March 09, 2022

Gap Home

March 09, 2022/ Meryl

Recently my Instagram friend Marcie Millholland paid me a lovely compliment sharing how she enjoys my blog and that I’m not selling anything. Marcie thank you my dear and to be clear friends - I’m not selling anything with today’s post either.

I used a few pieces from Gap Home for Walmart in my son’s bedroom refresh and most of you know I keep it real in the Chalet and with clients - the reality is - if you can find an item to meet your needs from At Home, Target or Walmart - why wouldn’t we purchase it?

The Ottoman and Pillow are from Gap Home

I’m so impressed with these items from the Gap Home for Walmart. The ottoman supports weight and is very sturdy - it has a zipper so the cover is removable. The pillow’s poly insert is thinly distributed and much less dense than most poly inserts so it resembles feathers in appearance and the texture reacts nicely like an actual feather filled pillow. It has a zipper so this cover is also removable.

I have to share I’m a Gap fan. I worked for Gap as a window dresser and in store management. I still have pieces in my wardrobe I pull out and wear from years ago because Gap always meant quality. That is what pushed me to add this post to my editorial calendar…how could I not talk about these pieces.

Frayed Denim Decorative Square Throw Pillow

The color stories in the collection center on Beige/Blue/ Grey/Yellow with a smattering of patterns. It feels basic in the very best way - what’s more Americana than denim?

Modern Color Block Two Door Accent Cabinet

Gap Home is a multi-year partnership with Walmart the largest retailer in the United States. Gap Home has over 400 items including products produced with organic cotton and recycled materials. The collection encompasses bath, bedding, curtains, home decor, rugs and tabletop.

Shibori Tie Dye Organic Cotton Light Filtering Window Curtain

T-Shirt Soft Jersey Reversible Organic Cotton Blend Comforter Set

Blue 16-Piece Blue & White Decal Fine Ceramic Dinnerware Set

Friends I’ve shared just a quick look at the collection - I will admit I find myself tempted to buy a few more things - but, since my husband reads my blog I will resist that urge…. lol!

Enjoy your day, be well and see you over on Instagram.

March 02, 2022

Liam's Lair Completed!

March 02, 2022/ Meryl

Nothing better than typing these words: Liam’s bedroom is completed! I had so many DMs in December when I shared the plan for re-imagining the space.

It all came together so much quicker than I thought it would. Yay! Talk about being happy to get a bed delivered within 24 hrs. We visited Mattress Firm Wednesday Dec. 29th and were told the new double bed would be delivered the very next day.

Our next stop was ACE Hardware to pick out some Benjamin Moore paint for the stripe. Back at home it was time to dismantle his captains bed, remove the bolster and the mirror from the walls. Then we started to paint. My husband installed the two matching headboards. It turned out great!

Some sections of the painting was challenging. The painters tape took off some of the paint in the black section. I used one of my artist brushes to correct. We had already swapped his cubby unit and desk earlier that week.

In an effort to keep things tidy we installed bulletin boards.

I’m so impressed with these items from the Gap Home for Walmart. The ottoman - is very sturdy. The pillow has a zipper. The poly insert is less dense so it resembles feathers in appearance and the texture reacts nicely like it actually has a feather insert. And it can always be changed. Next week I’ll be sharing more pieces from this collection - don’t miss it.

Where we started. Where we ended.

The van Goghs are back up. We know this space will work for our son for years to come with only minor tweaks.

Til next time be well.

February 02, 2022

What's Cooking?

February 02, 2022/ Meryl

Friends - I am not what I would call a marvel of culinary genius. My mom Rita - having helped in the kitchen from the time she was 7 yrs old and could stand on a chair by the stove and follow her mother’s instructions (who was in a wheelchair with MS) - was a utilitarian cook - she had a smallish repertoire of dishes she prepared well and after 28 yrs I still dearly miss her roast beef. And that’s the type of cook I am as well - I’m not inventive - I follow recipes unless it’s something I’ve been preparing forever - like my mother’s Hot Crabmeat Dip. I’ve also recently fallen in love with Trader Joe’s many prepared dishes that are simply too tasty! But, with the new calendar I find myself excited to try my hand at a few new recipes.

Here are the three cookbooks whose dishes I feel comfortable to prepare or have prepared and most importantly - dishes I know my family will enjoy.

I received Savor and a fabulous charcuterie board at Christmas and there is nothing I like better than to graze… I love to serve snacks that are hearty enough to become a meal. We own a Fondue Pot I’m excited to use again!

How Easy Is That is a tried and true favorite from my collection. I have served the Tomatoes Roasted with Pesto so many times! They are so delectable!

Scandinavian Gatherings is not only about food from the different countries of this region but, there are wonderful crafts to incorporate into the celebration and use as decorations for the table and room! I keep hanging onto to the sliver of DNA from my Swedish Great Grandmother! Every Christmas Eve we enjoy Swedish meatballs my sister prepares with Felix Lingonberries on them!