Roundtop

Well I'm happy to report my trip to Roundtop was a success! My mom and I woke up at the crack yesterday, grabbed our caffeine and were on our way. The drive was beautiful, as always, and I was happy to see some bluebonnets already showing their faces :) We got started and I found this piece within about 30 minutes of being there. I wasn't quite sure how to feel after having to search for hours in years past for that first purchase. Either way, I knew it was love and that it would fit perfectly in the spot I was looking to fill. I bought this beautiful antique piece pictured here at the top (apparently from New York) and I already love the way it looks in my living room. I was so excited about the great find, I felt certain I wouldn't find anything else I had to have. Then I saw this precoius little chair. Aside from the frabric (which I will be replacing), it's too cute! Such character and charm packed into one little piece. It was a great day, complete with having lunch with Shelbo and her mom, coming home with some great finds (which barely fit in my Jeep) and some sun on my skin!

The Help

Last night I finished my current read, The Help. This was a phenomenal book and I'm almost sad to be finished with it! The story takes place in the 60s in Mississippi when racial segregation was still a major issue. I instantly became enamored with the characters and felt the tension they dealt with on a day to day basis because of the times. I highly recommend this book. It's challenging, inspirational and a total page turner!

A Spring Favorite

The spring weather lately has been too perfect to resist! I have been outside every chance I get. Recently I was in the mood for a light, tasty dinner, perfect for eating outside. I tried out Better Homes and Gardens fish tacos and loved them. Such fresh ingredients!

Fish Tacos with Lime Sauce
1 lb fresh tilapia or catfish fillets
3 limes
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 t chili powder
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
8 small flour tortillas (I used HEB's delicious wheat tortillas)
1 cup shredded cabbage
2 small carrots, peeled and shredded
1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, thinly sliced

1. Rinse fish and pat dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
2. For lime sauce, juice two of the limes into a bowl (cut remaining lime into wedges for serving). Stir mayonnaise and chili powder into juice. Remove 1/3 cup sauce and toss fish in it.
3. In large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil over medium heat. In shallow dish combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Working with a third of the fish at a time, lightly toss in flour mixture and add to hot oil. Cook 2 to 4 minutes or until fish flakes, turning to brown evenly and adding additional oil as needed. Drain on paper towels.
4. Wrap tortillas in paper towels; heat in microwave 30 seconds. Top tortillas with fish, cabbage, carrots and jalapeno. Drizzle with lime sauce. Pass lime wedges. Makes 4 servings.

Yum!

Spring!

Well spring has officially sprung at our house! Slowly but surely, buds are forming, flowers are blooming and the butterflies are paying their visits. There is something so sweet about spring. It's so relaxing to just take a walk through the yard, enjoy the gorgeous weather and appreciate new beginnings.

These are dianthys in all sorts of colors we just planted near the front door. They are so cheerful and add a lot of charm to the entryway.
Here, we planted lavender (which already smells amazing) and rosemary. I'm excited to have fresh rosemary to cook with again!
The roses are starting to bloom these gorgeous, full blooms all over the yard. Here is a white rose.
Here are some of the azaleas--they are just bursting with color!

And finally, here's one of the latest additions. It's a night blooming jasmine. This is planted right outside the kitchen window and should attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The yard is starting to take shape and the flowers add so much beauty! I must say, I am already looking forward to the long days, catching some rays, and enjoying God's creation to the fullest :)