A Simple Red, White and Blue Foyer Table

Bringing Red, White and Blue To The Foyer Table

Hello everyone!  The 4th of July is almost here and I thought I would make the lower foyer table look a bit more festive with a simple red, white and blue arrangement. I think today's post will show just how simple it can be to come up with a tablescape for the holidays!

Everything I used for this display I already owned except for the red/white plaid scrapbook paper. A.C. Moore was selling sheets 6 for a dollar today so I scooped up some colors I thought would work for the 4th and for card making. 

I've always enjoyed using this strawberry bush in different ways and today I cut the stems and placed them in a red square vase that I use throughout the year. Red works for lots of holidays so if you have a red vase you can get a lot of use from it!  The red and blue no-flame candles are used every year about this time! It's pretty when they are lit.

I've been away for a few days visiting family in West Virginia so I'm just now thinking about the 4th of July next week. No big plans here. The Mr. will be playing a concert that day and I'll most likely tag along with him and watch the fireworks afterward. How about you?  Decorating for the 4th?  Big plans ahead in your summer?  Hope you'll leave a comment. I enjoy hearing from you!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Match Made In Seven: Midsummer's Eve

Midsummer's Eve

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Match Made In Seven! For those of you new to this collaboration, here is a recap of our group. 

We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet once a month. One of us chooses a theme in turn, and that can be anything. A book, music, a color, a movie. And then we style an outfit based on that theme. The theme of this month is chosen by Bettye and is: Midsummer's Eve.  Also, take a look at the other bloggers and how they have interpreted the theme this month. (See list at end of post).

With this month's theme, I feel like I need to look ethereal.  So, I chose my cold shoulder pretty blue striped top with ruffles and a new blue straw skirt that drapes lightly and flutters in the wind. 

To me, this look is light and summery and perfect for midsummer, although, really, summer is just beginning! Do I look as if I could just float off of this rock?!

I've been looking for a really flowy, long, lightweight skirt for awhile now in a solid color. When I saw this one on sale online from Stein Mart I ordered it in both blue and pink. I sized up thinking that some skirts I had tried in the store felt a little tight in the waist in my normal size. When this arrived, I realized I should have stuck to the smaller size, but oh well. I'm just pinning the waist and going ahead with keeping them both. The pink color is actually more of a salmon color, but I like it. I can't stand anything tight around my waist so this way I can adjust it and pin it the way I want it to feel. Here's the link if you are interested in this skirt. The brand is Zac and Rachel. 

Here's to warm, sunny days with gentle breezes blowing as I glide through the woods at Midsummer's Eve and beyond!

Let me know in the comments if you enjoy long, flowy skirts for summer! And, be sure to check out all of the other lovely ladies on their blogs:

Darlene of https://aquamarinastyle.com/

Sonja of https://www.yustsome.nl/

Bettye of https://fashionschlub.com/

Anna of https://www.muttonstyle.com/

Emma of http://www.style-splash.com/

Nancy of https://www.nancysfashionstyle.com

Until Next Time,
Debbie

Summer Re-Runs

Revisiting A Few Favorites

Happy Friday, everyone!  It seems that summer television brings on the re-runs so I figured why not have some blog re-runs just for fun? So, I'm rehashing a few favorite photos from past blog posts. If you're new to the blog I hope you enjoy seeing some of what I've done the past few years and if you are a faithful reader I hope you will enjoy a trip down memory lane! My three part series on how to style a little black dress is by far one of my most favorite posts and pics! What a versatile piece to own!

This was my very first style post way back in 2015! Still have the green top and love it. The skirt has gone bye-bye. 

This is still my favorite tablescape that I have done on the blog. I just love the blue with the crystal candlesticks, goblets and white babies breath!

This was a fun post to do! The Mr. and I haven't eaten at Mellow Mushroom in forever. Maybe we'll make a trip there soon!

Wow....sunset in the Rocky Mountains. So beautiful! We hope to get back out there this summer!

I would love to go back to Bear Lake while we are there. It is so incredibly peaceful in the early morning. Still and quiet....just the best!

And speaking of bears.....these guys still keep coming! New cubs each year though. Today, a doe and her fawn walked by my kitchen window. The fawn was covered in spots. Precious! Sorry, I didn't get a picture. I just enjoyed the scene. 

I still love this pattern mixed look. The scarf kimono can be worn tied like in this pic or hanging loose. Yep...I was still Debbiethisandthat when this pic was taken! Hadn't started styling life yet (wink)!

I have misplaced this tee shirt and it is one of my favorites! How can I lose clothes in the house?! Does that ever happen to you? 

Sigh....I've pretty much decided to swear off shorts these days. Just don't like how I look in them anymore. This was taken a couple years ago. 

I think hands down this is the craziest look I have tried! Definitely not for Debbie!

Lovin' my jeans looks though!

Like this face shot.

And it was fun to change up my look to style a "Punk look" for my Match Made In Seven collaboration group. BTW, next Wednesday will be a new edition of our Match Made In Seven and I think you will really enjoy this month's theme. Be sure to check it out!

Guess I have a little punk in me!? I can't help but like this look conservative though I may be!

But, most days this is how you'll find me...

Unless I'm wearing my crown, of course!

Hope you have enjoyed this summer blog re-run. It's been fun for me, too. Have a great weekend everyone and please leave a comment for me. I love hearing from you!

Until Next Time,
Debbie

Maxi Dress With Jean Jacket, New Wreath and New Beginnings

Styling, Decorating and Beginnings

Hey Friends!  Yet another busy week has gone by in which life has taken precedence over blogging. Hopefully, after about one more week I can resume my blogging schedule of at least 2-3 posts per week. I'll catch you up on some of what has been going on as the post unfolds. First off, I'm styling a long maxi dress with a blue jean jacket. This is a perfect look for summer!

Maxi dresses and skirts are still "in" and can be dressed up or down with accessories. I think adding the jean jacket gives the look a casual and relaxed summer vibe. 

I've styled this dress on the blog before with a light blue pashmina scarf, but I really like the jean jacket with the dress better. The dress hem hides my gladiator sandals which also gives a relaxed feel to the look. This outfit is cool, comfortable and perfect for a hot summer day! Let me know in the comments if you enjoy wearing maxi dresses or skirts and how you feel about jean jackets. 

I have a new decor item to share with you-a new wreath on the front door. I've had my eye on this succulent wreath at AC Moore for months and the sales finally brought it down to what I consider a reasonable price. The wreath was marked down 60% plus I had a 20% off total sale coupon which I could apply. Hooray!

The wreath looks good with the retirement quilts Sharon made for me.

And, it matches with my other succulents on display on the foyer table. This makes it look more like I have a theme going on in the foyer. 

I've mentioned how busy life has been lately. This guy right here, is retiring after 30 years of math teaching plus an architecture career before that. I'm so proud of him and all he has given to teaching his students over the years! He will continue to use his math and to teach in some form or fashion but I hope he will take some time to rest first! This pic was taken at a luncheon to honor retirees from his system. 

There have been several celebrations in the past week which is both wonderful and exhausting! At one, the retirees were each given a rocking chair!

And on top of the retirement festivities, I directed a big bells, brass and organ concert at our church last Sunday. The Mr.'s quintet performed. 

The brass played beautifully....

As did our organist....

And my handbell choir really rocked it!  I was so proud of them and all of the musicians who participated in our concert!

So, yet again it has been quite a week!  And, there were a few other things going on which I won't bore you with. I hope that each of you dear readers are well and that the week ahead brings only good things to you! Please leave a comment and let me know what's happening in your life!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Weekly Happenings

It's Been A Busy Week!

Hello everyone! This has been one of those weeks when I have had two and sometimes three things to do in a day. I've been off the radar all this week (meaning the blog) and am totally exhausted today! I thought I would share with you a day trip that my friend, Sharon, and I took yesterday to Jonesborough, Tennessee. I had never been there before and I truly enjoyed getting to visit this historic and quaint town. 

Our main purpose in going there yesterday was to hear a storyteller at the International Storytelling Center. Sharon has attended events here many times but this was my first time. 

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Main Street Cafe. I was fascinated by the vintage interior and came home to read about the building online. 

I found out that the building was constructed in the 1930's and the ceiling tiles, hanging globe lamps and booths are original from that era. The food was quite tasty and reasonably priced, I thought.

We very much enjoyed the teller-in-residence, Anne Shimojima, who inspired us with her professional storytelling ability. Anne was a media specialist for many years in her native Chicago and has been a professional storyteller now for over 30 years. One of her stories was about "Hannah's Suitcase" which Sharon and I were familiar with from our work in the gifted program when we were teaching. Anne was lovely and gracious to talk with and I came away interested in more storytelling! 

There was a bit of excitement after the storytelling when one couple felt like they had been ignored by the storyteller and very rudely interrupted another couple speaking to her and for a moment we thought the event might end in fisticuffs! However, Anne graciously smoothed the ruffled feelings and all was well! I kiddingly told Sharon that I didn't know if I could engage with these dangerous activities she includes me in anymore!

All in all, it was a lovely day and a great way to end a very full and busy week. Today, I'm laying low and resting as much as possible. How about you? How has your week been? 

Until Next Time,

Debbie

* I had the best of intentions to take my camera with me on this trip but forgot and left it at home! So, I had to make do with snapping photos with my phone.