Winter Retreat

Justin and I were able to get away for Valentine's Day weekend, not specifically for the day, mind you, you know how I feel about Valentine's Day, but we were able to get away and it was wonderful. For me, I think that just getting out from underneath the snow we've been having and getting out in nature (instant cure for cabin fever). The weather was absolutely beautiful and we really enjoyed slowing down a bit. Thanks to the in-laws for watching the kiddies.

Being from the coast of North Carolina, I am an ocean girl all the way, but living in Missouri for the past several years, you can't help but come to appreciate the lakes in this area. Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake are all near Branson. I don't really get into the tourist attractions and shows on the strip, commonly associated with Branson, but Branson has a lot more to offer than you might think. Of course we are in the dead of winter, but Table Rock Lake is such a peaceful place to be, regardless.

This is the view from the hotel window, you can still see a little remaining snow in the view over the lake. The weekend (and this week) has had such warm temps, the snow didn't have a chance!

We drove down to the lake, parked and started walking. We enjoyed walking on the shore, very rocky, a little bit like hiking, but wonderful.

No sand in our toes that's for sure!!

A lone fisherman was the only other person we saw. That is the biggest adjustment I think that I have had to make, seeing lakes carved out of the landscape, I'm just so use to the eastern seaboard, crashing waves and coastline, completely opposite of lakes.




Lichen and sheet mosses, fallen leaves, wooded areas just steps away from the shore.




As we walked and walked, I began to notice the driftwood that was every where, fallen limbs and branches that was bleached by the sun, smooth and barkless. Of course, then I started thinking what I could do with all the driftwood, so I picked up every piece I found.





I brought a good collection home and used two big cylinder vases to display all the driftwood. It looks like driftwood bouquets! I can't wait until we get closer to Summer, I'm thinking of using the bouquets on the mantle, add some shells and sand and it will represent life in NC and my other life here in MO. I'm pretty sure I would not have been able to find so much if it had not been winter. I also thought about making one of those driftwood mirrors, how fun would that be, to have collected all the wood yourself?




So while I am a coastal girl at heart and will never give up my ocean, lakes are coming in as close second favorite. It is fun accessorizing with nature's gifts!

So, here's my question: Are you a lake or ocean person?

Mosaic Monday: Nature in Winter

As much as I love spring and fall seasons, I can't help but look around and see God's beauty even in the approaching winter season. God is amazing! Look at His handiwork! All photos taken around the great state of Missouri.

Thank you for visting me for Mosaic Monday! Thank you Mary for hosting! Be sure to visit everyone at Mary's Little Red House.

Shades of White

I definitely have a natural inclination towards white. White makes me feel, for a lack of better word: Simple.

I like the thought of being simple right now.

Although I don't use white on the walls, I find plenty of ways to use it. White fluffy towels, crisp white lampshades, perfect white matting, white dinnerware, and my all time favorite.....milk glass.

I think I like white because you can pair it with any other color and it is always right. Add texture, and you begin to build a story. As of late, grey has been bobbing it's head into my home, it has always been in my closet, yet never a design choice, but that's no more.

I also like the great contrast of black and white. A natural pairing, but combining it with one other color, I can't think of anything better.

How do you feel about white? Do you have white walls, or do you accessorize with it?

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday where great things happen at Mary's Little Red House. Check it out!

I just had to do a mosaic of my boys! We went out for a 'photo shoot' and I got some really nice shots of Keegan and Logan! Keegan


Logan

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to get in on the Gingerbread Men Giveaway!

Thanks for hosting Mary!

Inspired by Nature

Hi Bloggers and welcome to another wonderful Tablescape Thursday! Be sure to visit all the participants and our wonderful hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch!


I am slowly recovering from a cold, and I am burning the midnight oil getting ready for TT! I decided to pour a cup of coffee and snack on some cherry pie, courtesy of Cutie Pies :)

While I'm snacking, you can take a look at what I have put together. If you are a regular reader, then you know I have an obsession with green (among other things)...it's simple and natural and easy to work with, green is my friend :)


I picked these mugs up quite some time ago at the GW and on a totally different trip, found these little appetizer plates...I think they work great together: cup of Joe and snacks...good deal!

I also thought they looked great with a condiment cup that I've had for a while too, picked up from Pier 1



This tablescape actually started pretty slowly, I don't know if it's because I've been sick or because it's kind of in the transitional season time: end of summer, hello fall...but I had a rough start...but by the time I got done, I liked how it turned out. Do you guys ever feel like that?

This centerpiece wire bowl with the candle holders built right in is a great piece that I change the content of seasonally or whenever, today I put pine cones in...but I've had seashells, gourds, ornaments, etc....A Target find.

(Can you see my helper in the background? :)

I used two runners, running horizontally across the table, and some white napkins for linens

I used inexpensive vases, put small grapevine wreaths around, put them on a plate (you'll see in a minute), wind some artificial blossoms around and create yourself a wonderful hurricane effect...can you imagine something like this with maple leaves or evergreens?

I'm using the glassware that I bought at Mary Carol's store in Kansas City

Did I mention I love this centerpiece bowl? :)

I bought these crackled pine cones at Hobby Lobby several years ago, I keep them out because of their natural quality

The napkin rings are new that I bought while on vacation, they are glass, and green...hee hee :)

Here is a close up of the runner

Here is the plate that I used for underneath the vases

I hope you noticed that I am mixing a new dinner plate with the Claremont salad plate, yep, you guessed it Dollar Tree...I thought they were so cute and I bought the mugs to match with the same pearl necklace detail

Well guys, my coffee is gone and so are the pies, I've since moved on to tootsie rolls....yep, definitely on the road to recovery :)

Hope you enjoyed this tablescape, I can't wait to see all of yours!

Thank you Susan for hosting!