Our Adventure to Shangri La Gardens

My boys and I recently had a fun little day trip to Shangri La. 

Its a botanical garden and nature center that is located here in Southeast Texas. 

I never knew it exsisted and I am kind of upset that I did not know about it sooner. It is absolutely amazing for kids and adults.

Image from Shangri La Website. Visit Here.

The entrance was beautiful as we walked up. So refreshing from the usual harsh cement that leads up to most places. We walked down this path through the woods where squirrels and birds were everywhere. We spent a good 15 min just on this path because Mav was wanting to stop and look at everything. He is his Father's child.

My boys had such a blast. Mavrick loves nature and animals so this was right up his ally. Carter was good as usual but he enjoys being outside as well. They had fish and snake tanks there, a gazebo that was on the water, and even a virtual boat that you could steer like you were on the water.

 

And then my son decided that he wanted to spice things up a little and jump in the water during the 5 seconds that my back was turned! LUCKILY, the water only went to his waste and was shallow but he did have to walk around wet. The nice garden keepers gave us a towel and nicely told us to come to the front after so they could file a report. Perfect! So I figured we did pretty good if that was the only thing that happened in the hour we were there.

 I love the way they designed the gardens and set up of the whole park. The little details were the best. Like the paved brick walkways everywhere, mini orchards, metal cafe chairs in the courtyard and water cans that recyled the rain water into their water system throughout the park. So neat!

And these trees were my favorite. So creative.

It was just so beautiful and peaceful. There is something about being in nature that just rejuvenates the soul. I felt like taking out my yoga mat and doing yoga right in the middle of the park but unfortunately my kids were with me and people were around.

If you live in the area and haven't been I highly recommend it.

DIY Recipe Cards {Tutorial}

I recently went to a recipe exchange party. Everyone brought a recipe card and their recipe for everyone to try. It ws so fun to try all the dishes and get recipes from everyone. I think That is why I have a hard time trying new recipes cause in the back of my mind I think "What if I don't like it? Then I just wasted all that time." But I really liked trying them and then taking home the ones that I liked. So I came up with some quick recipe cards. They are so simple and quick to make.

Gather Your Supplies:

-Paper Slicer

-Designed Recipe Cards 4x6

-Glue Stick

-Accent Paper

1. Take your printed out recipes and cut them into 4x6 cards.

2. Cut your accent paper into 1x6 inch strips.

3. Apply gluestick to strip of paper and apply to top of your recipe card.

 And...your DONE! Like I said....EASY and QUICK.

You can have alot of fun with design and color to make them personal to you.

If you end up making some I would love to see what you come up with. Email me a picture!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things {Garden Stools}

I am totally into garden stools right now. I am not sure if it is the spring fever or what but I have put together some of my favorites for you below. And all under $150. I am not sure why these adorable little stools are so dang expensive but these are very stylish and very affordable. They come in so many shapes, colors and sizes so there are a ton of options.They also have multiple functions.

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Here are some examples of how they look in interiors. I just love the added little touch it gives these rooms and vignettes.

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What do you think? Do you see a garden stool making a spot into your home in the near future?

ALL WHITE KITCHENS: Some Say Boring...I Say BEAUTIFUL!

There are not many other things that excite me in design more than a well designed kitchen. And my favorite ones to look at seem to be all white. There is something about this timeless look that is both modern and tradtitional in their design that makes them age with beauty. Maybe that is why throughout design history white kitchens have constantly been used in homes. 

Some say this style is boring but I am here to convince you otherwise of how fabulous ALL WHITE KITCHENS can be and why I love them. Don't let me fool you into thinking that I don't LOVE color kitchens as well, I just think white kitchens don't get enough credit. My favorite thing about them is that you can bring in the functional accessories that will add some color by keeping the pallete white.

Look how open and airy this rustic kitchen is.

via Lonny

Subtle subway tiles, and big windows let the white soak up the beautiful light.

via Lonny

The sea grass blinds and bay window seat make this white kitchen very inviting and warm.

via Lonny

Bringing color in with the island but keeping the rest classic and bright.

via Lonny

I love this modern white kitchen.

Simple, classic black and white kitchen.

Ok....I love love love how they did everything white and then added the color with the metal cafe chairs and barstools. So fun! Who said all white kitchens could not be playful?!

 

I am just in love with the lights in this kitchen cabinetry and the design of the cabinet doors. Again...all white but LOTS of character.

via House and Home

The ALL white Traditional kitchen to a T! Look at those coffers and the moldings! BEAUTIFUL!

 

I love the use of the stainless steel to that makes this look like "icing" in the kitchen. Its so simple yet so pleasing to the eye.

Big windows and lots of architectural detail make this kitchen perfect.

 

 So, what do you think? Do you like the all white look?

(all other photos can be found on my Pinterest)

These are a few of my favorite things: {Groundhogs Day}

So...not sure how I missed that Groundhogs Day was this past Saturday but I did. I usually always watch the awesome movie, Groundhogs Day, starring the hilarious Bill Murray. I have always LOVED this show. Next year I am having a party. I don't think this holiday gets enough attention.

So I found all of these cute little Groundhogs on Etsy today for you. I know its a little late but next year maybe we can celebrate it together. Isn't the little groundhog so cute?!

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