Happy Friday

“Simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimal means.”
- Dr. Koichi Kawana

Fall Style - Lands End

Fall it is definitely my favorite time of year, the crispness in the air, the food, the colors and the clothes.  Being a plus size girl in the Fall isn't easy, especially in a world were you have to look at all the beautiful offerings from J Crew, Madwell, Anthropologie and Emmerson Fry.  However, as the seasons go on the plus size selections do improve which is great for me but not so great for my budget.   Here are some looks I love from Lands End.   Bonus everything is 30% off right now.

   

Photoshop

I am trying to figure out photoshop on my iPad. Not so easy, but fun!

Scenes From The Weekend

Welcome Fall

Annie Leibovitz for Disney Parks

“Where magic speaks, even when you’re not the fairest of them all.”

I love Walt Disney World to the point where if I haven't been in 6 months I begin to really miss it.  Since I no longer live in Florida, I don't get there as often as I would like.  Disney is like a stange addiction I can't seem to shake.  I love these photos, when I saw them I just thought they were so creative, clever and beautiful.  The one above is Olivia Wilde with Alec Baldwin in the mirror and the one below is Penelope Cruz with Jeff Bridges.



“Where a moment of beauty lasts forever.”

Queen Latifah rockin it as Ursala.



“Where memories take hold and never let go.”


Russell Brand as Captian Hook.



“Where every moment leaves you hungry for more.”

Jack Black, Will Ferrell and Jason Segel as the guys from the Haunted Mansion ride.



“Where you can go on the ride of your afterlife.” 

Wholehearted Parenting

I come across this today on Brene Brown's blog Ordinary Courage and it is just what I needed today.  As my children age I am finding it harder to communicate with them and it is making my days a lot harder then they need to be.

The Best Pumpkin Bread

My Ex-Mother in Law used to send us pumpkin bread when we were in college and it was the best pumpkin bread I have ever had. Eventually, she quit sending it or we decided we wanted it more then once a year, so she sent the recipe instead. This pumpkin bread is very moist, more cake like then bread like.  It can be made into a loaf or muffins.  Also, it is great with cream cheese frosting.

Recipe
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat together

1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups of sugar
4 eggs
1 cup of oil
1 1/2 tsp salt

Then Add

1 cup of pumpkin
2/3 cup of water
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3 cups of flour

Things you can add
Chocolate chips  (kids favorite)
Raisins  ( Sister and Dad's favorite)
Cranberries
Walnuts

Grease and flour three loaf pans.  My Mother in law would make them in 1 lb coffee cans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Barn Door Style

I have wanting/needing French doors for my office. I came across these barn style doors an instantly fell in love with the way they look. I really like the more modern looking ones better then the country looking ones. The following pictures are from Houzz.

Happy Friday!

Not a bad way to start the day.

Ceiling Lust

My ceiling is awful. It is a white, popcorn ceiling that is in desperate need of some help. I can't stop thinking about these wood treatments.

My ugly ceiling.

All pictures via Houzz.

Restoration Hardware

I really miss this store, especially at Christmas time.  Since moving to the Buffalo, NY area, I have been deprived of great stores, no Restoration Hardware, no West Elm, no Ikea, no Crate and Barrel, no Z Galleries, the list could go on forever.  I have been forced to resort to online ogling and I can't stop thinking about these chairs from Restoration Hardware.  They are only $69 dollars, YES only $69.  They come in a variety of finishes also.

Fall Weekends

I love to watch my boy, number 16, play football but I get so nervous.

Something to Remember

via

The Viking Lobster Company

Last weekend was my dear friend Roger's Birthday. Luckily, he picked The Viking Lobster Company for his dinner celebration.

 One of the great things about the restaurant is they don't serve alcohol so you can bring your own.  This saved us money, because we tend to drink a lot and we were not limited to an overpriced wine list.  Plus you can bring the wines you really enjoy.  As you see we each brought a bottle of wine, good thing there is no corking fee, and somehow we manged to drink it all. 

 

I'm not sure what was better the food or the service?  They both were by far the best I have had in a very long time.  The seafood was so fresh and cooked perfectly, which can be hard to do.  We ordered two of the Admiral's Feast so we could try everything.  Fresh scallops, shrimp, fish, crab legs and lobster.  We stared with clams casino and lobster egg rolls, unfortunately they were so good I forgot to take a picture.  You can also choose between soup, seafood chowder or a seafood gumbo, or a salad.  

 

I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone I could.  This is definitely the best place for seafood in Buffalo.  The food, the service and the casual, friendly atmosphere can not be beat.  I am already trying to figure out a time I can get back there.  Reservations are recommended. 

Paralympics

I



I wonder why the Paralympics don't get the attention they deserve?  I would love to watch the paralympics and think of all the inspiring stories NBC could tell. These athletes are truly amazing.  I wish I had half the courage and drive they have. 








The things the human spirit can do never ceases to surprise me.

pictures via Huffington Post