guns a blazing

So the day after Thanksgiving do you go guns a blazing and start decorating for Christmas? We made a rule in our house this year... No Christmas music till the day after thanksgiving and this year we're buying our tree December 1st. I'll admit I have been so lax years past on getting a tree earlier in the month.  Don't get me wrong, I absolute love Christmas, but for some reason my exterior shines bright earlier than my interior. Not this year people... W A V E when you see me 1.) Hanging off my house decorating the exterior and 2.) With my Christmas sweater on at home depot the 1st of the month buying our tree! Game on my little elves... Mrs. Clause is on it this year! I challenge you to a decorating off! Go follow my  Instagram account {@rusticrooster} to see me decorate away...  

gobble gobble

{all photos are from rustic rooster pinterest... here}

Thanksgiving is a little reality check in my book. It's a time to show gratitude and thank the special people in our lives... Being thankful is more than the clothing on our backs, but its the people we surround ourselves with. Taking a moment and writing down a list of who or what you are thankful for is pretty simple and really only takes 5 minutes. Try it... You will feel joy and happiness within. What or who are you grateful for?

Every day I thank my lucky stars for my kids... They show me how to love, laugh, cry be patience to live life. I receive pure happiness from them. As I teach them they teach me. If you stop for a moment and listen to what they have to say they are pretty wise. I couldn't imagine my life without my kids. I am grateful everyday God blessed me with these two beautiful and healthy little angels. I'm just truly thankful for them!

Hope you all have

a 

Happy Thanksgiving!

      

beauty

{all these images are from rustic rooster pinterest... here}

Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder... So for my eyes I only see beauty in these images, soft classic beauty. The simplicity of a classic petal pink mixed with traditional style. I gravitate to all things that have a lasting persona. Finding things now a days in an ever so changing world is difficult. So what I tell my clients and myself, go with your gut. Your gut is generally 99% correct every time. If you love the classics and have always steered towards them... Then lets create a classic environment. Create something that's timeless sounds perfect to me! What does your eye see?

run forest run...

Want to know what I'm up too these days? Yup... Training for an "Imaginary 1/2 Marathon". You heard that right, "Imaginary 1/2 Marathon". I haven't picked on yet. I just want to see if I can tack on the miles and if my body can take running again. About 3 years ago I hurt my hip. So far so good.  No pain and no indication I need to slow down. I've been taking it slow and liking it. Yes, I've really been going slow and don't care what people think. Hey, I'm doing it and that's all that matters, especially to me! Look forward and not around you... Do things for you! Truth once you're done doing whatever you want people will notice and say, w o w you did it and wish they had done it too. So go people, go do what you want! 

I'm on week 5 and today I run 2.5 miles. If you read my post from yesterday {here}... I listen to motivational speakers off of youtube. Oprah is awesome & Les Brown is amazing too. So good... I also listen to music from Pandora and think to myself... If my dad had cancer and pushed through the pain for years... You can run 2, 3 or 4 + miles. Tough love does help! 

Any fun and easy 1/2 Marathons you recommend? Copy this training guide and jump on board with me. Sorry, I don't know where I found it... But I really do like it with my schedule  I have a feeling I got it off pinterest.

Happy WEDNESDAY everyone! 

which one...

Hmmmm which one sounds better... 

Tuesday Truth? or Coffee Talk Tuesday? 

They both have a nice ring to them. I'm trying to figure out a post title for my Tuesday express myself day. What I mean by this is... Once a week I would like to talk about "s t u f f" and just talk! No make-up, No fake tans or false eyelashes... Just talk and be real! Seriously, what's going on with people today. I know deep down they have a heart and are super real on the inside {I hope}... But what the heck. I actually would like to see people with no make up on for 1 week. Hmmm that would actually be kind of nice! Could you do that? I definitely could!  Ok back to my post title...  Message me and let me know which one you like!

So last Monday as I was running my mind was starting to wondering all over the place. That's pretty standard for me. I go from what's for dinner, to design projects, to deep thoughts like who are my friends, what does family really mean,  why does divorce have to suck, to i'm going to live life to the fullest and o m g I can't believe she said that to you! You name it I think it! 

I have so many ideas... I want to just talk! So as I was running and starting to struggle on my long run I decided it was time to turn on my motivational podcast to motivate me not to quite. Well, this time I stumbled upon Oprah talking about motivation. Her message was short and sweet. Basically she said, I don't believe in Luck. Luck does not exist. My ears perked up... Really? She said, look I have't had an easy life... It's actually been pretty hard for me, but I'm so thankful, blessed and truly grateful for my life. I like that Oprah. As I listened on she started to talk about purpose in life. What is your purpose in life? You have to have one and if you don't you will just flounder all over the place. OMG Oprah you did it... You really did it this time! Panic set in and I started to make a list in my head what my purpose is... 

1.)Get up in the morning for my kids

2.)Stay healthy for my kids

3.)Create beautiful spaces for my clients
4.)Tell the truth and be kind 

B U T...

One more thought kept stepping up... I had this feeling I needed to be real and honest with people. Tell stories of my life and things I've seen or done before. What are my fears and how have a succeeded or failed at them. Hey, we've all been hit with good things and bad things. Oprah is living proof of having lived through horrible things, but she kept getting back up and pushing through. She said, she was fired at 29 from being a network reporter because she was too sensitive and would cry when people would talk about kids, accidents.. etc. So she thought her career was over. Done at 29! Plus, the funny thing is she stumbled upon this job and was just so grateful she even had a job. Well, the network said, we want you to host a talk show. Hello  people God, universe, spiritual guide {what ever you believe in} was guiding her in the right direction. Amazing! So bottom line is when it's bad it's bad, but you need to believe their is a reason for that and a plan is forming! Relax and take a ride! Now look at her! 

I want to talk about it all... Trips, make-up, health, style, my life as a designer, finances, divorce, being a single parent, politics, kids, restaurants... You name it! Plus, if you have a topic you want me to talk about I totally can and would love too. 

Before I enlighten you with "s t u f f"... What's your purpose? Do you have one... Ok I'm not here to scare you, but what is it? I think you should make a list and then start refining it. Some say, to make a list of things you want to do and then check them off... And your purpose will come to you. 

Well, I'm going to really dig in and see if I'm on the right track with my purpose. But heres a funny thing that has been happening to me... Every time I want to share something with you I start seeing 11:11, 2:22, 3:33, 4:44... What! Those are angel numbers. I definitely believe in being positive and believing the universe can hear you. I wonder if my angels are starting to guide me to my purpose. Do you believe in angels? The universe? Ahhhh so many fun things to talk about... Just get cracking on your purpose and lets talk next Tuesday. 

monday {menu}

{recipe from... h e r e}

Vanilla & Rose Shortbread Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon rose water
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and rose water until combined.
2. Stir in flour by hand, adding melted butter or water if it’s too dry and crumbly.
3. Roll out until 1/2-inch thick on a floured surface and use a cookie cutter to cut your desired shape.
4. Place the cookies on a cookie sheet and pop in the freezer for 10 minutes (this helps the cookies keep their shape).
5. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the cookies just start to get golden brown. Cool on wire rack before glazing.

Pink Glaze Ingredients:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Food coloring
Edible dried rose petals for topping

DIRECTIONS:

Slowly add milk into powdered sugar while whisking. If you need more milk, add until the glaze is thick. Immediately frost cookies using a butter knife and drop in a few rose petals. Place plastic wrap on top (touching the glaze to create a seal) and keep in the fridge to store.

happy sunday...

next... coastal alley s a l e

monday {menu}

Chicken Shawarma Salad with Yogurt Dressing...

{recipe from... here}

Ingredients:

Roasted Shawarma Chicken

1 (3 lb) whole organic chicken or skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

Zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus more for serving

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground dried ginger

2 tsp flaky salt or 1 tsp fine-grain salt, plus more for serving

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Salad:

1 large head red leaf lettuce, torn

1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves

3–4 tomatoes, sliced into wedges

1 (14 oz.) can butter beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 English cucumber, sliced into thin strips or rounds

Yogurt Dressing: 

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise (vegan and gluten-free, if necessary)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar

2 tsp honey

Pinch, granulated dried garlic or 1/2 clove garlic, grated into a paste

Pinch, salt

Directions: 

1. For the chicken, preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Cut chicken into 8 pieces and place on the prepared baking sheet or place already cut chicken thighs or breasts on the prepared baking sheet, along with the cinnamon stick if not using ground cinnamon. In a small bowl, stir to combine lemon zest and juice, olive oil, ground cinnamon if not using cinnamon stick, coriander, cumin, ginger, salt, and pepper. Drizzle spice mixture over chicken and rub well to coat, getting some under the skin, directly onto the meat. At this point, if you have time, allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, or marinade covered in a glass (non-reactive) dish or bowl in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Arrange chicken skin side up in a single layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the juices run clear and the skin is crispy. You can make this portion ahead to serve both the salad and chicken cold, if desired. Meanwhile, prepare the salad and dressing.
2. For the salad, on a large platter or individual plates, arrange lettuce, mint, tomatoes, butter beans, and cucumber.
3. For the dressing, whisk all dressing ingredients until fully combined.
4. If slicing the chicken, allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before doing so.
5. To serve, arrange chicken pieces or slices on the salad platter or plates and drizzle everything with dressing, to taste. Season with additional salt and lemon juice, to taste, and then serve.

monday {menu}

 

 

B O O

happy sunday...

monday {menu}

Fried Churro Apple Rings

{recipe from... here}

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices
• Vegetable oil for deep-fat 

Directions

• Step 1
  For batter, in a medium bowl combine flour, the 2 Tbsp. sugar, and the baking powder. Add next four ingredients (through vanilla). Whisk just until smooth.
• Step 2
  For cinnamon-sugar, in a shallow dish combine the 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon.
• Step 3
  In a large deep skillet or deep-fat fryer heat 1/2 inch oil to 365°F. (If using an electric fryer, follow manufacturer's directions.) Using a fork, dip apple slices into batter; drain off excess batter. Place carefully in the oil. Fry apple rings, a few at a time, in hot oil 2 minutes per side or until golden brown, turning once. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, toss in cinnamon-sugar to coat generously.

coastal alley s a l e

happy sunday...

hello beautiful

Hello Beautiful! 

Well, I wanted to share this pretty picture with you all so you can think happy thoughts on this gorgeous Saturday! Ahhh I'm drooling... I love everything about this home!   

E N Y O Y

back to school

Salem, Massachusetts - August 2019

{Taylor 13 and Ryan 11}

It's crazy to think I have a 6th grader and an 8th grader. WOW... Kind of mind blowing! Yes, you do blink and in an instant they're getting so big... But I'm really trying to savor as many moments and make as many memories I can by traveling with them all over! The memories I have made with my kids are beyond priceless. I will never forget our adventures and look forward to many more to come... Even when they're in college and married with their own families! My adventures with my kids will never stop! I actually have to laugh when people say, "oh my I only have 10 more summers left with my kids!" Guess what friends I traveled so much with my parents during and even after college. They took us everywhere and still do! You have a choice... So make it with your kids! Included them forever! I know I sure will...  

     

did you know... happy labor day!

Did you know... The first Labor Day celebration was in 1882. It was a parade planned by the Central Labor Union in New York, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Oregon, however, was the first state to pass a law making Labor Day a holiday in 1887.

But it wasn't a legal holiday everywhere... The Encyclopedia Britannica says the massive Pullman Strike happened in the summer of 1894, when workers boycotted the railroads to fight for safe conditions, normal schedules, and living wages. To honor the labor movement after this, President Grover Cleveland officially declared Labor Day a national holiday, according to History.com.

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of every September.It falls on a different date every year, just like Easter and Thanksgiving. The very first Labor Day celebration was on September 5. This year, it is on September 2.

The holiday is meant to honor the nearly 160 million working Americans. The United States Census found that 159.8 million people made up the American labor force, as of May 2017. The most popular jobs among them? Retail salespeople and cashiers.

 

happy sunday...

write this down

truth

I wanted to start my Tuesday off with a little t r u t h... Hey a little truth or as I like to call it in my head... Confession {get it off my chest} Tuesday. By the way you would fall over if you knew all the stuff I would like to talk about with you guys {yikes}!  I'll spare you... But, I do have a serious Blue and White pottery issue, obsession, love affair or fondness! HaHa I guess I could have a worse issue... But I swear every time I design a home I must add them. They add so much strength and character to a home. My mission is to be able to sell my blue and white pottery to everyone. I want you all to enjoy my happiness {obsession} as well! 

Happy Tuesday... Whats's Truth?