definitely not complaining!) while trying to demo and remodel an entire house MAY have been biting off a little … Read more
After a year of thinking about it…things are finally moving at the Alumni House. I am SO excited to have this project underway. This little house has been such a fun place for our family this past year, even with all of it’s crazy 10o year old quirks and oddities, I’m really looking forward to … Read more
A trip to London always leaves me feeling inspired and like my cup is full. It’s always an absolute dream to be wandering down the bustling streets in this beautiful city lined with gorgeous townhouses and quaint shops and restaurants. This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. On our last couple … Read more
I hope you are having a wonderful start to your week! I was talking to my Aunt a few days ago and she starts school TODAY!! What? It’s still JULY!! I cannot believe that the summer weeks are already dwindling and that back to school is upon us already! Whether you start this week or … Read more
Happy weekend! What are you up to? Andy’s in town for a few days, so we’re looking forward to spending time together as a family. This weekend’s wishlist screams summer! I hope you find something you love! I’ve held out for so long on buying a “belt bag.” I just couldn’t get over the fanny … Read more
Grandma’s house is made for sleepovers and cousin camps and the Midway Modern Farmhouse is the ultimate getaway for the grandkids! I can’t believe that I have never shared these bunk room ideas here on the blog!! Sometimes I’m such a slacker! 😉 Actually, I’m really just forgetful! #old lol! Our client wanted this house … Read more
Happy Monday! The temps are soaring and time is flying! Are you having a wonderful summer? I hope so! We’ve been busy cramming as much time in fun with friends and family as we can get! We’ve been enjoying dining al fresco in this space and I have a few things coming to dress it … Read more
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public in the morning and if you haven’t already shopped, I’m happy to say there are actually several things that I’m interested in this year. I’ve felt a little disappointed the last few years, and while I still don’t think that this sale lives up to the sales … Read more
