Reflections~

As a mother of two now adult daughters, I think this is an important lesson to be learned.  While attention is fleeting, respect will last a lifetime.

I pray we will all teach our children that the respect of others is far greater than one fleeting moment of attention.

Have a wonderful week.

What's for Dinner Wednesday~

Confession...ever since going gluten free, both #2 and I have missed eating Chinese food.  So when we stumbled upon Damn Delicious' Blog and her recipe for the knock off version of Panda Express' Sweet Fire Chicken...we knew we had a winner.  To see the recipe, click on the previous link.  It was sooooo good.

This recipe was super easy to adapt to gluten free. We omitted the green onions (optional garnish, as #2 is highly sensitive to them, but we kept the pineapple as I am only mildly sensitive to them and don't eat often).

So yummy...we ate every last bit.  And, she has many more delicious recipes we are looking to try.  Most are super easy and quick to prepare.  Perfect for school nights.  Still cannot believe the kiddos are already back in school here!!

Back Porch Reveal with New Paint Scheme~

I know y'all are awaiting the pictures of the house now that it has received a fresh coat of paint, but I need a day or two to finish up and get the pictures taken (the pinestraw is being delivered today, and my #2-the better photographer is sitting for her GRE).

So, I thought I would at least share some pictures of the back porch since we managed to get it put back together this past weekend.

I will let the pictures do the talking...

View looking from top of staircase toward house.

View looking the length of the porch out into our side yard.

I am loving the new door color, Underseas by Sherwin Williams. Planters-Southern Living at Home

Faux boxwood balls are from Hobby Lobby.

Bar-Home Goods, Lantern & Wine Bucket/Stand-Southern Living at Home, Tray and Trash can-Ikea,  Planters-Home Goods, Bottle Carrier-Pottery Barn, Chalkboard w/stand-gift from a friend, Clock and Thermometer-Lowes.

A little closer look.

Tea Towels-Target.

Chalkboard-repurposed frame I had with spray paint I also had on hand.  The chalkboard cut to size was purchased at Home Depot (no spraying this time).

Giant Clamshell-Wisteria, Shells-gathered over time on beach trips, Battery operated weather resistant votives-Target.

Fiddle leaf fig-Home Depot (it loves it out on the porch), Basket planter-bathroom trash can from Target.

We have three spider plants purchased at Lowes hanging from the porch.

Sign-painted by me.  The simplify is a vinyl applique I purchased awhile back from House of Smiths.

Love seat-Target, Throw Pillows-Pottery Barn. We have two matching chairs as well (you can catch a glimpse of them in the photo below.

Table-Ikea, Lantern and Planters-Southern Living at Home, Clam Shell & Wooden Tray-Home Goods.

A little closer look.

We are thrilled to finally have all the window replacements and painting behind us and are looking forward to enjoying many more summer afternoons out here.