Hospitable Pursuits

Picture This

2012-05-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

Rocky Pellegrino ia a woman desperately trying to chart a different course for her life. Recently widowed, she is new to navigating the choppy waters of singleness, but with her furry BFF Cooper, good friends and the promise of a new love she is managing just fine. Well, until she recieves a troubling phone call from a young woman claiming to be the biological daughter of her late husband. Natalie's entrance into Rocky's life rocks not only her world but the worlds of those closest to her.
Best selling author Jacqueline Sheehan's

latest novel Picture This

is part chic lit, part mystery with all parts truly enjoyable. Ms. Sheehan's delightful style of voicing the story through all the characters (including Cooper, Rocky's black lab) is especially effective and allows the reader to see the story unfold from all angles. Love that! This is a wonderful read , at times heartbreaking and suspenseful. Two paws...I mean thumbs up! Dog lovers (Aren't we all?) will adore this sequel to Ms. Sheehan's bestseller Lost & Found, but please note that reading the first novel is not a prerequisite to thoroughly enjoying this one.
To visit the author's website please go here.
To host a book tour on your blog please visit TLC Book Tours.

It's That Time

2012-05-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

Pressed, powdered, primped and permed

These besties went to prom!

Happy Mother's Day!

2012-05-13T00:54:00.001-07:00

It's your special day so have yourself a cupcake, or two.:)

Whole Latte Life

2012-05-09T00:19:00.003-07:00

There is something about hitting the halfway mark that gives you a whole new perspective on life. You realize that life does indeed have an inspiration date and you had better get busy. For women, we often admit that we need to stop facilitating everyone else's life and start living our own.
For Sara Beth Riley turning 40 brings about a barrage of needed change. She is finally ready to live her life and do the thing that makes her heart sing, selling antiques. She has been patiently biding her time, raising her children, helping her husband establish his law practice, surviving the angst and then joy of an unexpected pregnancy. Yes, Sara Beth has paid her dues, then just when it all seems within arms reach the unthinkable happens. Her mother's death propels her through a series of circumstances toward her dreams in ways she could never imagine.

Joanne DeMaio's heartwarming story of self discovery, friendship and taking the long way toward your dreams is a fun summer read complete with romance,BBF's, coffee, the perfect seaside cottage and antiques. (I knew you'd love that) Pick up a copy before you head out to the lake or beach and pick up a copy for your BFF. You can discuss it over a latte on your way to a tag sale.:)
To visit the author's website go here.

Heaven in a Bowl

2012-05-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

For. Real.

Blue Asylum

2012-04-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Imagine a world in which you as a woman have no rights, only those your husband chooses to give you. And disagreeing with him could cost you your freedom. This is the world our heroine , Iris Dunleavy, finds herself living. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, author Kathy Hepinstall

weaves a compelling tale of war, madness and the quest to be free.
After her Virginia plantation owner husband accuses her of insanity, Iris Dunleavy is sent to Sanibel Asylum to be rehabilitated into a "good wife". Wrongly convicted, Iris sets out to convince the supervising physician that she is sane. When she sees this is an impossibility she plans her escape, until she meets fellow patient Ambrose, a kind hearted Confederate soldier whose chivalrous ways and gentle eyes cause Iris to change her plans.
Ms. Hepinstall's novel is wrought full of colorful characters and complex circumstances that build to tell an explosive story. This novel is a real page turner with unexpected twists around every corner and a surprising but satisfying ending. This would be an excellent choice for your book club , especially for all you history buffs. This novel would invoke lively conversation and thoughtful speculation about what defines "crazy". The author's website has a few suggestions and I know some of you book club gals could have fun with this.
I thoroughly enjoyed Blue Asylum and would highly recommend it. Be sure and add it to your summer reading list and do consider it for you next book club pick.
To visit the author's website please go here.
To host a book tour on your blog please visit TLC Book Tours.

Cottage Charmer

2012-04-21T09:17:00.001-07:00

This Highland Park beauty is on one of the prettiest streets in the HP.

Isn't this a lovely living room?

I'm crazy about this study!

Sweet guest room

Great outdoor space

To see more of this cottage charmer go here

Egg Carton Swap

2012-04-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share with you all the pretties I got in the Egg Carton Swap hosted by Cassandra!
First want to show you what I gave my two sweet swap sistahs.

A Peter Rabbit decoupaged egg carton.

Filled with buttons, ribbons and stuff.

And look at all the sweetness I received!
From Olivia!

All kinds of spring deliciousness inside!

And from dearheart Donna

Filled with all yumminess!

You must know that they were both packaged so beautifully with tulle and tags, but I wanted you to see all the loveliness inside.:)

Thanks Cassandra for hosting such a fun swap! And big hugs and thanks to my sweet swap buddies for sending me such pretties!

Happy Easter

2012-04-07T19:01:00.002-07:00

When All That's Left of Me is Love

2012-04-03T00:41:00.005-07:00

When author Linda Campanella's

mother Nancy was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she began the unthinkable journey of life in the shadow of death. Her moving account of her mother's last year of life and ultimate death is both beautifully written and heartbreaking.
When All That's Left of Me is Love

recounts Linda's determined stance to make sure her mother did not "stop living while she waited to die".
While Ms. Campanella's book is heartbreaking it is not maudlin, rather it is filled with love and laughter. Linda's recollection of her remarkable mother is so complete you too will share in her loss.This would be an especially thoughtful gift for someone who has recently lost someone dear. Although not a road map for the grieving, I do believe there are many revelations in it that will be most helpful to any caregiver of a gravely ill person.And for those grieving the loss of a loved one, it will shine a light of hope at the end of that dark tunnel saying,"I made it and you will too". Lastly, When All That's Left of Me is Love is a love story between a daughter and her most cherished mother.
To visit the author's website go here.

To host a book tour on your own blog please visit TLC Book Tours

Cozy Cottage Tour

2012-03-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

This charming University Park home is practically oozing curb appeal!

The interior is just as quaint, with cozy sitting areas and an adorable kitchen.

Even the bathroom is precious!

And every fairy tale cottage has a resident princess!

To see the listing for this home go here.

Dallas Blooms

2012-03-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

There is still time to get your Spring on at Dallas Blooms, The Dallas Arboretum's spectacular homage to blooming bulbs.

This year there is a sweet exhibit of Small Houses of Great Artists', mini playhouses inspired by The Great Masters, including Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet.

Great fun for the young and young at heart.

Dallas Blooms runs through April 8th at the Dallas Arboretum.

Walter's Muse

2012-03-19T00:37:00.001-07:00

Jean Davies Okimoto's

charming novel,
Walter's Muse

begs the age old question many of us baby boomers find ourselves asking,"Now what?" Now that the chicks have flown the coop, spouses and parents have passed away or left, we have retired "Now what?"
Maggie Lewis has just retired from her job as a school librarian and has retreated to her beloved Vashon Island. She is looking forward to reading the classics, walking the beach and kayaking. Oh...and Skyping her granddaughter.Well you know what happens when one plans? Maggie soon finds herself embroiled in her younger sister's divorce drama and her Baker's Beach neighbor's health issues. The neighbor, Walter Hathaway, is a famous, and very handsome, children's author, a recovering alcoholic and a former romantic interest of Maggie's , whom she would just as soon forget about.
Ms. Okimoto's writing is delightful and real. She draws you in to life on the island with colorful characters and humorous circumstances. Maggie proves that the second half of life can be as thrilling and fulfilling as the first, complete with love and friendships and passionate purpose. Instead of, "What now?" we can ask,"What's next?"
PS If you are as geographically challenged as I am and were wondering where in the world is Vashon Island? It's located on the southern half of Washington State's Puget Sound.

It's filled with writer's and artists and every July they have a Strawberry Festival. It sounds perfect, doesn't it?
Pick up Walter's Muse for your next read or book club selection. I highly recommend it.;)
To host a book review on your blog please visit
TLC Book Tours

Lane Venture-The Next Generation

2012-03-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

We all are familiar with Lane Venture, a name synonymous with quality outdoor furnishings.

And if you are like me images of beautiful wicker on wrap around front porches come to mind.

But did you know that Lane Venture is now making beautiful upholstered OUTDOOR furniture?

The wooden frames and legs have been treated to withstand the elements and the fabrics are fade and mildew resistant.

What do you think? Wouldn't this be beautiful on your porch or patio?

Go here to check out the catalog.

The Amandas

2012-03-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this cutie on The Style Network?

In 2005 Amanda LeBlanc fled Hurricane Katrina with her veterinarian husband Daniel, a 2 week-old, a 2 year old and 2 suitcases. They moved in with her sister until Daniel could find a job. The LSU graduate left behind her New Orleans based business Organized Affairs, but it wasn't long before she set up shop in Alabama renaming it The Amandas.

This cute as a button dynamo is an organizing wizard. Look at some of her magic.

She organizes everything from nurseries to garages.

This new series on The Style Network is sure to be a hit! We all love to see someone prevail over adversity and loss and this young woman is certainly an inspiration. Tune in Monday nights at 9:00 central to watch. To see more about the show go here.

A Renovated Ranch

2012-02-23T03:05:00.000-08:00

This typical suburban ranch has been so delightfully renovated I knew you gals would enjoy seeing it. Have a peek.

To see the listing for this home go here

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

2012-02-20T01:57:00.000-08:00

Before she was a rock star blogger, a best selling cookbook author with a hit Food Network television show or even a rancher's wife and homeschooling mother,
Ree Drummond

was a USC graduate looking to test her wings out in the windy city of Chicago...until she met Marlboro Man.

You Baby Boomer Bloggers know all about the Marlboro Man ad campaigns that featured virile, ruggedly handsome men riding horses, roping cattle and other western-y stuff all the while smoking their Marlboro cigarettes. In fact,did you know, Tom Selleck was a Marlboro Man? (There's a reason I stay home on Friday nights to watch Blue Bloods) . Anyhoo, Ree's husband Ladd most definitely qualifies as a Marlboro Man. Ree's Marlboro Man. And when she met him everything in her life changed.
This homespun story of Ree's and Ladd's meeting, courtship and early married life is alternately funny, touching and delightfully charming.
You will laugh out loud (any one who reads her blog knows she 's a hoot) at some of Ree's memories of hiding out in the bathroom at an outdoor wedding 'cause she was nervously sweating like a prize fighter and you will smile through tears as she recalls cradling her precious newborn daughter and smelling her sweetness.
Ree is the girlfriend we all need and should strive to be. The perfect combination of confidence, beauty, loyalty and self deprecation. And on top of having a hunky husband and 4 adorable children, she is a cook like no other. Some gals have all the luck!
Her recipes are fabulous! This is The Hubster's personal fave

because he doesn't think it's cooking unless he has to plug in a gadget and to make this delicious elixir you need a food processor.

Ree's pot roast is my favorite and is a Sunday special at my house.

There are a few scrumptious recipes in the back of Black Heels to Tractor Wheels and for more you can catch her show on Food Network. BTW did you know Ree has a new cookbook coming out in a few weeks?

It's sure to be a runaway hit just like her first cookbook. Until then read Black Heels to Tractor Wheels to see where the magic began and visit Ree's blog for inspiration, humor and recipes sure to please your own Marlboro Man.

If you sweet peeps would like to host a book tour on your blog please visit TLC Book Tours.

David Austin Roses

2012-02-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

As gardeners worldwide will attest to, David Austin roses epitomize the beauty of English roses.

With such delightful names as Strawberry Hill and The Ingenious Mr. Fairchild, David Austin Roses have thrilled rosarians the world over.
Now you can capture the beauty of the English rose for your wedding!

Exquisite!

To find out more about David Austin roses please visit the website here.

Today I'm linking up with Beverly for Pink Saturday!

Valentine's Day Home Tour

2012-02-14T00:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Thought you would enjoy seeing a house that exemplifies the art of compromise. You will see that a real girly girl and a real manly man live here and seem to happily coexist. Have a look.

You can see both masculine and feminine elements in the entry.

The living areas showcase both shabby chic and hunting lodge styles.

Love the kitchen and breakfast area.

I enjoy the use of old elements used in a new home.

So gorgeous! To see more of this beautiful home go here.

Soft Surroundings

2012-02-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

I've always enjoyed Soft Surroundings, both the catalog and their free standing store. Recently they've revamped their look and merchandise. Take a peek.
They still have lovely clothes and sleepwear.

Fab gifts and accessories

And now their home furnishings and decor line is better than ever!

.
To check out their website go here.
For you gals in north Texas you can visit the store in Southlake.
Southlake Town Square
160 State Street
Southlake Texas 76092
817.442.8423

Martha Stewart

2012-01-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

By now you've heard that The Hallmark Channel has cancelled The Martha Stewart Show.

I've no doubt that some other smart studio exec will snap her up. Oprah, are you listening?
I ,for one, am a bonafide Martha groupie. When I had wee ones at home and felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of making and keeping a home...there was Martha, calm and collected and just a bit stand-offish. She was like the perfect Home Ec. teacher. The home arts were no laughing matter , but if you paid attention she could help you with everything from making the perfect cake

to vegetable gardening

to organizing your kitchen.

Who knows, maybe they'll bring back the old show's format, remember? No audience, just Martha...baking, gardening, decorating, getting out stubborn stains, showing us exactly how to fold a fitted sheet. I much prefer her in that setting. I could never buy into Martha being chatty and engaging. Just like your favorite teacher, you wouldn't want to get too close. It ruins the mystique of it all.No I liked Martha by herself, taking me on field trips to dairy farms and museums, inviting me into her kitchen at Turkey Hill while she whipped up a sweet perfection, smiling, cordial and just a bit aloof. That was Martha at her best.

Folly Beach

2012-01-24T00:32:00.000-08:00

Folly Beach, South Carolina is the lush setting for Dorothea Benton Frank's self same titled novel. The story follows middle aged Cate Cooper's life and its recent tragic turn of events.Her creep of a husband, Addison, hangs himself in their living room after losing all of his (and his partners) money. His mistress shows up at the funeral with pictures of their love child and their palatial home is being foreclosed on. Forced to hock her wedding ring for cash, Cate soon finds out it's a fake. Talk about a bad day!
Emotionally broken and financially bankrupt, Cate retreats to her aunt's home on Folly Beach. Aunt Daisy owns a myriad of beach rentals and offers Cate an extended stay at Porgy House.

so named because DuBose and Dorothy Heyward

lived there while writing the screenplay "Porgy and Bess".Soon Cate is all caught up in the history of the Heywards and their musical colleague George Gershwin.

The little beach cottage nurses Cate's wounds and soon opens the door for not only a passionate and nurturing romance with a drop dead gorgeous college professor, but a newfound career path.
Folly Beach is a story of personal triumph amidst great loss and proves what I have always suspected. You're never too old and it's never too late to love again.
Ms. Frank's novel parallels Cate's storyline alongside the Heywards. Any fan of musical theatre will enjoy the behind the scenes glimpse of the making of a Broadway hit.
Despite the sometimes serious subject manner this is a fun read (especially for those of us around Cate's age) and got me Googling George Gershwin and The Heywards. I even discovered that there is a new Broadway rendition of Porgy and Bess starring Audra McDonald.

Love her!
Well, read Folly Beach and rent Porgy and Bess. Or better yet, read Folly Beach and go see Porgy and Bess. New York is lovely in the spring.
To find out more about the novel visit Ms. frank's website here.
For information on hosting a book tour on your blog please visit TLC Book Tours.

Do It Yourself Scratch-Offs!

2012-01-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air.

Valentine's Day that is and nobody does it better than Better Homes and Garden magazine.

The February issue features so many fun projects to do for (and with) your family

but this one ,in particular, really caught my eye

It's a do it yourself scratch off! The magic scratch off solution is two parts metallic acrylic paint to one part dishwashing liquid. They painted it on clear Con-tack Paper and then cut the heart shapes. Isn't this fun? You could use it for invites and door prizes for a school fund raiser or your own pool party please come's. The possibilities are endless. To read the instructions and to get the how to's for this card go here.

I'm linking up with Beverly for Pink Saturday!

The First Home Tour of 2012

2012-01-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

This lovely Highland Park home was recently updated by Dallas designer Anne Schooler. Let's take a peek.

I'm crazy about the kitchen's painted cabinets!

Well known interior designer Anne Schooler is no stranger to lovers of traditional style. Her designs have graced the pages of Veranda, Southern accents and D Home magazines as well as other well known publications. You might remember some of these images.

To see the listing for this beautiful home go here.

To visit Anne Schooler's website go here.

More Than Words Can Say

2012-01-03T00:55:00.000-08:00

Chelsea Enright has just received an inheritance, her late grandmother's lakeside cottage. This is not a cottage where Chelsea or even her mother spent summers or vacations. No one has even visited the place since her grandmother closed it decades before. The quaint cottage bears secrets of a wartime love affair that could prove devastating to Chelsea and those dearest to her. It's a good thing Chelsea's next door neighbor is a handsome doctor who loves a good mystery. Together they unravel the wartime love story the cottage has kept secret for all these years.
Mr. Barclay is so adept at his beautiful descriptions of the cottage I felt like I would know it, should I happen upon it.

No this isn't it, but it ought to be!
I loved reading about the cottage with its pink quartz fireplace and crackling fire, the stateside French cafe and Greg's purple coneflowers.There are even recipes included that the character Chelsea's grandmother created, each charmingly named after an Allied war hero.
I enjoyed More Than I Can Say very much and would highly recommend it! It's that perfect combination of love story/mystery with a dash of history thrown in for good measure. This would be a good book to read on a snowy day in front of a roaring fire. Watch the weather report and go get your copy...Quick before the storm hits.

Thanks for joining me on this fun book tour! To host a book tour on your own blog visit TLC Book Tours.