Charming Quilts

 Patricia Wood & Co. of Harbor Springs, MI is a premier interior design firm that has a shop where they sell quilted upholstered pieces. Aren't they charming? I thought you might be inspired to reupholster your own furniture!

EmmmyLizzzy: Doily lamp tutorial. Finally!

EmmmyLizzzy: Doily lamp tutorial. Finally!: Well written tutorial for a doily lamp. Congrats-looks great!

How-To: Simple Altoids Smalls LED Flashlight @Craftzine.com blog

Fun project for the kids!

How-To: Simple Altoids Smalls LED Flashlight @Craftzine.com blog

Mod Podge Rocks!: Cute boo-boo box tutorial.

Mod Podge Rocks!: Cute boo-boo box tutorial.: Kelly from Running with Glitter decorated an old Altoids tin to be a kids' "boo-boo" box, which is a great idea when you need minor medical care on the go. Slip it into your purse and take it to the park just in case. You'll also like the printable she used, which you can add to anything - not just a boo-boo box.

U.S. News Top 10 Beaches in the USA part 2

  Second on the list of Top 10 Best Beaches in the US  is the US Virgin Islands. I was very fortunate to have visited all three US Islands: St. John, 
St. Thomas and St. Croix.

    Our travels to the USVI were for a mission trip. As soon a we arrived, we were greeted the wonderful hospitality of the Islanders. Our host was a native of St. Croix and showed us all the best restaurants and activities.  I'll never forget trying Conch soup or freshly made peanut butter ice cream for the first time. You will have to leave the fast city pace behind, because as our hosts told us- you are on island time now! 

     We went snorkeling at St. Thomas' underwater State Park. It was beautifully laid out with a series of underwater plaques explaining the vegetation and fish, landmarks and history. We had the opportunity to go on several diving expeditions. I was a newbie at diving. I loved every moment of our underwater journey. I was only terrified the first 10 minutes! After I got my bearings, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the Caribbean ocean. I was also comforted by our guide who was a former US Naval Seabee! I would highly recommend a vacation to the islands.

Frederiksted pier is teaming with vibrant coral and colorful sea life. The pier is a great place for both diving and snorkeling.

Magens Bay in northern St. Thomas is one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean.

Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas

 A coastal view of the Buck Island National Monument, St. Croix.

Vera Bradley "Priscilla Pink" Beach Towel

Vera Bradley "Priscilla Pink" Beach Towel

Easy Peasy Sopapilla Cheesecake

Awesome recipe from: My Yellow Umbrella:
Ingredients:
-2 cans pillsbury butter crescent rolls
-2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1/4 cup butter (melted)
-Cinnamon & sugar

Instructions:
Unroll and spread 1 can crescent rolls on bottom of un-greased pan. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls. Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

My Yellow Umbrella had lots of feedback with variations on this recipe as well as ideas to make it with fewer calories. Check out her post to see all the info. Adorbs!

Juggling With Kids: No-Bake Energy Bites

                 

                   I was on Pinterest and came across this recipe. They look delish!



Ingredients:
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
Once the mix is chilled, roll into balls. <3

Amish Peddler: Custom Handcrafted Amish Furniture: Summer Continues...

Who wouldn't love this custom hanging bed for a sunporch? -Summer Fun!

The Ten Best Beaches in the US

  I'm yearning for a beach! I was doing a little research this afternoon and came upon this article by US News that I wanted to share with you. I have visited most of these beaches on this list so I know this to be a good listing. Hope you enjoy!

#1: Maui

Formal Fountain at the Main Pool

     The first visit I had we were booked at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Visitors that golf will enjoy the beautiful Wailea golf course. There is also a wonderful spa and plenty of shopping. The resort is an enclave located on the southwest coast of Maui.

Al Fresco Dining 

Balcony view

beautiful Four Seasons beach

On our second visit to Maui we stayed at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf-Astoria Resort. In my opinion this is a wonderful place to stay for families. My youngest was 6 and my eldest was 16 when we visited there. Everyone had plenty to do. The kids spent most of their time at the pool area:

There is a fantastic water park with rides and pools.

This ride would slide down and up while you were seated.

Great slide for the kids!

A rope swing provides more fun for the kiddos.

Kid's Activities

Dining Al Fresco at sunset

Beautiful Chapel for weddings

                                                    

No.s 2-10 will be posted over the next few days. Hope you are able to enjoy a trip to Maui someday. We had several more trips there over the years as a couple and as a family. We have many wonderful memories...