Lazy Days of Winter

  Winter break from my job at school has been lovely. I spent a lot of time doing the things I just don't have time for when I'm working.  Mostly, I got together with friends that I haven't seen in awhile along with some time with family, and of course the pups.

Roses - $3.99 from Aldi

One of my projects was to try to simplify the open shelves in the kitchen. I still had pine and evergreen cuttings in all my pitchers, so I changed that out for some faux greenery, most of which is from the dollar store and the rest is from Hobby Lobby.

I used some Valentine's money that was gifted to me from my hubby to buy this old chest ($20) that I'm using as a coffee bar. I had been in search of a replacement for the white shabby chic dresser that served as the coffee bar for years. Brian was never a fan of it, but what I really wanted was just not in the budget.  I bought this dresser for another spot and it was too big. I told the owner I needed something 38" or smaller. She assured me it was. Believe me when I tell you, 2" can make all the difference, so this 40" girl now lives in my kitchen.

I thought of refinishing it, but the old, worn look is growing on me.

Greens on island are from Hobby Lobby

I also bought this vintage desk ($32) to use as an end table and thankfully it worked better than I hoped for this space.

We have been adding more and more wood to our home. I just love the way wood warms a white space. I had been searching for something to create a large sign for awhile, and finally found this huge wood tray at an antique shop in Maine. The base is permanently on the wall, and the smaller pieces can be changed out for seasons and holidays.

Hyacinth $2.99 - Aldi

The pups were getting bored from all the rain we were having.

 On Sunday, we went to brunch with at Old Salt in Hampton, NH to celebrate my hubby's birthday. If you are ever in the area on a Sunday, the breakfast buffet is highly recommended.

I read a lot of books and magazines too.

 My husband and I took the dogs and explored the old mills and the river walk in Manchester, NH.

The sunset was spectacular.

I can't get enough of these two!

I took the dogs out exploring one day.  Sometimes I just like to get lost on the backroads of New Hampshire and the pups are the best traveling companions. They love car rides and there is no fighting or complaining from the backseat.

I love looking at new and old houses, barns, and sheds. The dogs like looking at horses, cows, and whatever other animals we come across.

I found a fenced in playground, and since it was 14 degrees out, we had the playground to ourselves.  I let the dogs run free for about an hour.

On Saturday, we went to the Sled Dog races in Tamworth, NH.  

It was so much fun watching the races and walking across the frozen lake.

The pups loved making new friends.

Mt. Chocorua

I love having time for old favorites and new recipes.

Click this link for recipe

http://www.shannanmartinwrites.com/2014/07/i-believe-in-tacos.html

https://downshiftology.com/recipes/roasted-balsamic-chicken/

 On the last Sunday of vacation, I went out with my daughter in search of a "new" used car for her.  She had a list of cars to test drive, knew her prices and what her trade-in was worth, and knew how to negotiate a deal.

After 9 hours, she came home with this beauty.

The next day we woke to a SNOW DAY!

One more day at home.