cheese board

It's the weekend!  I am off to France with my hubby to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary!

  Thought I would leave you a little cheese board inspiration I threw together for one of our family parties.  I always love a delicious (and pretty) cheese board.  Throw one together and have a patio date night this weekend or invite some friends over to enjoy the warm evenings (before they become hot evenings...).  Summer should be all about cheese boards for dinner, I say :)

another night of knitting

We are all getting better...  little by little.  

All thanks to Lynne Bonnell!

Now, we need to get another day on the calendar...  do I have any open days on my calendar?!!

happy st. patrick's day!

Well, we had another wonderful year at my son's neighborhood St. Patrick's day party!  Every year he builds a pub in his driveway, they block off the street and have a huge party.  It is so much fun!  This year they hired the band Elvis Before Noon and we all had a blast dancing into the evening!  The lovely Willows' ladies even hopped into the photo wall for some fun pictures!

Happy St. Patty's day everyone!

and, just like that, the nest is empty

A couple weeks ago I sent my youngest child off for a semester in Belgium.  I really cannot believe we don't have anyone at home with us anymore.  After six kids and almost 40 years, it doesn't quite seem real...  Anyway, my daughter Emily flew out of New York, so my best friend Laurie and I went with her to spend a few days in the city and to say farewell.  We all had so much fun and it was perfect to spend some time together away from home before she left.  That city never disappoints!

(side note: all the slightly blurry phone pics are mine, the lovely one's are Emily's)

I just couldn't resist taking this picture, it was too cute...

As usual, we did a nice job of eating our way through this amazing city.

Breakfast of champions at Buvette...

We stopped into ABC Cocina for lunch...

While we were at ABC Carpet, I couldn't help but do a little shopping...

Always love Bella Notte bedding!

Hoping to make myself an apron just like this one :)

I was in love with those little ottomans and the most amazing robes!

Excuse me while I cry...

saying goodbye on our very last night :(

She seems so happy so far and I really have been loving how much we are able to follow along with her adventures thanks to modern technology!  If you want to see some of her beautiful photos of Belgium and hear about her travels check out her blog, A Passion for a Dress.

happy friday!

Susan and I came across this little scene being prepped for a photo shoot, so I made Susan pretend to be my model :)  It's so fun (and important) to have friends you can be silly and laugh with!  Hope you have a lovely weekend full of lots of fun and laughter!

january in phoenix

Well, this is what January in Phoenix looks like.  Bike rides, sunshine, drinks on the patio...

I'm not going to lie, it's really nice.

Plan a visit and while you are here stop by the Willows and see us!

We will tell you about all our favorite local shops and restaurants :)

had to take a selfie after the group shot :)

zumba night with the girls

Last week we organized for a Zumba class to be taught one night at my house.  I made a big pot of tortilla soup with plenty of yummy topping (and plenty of wine) and had all the lovely Willows' ladies over for a night of dining, exercising and hysterical laughing.

Nothing beats good times with girlfriends!

flea market

Another successful and always fun flea market adventure!

Stop in to the store to see what we brought back with us!

The coolest old, worn leather belts.

Gorgeous vintage books.

laurie's charming cottage

After the idea of sharing pictures of my friend Laurie's home came to me the other day, I knew I had to follow through.  Her lovely little beach cottage is only a few houses down from mine on the island and it is a constant inspiration.  She is truly one of those people with a natural talent for design.  Every inch of her home is just perfect.  She pays attention to every corner, every little detail.  It is one of those homes that is completely stunning and simultaneously welcoming, where you feel right at home.  She also happens to be an artist, so she has a totally inspirational little studio space upstairs.  I am sure you are going to love Laurie's home as much as I do!  So, here you go...

Thanks, Laurie for letting us share!