Thursday Night Sunset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we were planning our move to Florida, it was a night like last night that I usually pictured in my mind. A night that we could easily head to the beach on a random Thursday, with two beach chairs and a cooler full of beer and wine. Last night, we put the top down on the convertible, crossed the drawbridge over the inter coastal waterway and were at the beach in minutes. I really have to keep pinching myself that we actually live here now.

Mostly we sit and sip our drinks, getting more and more relaxed as the sun begins to set. We might collect a few shells or maybe put our feet in the water. Every sunset is different and I'm becoming quite the expert on viewing one. I used to think the sun going down was the prettiest part, but I was wrong. It's the half hour or so after, when the sky lights up with those beautiful cotton candy colors, that is really the payoff.

I don't think it will ever get old.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Florida Decor - Kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When designing the kitchen for our new home in Florida, I knew that I wanted an all white kitchen. Definitely white cabinets and white countertops (Corian). I wasn't sure about the direction to take the backsplash, but ultimately went with white tile and a neutral small square stone accent strip to add texture and interest.

We had to make many of the decisions in a hurry and went with simple, brushed nickel cabinet and drawer knobs, but may change to something more stylish later. We splurged on the pendant lights and love their modern style, shape and texture. The counter stools are the perfect color for the coastal, beachy feel of our home and I was thrilled to find them at a very good price. I'm still on the lookout for something really unique to sit on the island, but for now I have been enjoying the simplicity of fresh flowers in a pretty vase.

Other details I love are the crown molding, the tall cabinets (I need a step stool to reach the top shelves), the gas stove and oven and the big walk in pantry. It's simple, modern and bright and a perfect contrast to the colorful accent pieces in the adjoining open concept spaces. I love combining modern and casual; as well as neutrals with pops of color.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Pineapple Coconut Baked Oatmeal

 

 

 

These flavors make you think of sunshine and beach days (pina coladas!) and I thought it was the perfect recipe to try on a beautiful, sunny Florida morning. Unfortunately, I woke to a thunderstorm rolling in, so it's a little dark and gloomy, but looking at the bright side; a perfect morning for baking.

I do love pineapple and coconut and don't really think of these flavors when thinking of oatmeal, but I have seen tropical French toast at brunch spots, so it really does work. I also used unsweetened vanilla almond milk to add to the flavor and you could also add sliced almonds for a delicious crunch.

I'm all about tropical, light flavors right now and while I'm sure when Fall comes, I'll be back to wanting apple and cinnamon in my oatmeal, for today, it's sunshiny flavors all the time.

 

Pineapple Coconut Baked Oatmeal

2 cups old fashioned oats

1/3 cup brown sugar ( I used Splenda for baking)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup melted butter

1 small container Greek vanilla yogurt

2/3 cup milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

1 small can crushed pineapple

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 8x8 baking pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl combine all dry ingredients. Beat eggs, melted butter, milk, yogurt and vanilla together in a separate bowl with a fork. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until well combined. Add in pineapple and coconut. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 35 minutes or until set. Let cool a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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