Poppy Red

I popped in bits of red in the dining room to brighten it up, the yellow was becoming a bit drab.  I am still undecided as to what color I want to paint this room, it's been a while since that was done.  So to freshen it up just a bit, I found these red poppy bowls, the blue and white runner (on clearance, yay!), and the white washed rooster, all at Home Goods. It's a relatively inexpensive way to change a room. I also tucked in some sunflowers and geraniums into my boxwood garlands for more color and to pull my table all together.

 Total cost - $39.00 to change my look.

It's Tea Time

With Spring in full bloom, Summer won't be far behind.  Tall pitchers of homemade ice tea are always in my refrigerator during these months.  The hubby found this really nice clear acrylic infusion pitcher, one day while we were out, so I started making fruit infused teas in it. You can also make fruit infused water. These are all so refreshing.  This is how I make the tea. 

I start out with a 2 1/2 quart pitcher full of cold water.  Always use cold, you will not have cloudy tea.  Unwrap 10 of your favorite tea bags, and grab a fresh lemon.  Slice the lemon and seed it, then cut it into half rounds, so the slices fit in the cyclinder.

 I squeeze the ends of the lemon into the water, you don't want to use those in the cylinder, they don't look pretty.  I lightly press the lemon slices down with the handle of a wooden spoon, once they are in the cylinder.  Doing this will release some juice from the pulp and oil from the rind. Then twist the cap on the cylinder.

 Carefully gather up your tea bags, I used red raspberry flavor tea bags, and hang them over the side of the pitcher, but make sure they are in the water, drop the cylinder with the lemons in, and twist the cap so it is secure.  Within seconds the tea will start to brew.

 And will continue to get darker and darker.   It takes about 2 -3 hours, or you can do this overnight.  When you are ready to serve, pour over a tall glass of ice.  Add sugar if you like or drink it plain, it has a lot of flavor.  This is one of the many different kinds of teas I have made in this infusion pitcher.  I've also used slices of lemon, lime and orange in the cylinder with plain black tea bags, and fresh raspberries in the cylinder with Lady Grey tea bags.  They are all so refreshing on a hot day!

Lady in Red

Most people have one favorite color, I don't have just one favorite color.  Red is one of my favorite colors, pink is another.  In fact, I love all colors, they make me happy.  I was never a black, white and gray girl, my two daughters wear those colors all the time.  Although I do like those colors in combinations with other colors, I just don't wear them alone.  I always say brighten it up, especially around the face.  It gives your skintone a whole different look.  I got this dress for Christmas and I LOVE IT!  It reminds me of a pencil dress from the 1950's.  Clean lines, high scoop neckline, nice sleeve, detail at the waist and at the top, and perfect length.  What can I say - only that it's the perfect dress for me.  I dressed it up a little more with some of my jewelry and silver metallic shoes and handbag, Hey, I am ready to go!

Red Lace Dress - Dressbarn

 This is one of my favorite necklaces - Pearl Gray Pearls with Rhinestones and Black Silk Ribbon Tie.
  Bracelet - Pearl Gray and Black Pearls with Smoky Rhinestones. 

 Silver and Black Swirl Metallic Shoes are from Dressbarn, Handbag from Marshalls and Pearl Gray Pearl Earrings.