Tag: dallas

lifestyle

Let’s mix things up!

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I’m not a big baker or cook! Actually that’s not accurate- there was a day when I could whip up anything and everything in the kitchen- and enjoy it! I loved entertaining friends, making a feast and creating a great spread!!! Given the opportunity, I think I’d still enjoy it again! The food, the friends and the fellowship is the best!!

I’m reminded of those delicious days as I’m unpacking our boxes that have been in storage for over a year! We are still not settled but able to pull out some of my favorite things! One item- as heavy as it is- has made every move with us! My kitchenaid mixer!!! My grandmother gave it to me as a wedding present 40 years ago-and ever since I’ve whipped up so many delicious things for my husband, children and now new grand baby!!

Doesn’t this bread look amazing? It tasted even better! This also got my thinking! I met an old friend yesterday morning at The Neighbors Mill in Rogers, Arkansas and they had loaves of fresh strawberry pecan bread served warm with real butter!! Oh my goodness- soooo delicious! As I contemplated buying the entire loaf- which I didn’t because…no self control… I thought of my mixer and how I used to make homemade bread! The search for the stored box began and today I unpacked it!

KitchenAid is still the best around with so many beautiful on trend colors as well as the classic stainless steel and white! You might even see me flirting with a new one at Williams Sonoma and admiring all the new colors and designs! Aren’t they wonderful?

Yet- I come home to my first love – my vintage avocado mixer (that color was on trend back in the day). The crazy part is that my old mixer still works like a charm. Do you have a vintage appliance that you can’t part with or upgrade? I don’t feel like I’m super sentimental but apparently my vintage mixer holds a special place in my heart! In fact- it just might be time to whip up a batch of homemade cookies to christen our new home! What do you think? Once we get moved into our permanent home, I might actually splurge on a new kitchenaid but I’ll always have a spot for my vintage mixer my grandmother gave me!

Here is the link to all things kitchenaid- (ps – this is not an ad or sponsored post- I just love my mixer). https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/see-all.html

lifestyle

Painted brick and pumpkins

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I’m dreaming of white painted brick! And a new home! Ok- I’m dreaming of many things! I’ve wanted a painted brick house for decades! Our last new construction HOA didn’t give us the option. So now- anything is possible. We are in a huge moment of transition- which means- the possibilities are endless!!! The house is sold, everything still in storage and nothing holding us back. To catch you up, if you are new here- Jeff was transferred over an hour away from our new home. After making the commute for a year- we sold the house and moved closer to his new territory! Just as that home search began- he was laid off. I know….. Right???

But……The job search is strong and God is in control! We can’t wait to see where He places us. We know this- He has covered us and protected us in this crazy phase of life we were not anticipating and even put a temporary roof over our head when we didn’t realize how we would need it. So grateful we hadn’t purchased another house. So everyday- we dream and work with intention -asking God to open the right doors and give us wisdom as to which to walk through. I can’t wait for the day to tell you all that God did during this time in our lives. He doesn’t waste a single thing- especially the hard stuff! We know He has gone ahead of us and has worked out all the details. Life is hard but God is good! Everything is going to be ok!!

RepostBy @mylightingsource: “Countdown has begun at our house. Cutie festive porch by @kindredvintage. 🎃🕸🍂🧡”

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Virtual friends?

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I plan to share later about connecting our virtual world with the real world. You CAN develop and cultivate relationships online and off, personal and professional! Because you might not see my post from earlier, I wanted to show an excerpt here to highlight the thoughtfulness of a creative friend and give you an example. To get the whole story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kelly.cornelsen/posts/10155235424173914:0


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Curb appeal rescue

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Have you ever felt stuck? Well, I feel stuck!!!!! We are so grateful to finally have a house in Texas! With the market here, it was not an easy find but….I can’t bond with my house! The inside is amazing if I can figure out what to do with it but… my number one about our past homes has been curb appeal! I love a front porch with beautiful pots by the door. My dream for our house here was painted white brick with black windows, an awesome porch and double schoolhouse doors! Truth be told, I had hoped to find a house to remodel and make it ours but after moving here to be closer to our daughter during her health crisis, we figured out that there were more people than houses and prices were at a premium. Fast forward 18 months in an apartment, we moved into a new neighborhood between trophy club and Fort Worth. Our house is perfect for us and friends who occasionally visit but now I need to make it mine. When we sold our house in Little Rock, I sold almost everything with the house- furniture, rugs, art. At the time, it seemed like a great idea during a fast move. Now?…..not so much! You see, I’m a big treasure hunter! I love to find special items- not mass produced collections- and that takes time and lots of energy (which I am lacking these days). So after finally wrangling the cars into the garage this week because of the severe weather (apparently I am motivated by acts of God like tornados and hail to move boxes) I took a hard look at the front………….(crickets)……..

I got nothin! I’d love big pots outside the entrance but they planted the downspouts there. To put them inside the little alcove doesn’t seem to serve much purpose! Any ideas? I’d love to know your suggestions. Maybe just hang a wreath and head to the back yard? 


Thanks for helping me make this little part of Texas feel a little like home. I’ll post the progress- any ideas on drapes? And plants? And rugs? And patio furniture? And… ps….my friend Jennifer says I feel this way every time I move. I don’t recall that but I trust her and believe I will feel more settled soon. Ps- anyone know why they asked if I wanted a peephole in the door when I had a camera? And why I said yes? Ugh! Good grief!!!! It’s like I’m the one who had brain surgery. 😂

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Botox and the bride

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Ok- so just keeping it real! My daughter is getting married in less than a month and I’ve got to get my act together. I’ve discovered a big secret that no one talks about!!! If you have been the mother of the bride before-you already know!! Why didn’t you tell the rest of us coming behind you? Being the MOTB is soooo stressful!!!! Not for the reasons you see on TLC, either! I don’t have a Bridezilla and she said  “YES TO THE DRESS” without any drama!!!! In fact, my beautiful, sweet Lindsey has been relaxed and “chill” with the exception of just a couple of brief understandable moments! 

Our new son, Jordan, is precious! He loves our daughter and loves us. What more could we ask for? We are so blessed to have him joining our family. He even gets my dry- sometimes sarcastic-sense of humor and laughs at my jokes! I am looking forward to making many happy memories in the years to come! We are so looking forward to getting to know Jordan’s family, too. It is a happy time to see our family expanding and the joy multiplying!  


So why so stressed? Other than having nothing to wear (I really hate shopping) and the day getting closer- I’ve come face to face, head to forehead, faceplant on the sidewalk with how fast the years have gone. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I was playing in the yard with Lindsey and laughing with her little brother, Taylor. Wasn’t it just her last birthday when she turned 8 and cried and cried because she didn’t want to get older? Now I want to cry (and sometimes do) because this happiest occasion- with all the blessings it brings- is also very bittersweet!

I’m sure I’ll find a dress (knowing me, the week of) and I’m so excited for the venue and the sweet friends supporting us and helping! I’ve done flowers for so many events and weddings but, I have to say, that I’m looking forward to decorating my daughters wedding with precious creative friends. I’ve got some beautiful smart friends that bless my socks off! They have taught me the value of showing up! They have shown up for us big time in the past 17 months. Through brain surgery, moving- several times, Lindsey’s diagnosis and starting our lives over from scratch- they have been there. They have cheered us, prayed for us and now rejoice with us in this wedding! My cup runs over with the kindness we have been shown. 

So the other stress? I told you I’d keep it real.  When did I get old? When did my face fall and my wrinkles show up? Ugh!!!!! Without this turning into a blog on aging, let’s just say- if there was ever a day for Botox- today was the day! So I finally took the plunge and got a little “something” to relax the little reasons for being asked if I’m mad. My reply? “I’m really not mad! It’s just my face!” So…here we go! We will see how it turns out. Kelly 🍀​​

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