France at Epcot

We just got back from our family's first Walt Disney World Resort vacation. My husband's whole side of the family met there and we stayed at the cabins at Fort Wilderness. It was so much fun, but the weather was really hot in central Florida. Talk about sweating!!

This is me and my husband's second trip to the World Showcase at Epcot. France is my favorite country there, so this post is going to be image heavy! I got there early one morning to take lots of photos around the France showcase..

Here they go..

My husband & I had dinner one evening at Les Chefs de France.

The is the entrance to the wine shop.

Thanks for making it through all my photos on this post! I know it was a lot. We did a road trip w/ a rental SUV and stayed the night in Tennessee. I sure am going to miss driving that car; it has to go back tomorrow.I hit a bunch of off the beaten path junque shops & got some great things! I hope to share them with you real soon. Right now I am just enjoying being back home.

Until next time!

Lara

Cozy Reading Corner

It is a beautiful, both sunny and breezy day here in the west country suburbs of Chicago. Here is a corner of the other side of my living room (still very much in process of what I'm envisioning) with my cozy big chair. All moms to little ones need that much needed time-out to themselves and this is usually where I like to chill out; usually curled up with an book or magazine.

The hydrangeas I bought a little over a week ago are still going strong. I thought they would add a nice splash of purple and pick up the lavender in my quilt.

Here is a wide shot of the area. Please excuse my carpet - I can't stand it. I am buttering up my hubby to the idea of extending our wood floors out to the living room. Of course, he doesn't see my point for it, but I think it would make a huge impact on adding more value to our house. We shall see. I also accidentally left out some decor books from the library on the console. I am always looking at decor books for inspiration.

I found these 2 clear glass bottles at the thrift store this week that I couldn't pass up and for 1.00 each; I thought they would be perfect for styling...

I am going to be extremely busy next week, so I'll be taking the week off from blogging. Unreal, huh? :) Thank you so much for stopping by and also, thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a couple words. I so appreciate that! You gals are great!

Lara

Sharing with..

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday

Show and Tell Friday

Livvy

Here is my little peach, age 4.

I love these pics I took of her last week at my son's field day at school.

I love her chubby cheeks!

Wind-blown hair with her classic Livvy style - bangs and a chin-length bob.

Basket of Hydrangeas

There is nothing like a fresh bunch of pretty purple hydrangeas to brighten my day. I picked these up at the market last night and thought they would look nice popped into an old basket.

A little rustic and a little pretty always looks good together.

I popped the stems in a bucket of cold water and kept them overnight in my fridge.

Last time I bought hydrangeas, I just trimmed the stems and placed them in water on my countertop only to find them all wilted the next morning. It has something to do with moisture not getting into the stem. I was bummed.

I guess hydrangeas love cold and lots of water.

And while I'm on the topic of pretty hydrangeas...

Maria of Dreamy Whites, who grows the most gorgeous hydrangeas on her ranch & photographs them so breathtakingly... is having a wonderful giveaway at her blog.

(above photo from Maria of Dreamy Whites)

a $250 gift certificate to her wonderful online shop! Ordering from Maria has been such a great experience! I highly recommend it - as it truly is a delight for the senses.. as well as prettying up your home!

I'm just gearing up for the weekend. Unfortunatly, I am not going to get the chance to attend the 3 French Hens Country Market in Morris, Illinois this weekend.

My little ones start summer soccer that morning, then we have dental appts. Can you imagine how bummed I am about that? I know I am not going to miss out on the July one! That's for sure!I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'll be back early next week.

I'm linking this post up with:

 Common Ground VIF

 Feathered Nest Friday

 Show & Tell Friday

French Zinc Basket

Today I am sharing one of my flea market finds from shopping over the weekend.
 A French zinc wire basket.
 I have a newfound weakness for French farmhouse antiques.

I was at a loss for what to add to this basket.

 Too narrow for pillows. I had to think for awhile.

 I got the idea to cut down some branches which gives it a rustic and unfussy look.

I wanted to share a couple blogs I've recently discovered that I am loving.

Grange de Charme

and

Helt Enkelt

They both have beautiful atmosphere and I think you will like them, too.