Friday, February 28

Mom's Texas Pecan Poppycock


Growing up, my Grandmother, Little Gran, was the Queen of Popcorn Balls, making them for special occasions and holidays. As a child, it mystified me how she could stick her unprotected, buttered hands into a bowl of popcorn that was covered with an extremely hot sugared glaze. To my amazement it didn’t even seem to phase her — she didn’t ‘oohhh’ and ‘ouch’ as she formed those spherical delights. We loved ‘em and couldn’t wait until she sat them aside to cool, of course, we never waited that long. My sister and I would slip our hands around her waist and grab warm and sticky popcorn balls, thinking we had fooled her, but as you might imagine, she knew what we were up too! As we ate them, the candy would stick to our teeth with amusement. Memories. They play a huge role in our food experiences and as I write this I miss Little Gran.

The once dear Popcorn Balls of our childhood were slowly replaced with our Mother's Poppycock. Oh my, that divine concoction!  —  If you'd like to read more, and to find my Mother's recipe for Texas Pecan Poppycock, meet me over at Texas Women Bloggers, where I am writing today. See ya there!



Thursday, February 27

Kitchen Essentials For The Bride & Groom

Our youngest baby, Jared - who happens to be 25 - is getting married in May. It is a very exciting time for our family, not only is our son taking a wife, we are gaining a new daughter, and we couldn't be more pleased. Amy, Jared's fiance, is an amazing young woman and they make a great pair. I have been thinking a lot about what to buy them for a wedding present and of course I can't decide. How can you narrow down a list that's a mile long - I would love to buy Jared and Amy EVERYTHING, but can't. Consequently, for the last six months or so, I've been buying goodies for their kitchen and stashing them away. Here are my top 20 picks, including the links, for high-performing, long-lasting kitchen tools that any Bride and Groom will adore.


1. OXO Brushed Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
Wake up to this durable, dynamically styled whistling teakettle in sleek brushed stainless. $49.95; Crate & Barrel.
2. KitchenAid Mixer
KitchenAid® Ultra Power™ SeriesTilt-Head Stand Mixer with 4.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl and 10 speeds easily mixes, kneads and whips your favorite ingredients. $299.99; KitchenAid.
3. Oster 14-speed Blender
Heavy-duty blending power and the quality that comes with the name Oster are why this blender is a popular choice for the home chef who values function and durability. $39.95; Oster.
4. All-Clad Stainless Steel Non-Stick 9-Inch Covered French Skillet
A great starter skillet for two. To cook from omelets to stir-fry, it's just the right size. $154.99; Bed, Bath & Beyond.
5. Le Creuset 5.5 Qt. Signature Round Dutch Oven
This hard working dutch oven is great for stews, soups and other long-cooking dishes. It goes from stovetop to oven to table with ease. $280.00; Zappos.
6. John Boos Boos-Block Reversible Maple Cutting Board
Thick, heavy and sturdy - this cutting board will last forever! $75.95; Wayfair.
7. Martha Stewart Collection Mixing Bowls
These ceramic mixing bowls versatile - durable enough to withstand the toughest cookie dough and stylish enough for snacks! $31.99; Macy's.
8. Frieling 17oz French Press
This stainless steel version of a French press keeps coffee hot longer than it's glass counterpart. It's also the perfect size for two! $59.99; Casa.
9. Breville Smart Oven
So much more than a toaster oven, it's a convection oven and it does the thinking for you. It adjusts the temperature ensuring an exact cooking process. $249.99; Breville USA.
10. Sur La Table 16-quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
Perfect for soups, stews and more, the extra large capacity of this stockpot allows ingredients to cook without crowding. On Sale! $59.99; Sur La Table.
11. Calphalon 3-in-1 Immersion Blender
Instead of transferring hot liquids to a blender and risking burns, you can puree soups right in the pot! $59.99; Bed, Bath & Beyond.
12. Nespresso 'CitiZ' Espresso Maker
Brew the perfect cup of espresso each and every time! $249.95; Williams-Sonoma.
13. OXO 15-Piece Kitchen Tool Set
This kitchen tool set was sent from the gods! Whatever you need to do in the kitchen is right here within reach! I want one! $99.99; Bed, Bath & Beyond.
14. All-Clad Stainless Steel 3 Qt. Sauce Pan With Lid
With high, straight sides and a smaller surface area, this well designed sauce pan holds heat well and limits evaporation. $185.00; Zappos.
15. Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Pitcher
Enjoy great-tasting water from the elegantly simply designed Brita water filter pitcher. It removes copper, mercury and cadmium that can be found in tap water. $47.75; SOAP.
16. Emile Henry Roaster
Made from high-fired French clay. The natural clay resists temperature change, making going from the freezer to oven a seamless act. $85.00; Emile Henry.
17. Le Creuset 5-Quart Braiser
This is it - the one pot meal dream! This updated kitchen classic enhances the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture - and it's family size too! $295.00; 
18. Cuisinart Elite Collection 14-Cup Food Processor
It slices, dices and shreds like no other. Pulses, blends and purees like a dream. No other food processor even comes close, it's a keeper! $299.99, Cuisinart.
19. Nordic Ware Naturals Bakeware
Bakers agree that aluminum bakes best. This bakeware is made of even heating rust proof aluminum and features a galvanized steel wire around the rims for added strength. The product line also features a lifetime warranty. $Assorted prices; Nordic Ware.
20. Lodge's Cast Iron Skillet
Here in the South we consider cast iron skillets to be THE essential cooking tool. From frying chicken to making the best cornbread this little ole skillet will get the job done - and then some! $29.95; 
Crate & Barrel.


bride, groom, wedding, gifts, kitchen, essentials, couples, shower, started, life, cooking, needs,


Friday, February 21

Stupid Things Americans Do Overseas

When it comes to representing the U.S. abroad, some Americans don’t do us proud. Have you been guilty of a foreign faux pas? This is my list of ten things NOT to do while traveling overseas. Being a good citizen of the world will come in handy the next time you get your passport stamped! Don't misunderstand me: I'm proud to be an American, and I don't mind saying so — whether I'm here in Dallas or standing on foreign soil. But unfortunately, I've seen the embarrassing U.S. traveler abroad  The idiot wearing the "I'm With Stupid" T-shirt while visiting the Holocaust museum in Paris, the big shot flashing a wallet full of pounds and credit cards on the London Tube, or the family that insists on eating American fast food while in Rome. I witnessed all of these things just last Summer. So how do you avoid being caught as the tasteless American? Below are a few simple things Americans should not do while overseas if they want to blend in and make their vacation memorable.


DRESSING AND ACTING LIKE A TOURIST


Traveling is one time when it's actually cool to be an impostor. Try your best to fit in with a country's style of dress and customs by ditching the fanny packs, visors, dark socks with sandals, and Hawaiian shirts — and not using your outdoor voice indoors. The golden rule of travel is that blending in and conformity are a form of flattery. Honestly, if you take nothing but black clothes with you, you'll fit right in. Less is more in Europe — don't wear your hot pink Moo Moo on the Metro, not only will you be an easy target for thieves, you can be sure they are looking for Americans, but most Parisians will just be thinking 'Oh what tacky American tourists'. Most countries will not expect you to be an expert on their culture, but they will appreciate a show of interest in matters of importance to them. Taking your usual overbearing behavior down a notch is a good idea too. People of other nationalities are more reserved than we are, so it's important not to come across as the ugly American: gregarious, overly familiar and loud!


ORDERING AMERICAN FOOD ABROAD


Don't be that person who orders KFC in the middle of Italy. The absolute worst thing you can do is to ignore the local food in favor of what's familiar to you. If you always seek out American-style burgers and pizza on a menu or, worse yet, eating at fast-food restaurants you know from home — you are ruining your chance at experiencing the culture you traveled so far to be apart of. Not sampling local food means you'll miss a large chunk of the area's culture that will enrich your travel experience. That said, everyone has heard a few horror stories about getting food poisoning abroad. I have a close friend that visited several of the smaller countries in Southeast Asia last Fall. They traveled the back roads and some mornings ate their breakfast out of metal buckets with no problems, image that. If you are travelling in rural areas be smart — wash your hands a lot, avoid tap water, ice and be careful with fruits and vegetables.


NOT BOTHERING TO LEARN BASIC FOREIGN PHRASES


English is indeed widely spoken all over the world, but not making any effort will just make everyone hate you   believe me, I was treated with great disdain from a women in Paris years ago for not saying "bonjour" before asking for directions. If at all possible, at least say a greeting in the other person's language, and then say, 'Do you speak English?' right after that, don't do as I Do  do as I SAY! I've been told it really irritates locals when tourist automatically speaking English in a foreign county. Yes, it's likely that a lot of people, especially in touristy spots, will speak English, but the presumption that they do so is really obnoxious. If nothing else, learn how to say hello, thank you, and please in the local language of the country you are visiting.


RELYING ONLY ON CREDIT CARDS FOR PURCHASES


Carrying zero cash and using only your debit card to pay for a bottle of water is growing more and more common in the U.S., but when you're abroad, you can't count on plastic. Credit cards are not widely accepted in some countries, before touring the Colosseum last Summer in Rome the vendor out front selling water was 'CASH ONLY' — and if you know me, I had to have a bottle of water! However you do want to bring along a credit card and even a debit card, it is a good idea, but leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. If for some bizarre reason you run out of cash, the U.S. Embassy can help you with everything from contacting friends and family on your behalf for wire transfers or giving you a loan to get back to the States. This shouldn't happen though if you have planned well.


NEGLECTING TO RESEARCH A COUNTRY'S CUSTOMS


If you have been watching the Olympics this last month you may have noticed that when the crowd is whistling, the television announcer will quickly explain that it is the Eastern European symbol of booing. Seriously who knew? Wouldn't that be awful if you were unaware of the local customs and whistled loudly for a job well done and instead of a show of positive affirmation the crowd thinks you are booing, a very negative gesture in America. Whether it is a greeting, gift giving, exchanges of money (to put money in someones hand or on the table), handshakes, body language or food  do your research!


BRINGING BACK SOUVENIRS/ANTIQUES THEY THINK THEY ARE ENTITLED TO


Don't be too hasty hauling that vase out of the country. Absconding with a piece of a country's history —whether you knew it was authentic or not — isn't smiled upon. Some countries, like Turkey, Egypt, and Mexico, have strict laws on antiques. If you purchase a souvenir that authorities believe is a national treasure, you may be arrested, whether you knew them to be or not. In countries with strict control of antiques, document your purchases as reproductions if that is the case.


AMERICANS WHO FORGET THEY ARE REPRESENTING THE REST OF US


You can't cancel out the bad behavior of every American traveling abroad, but you can make a difference by being a positive example of a U.S. citizen. Americans in general have a pretty bad reputation to try to live down. Any time you can go the extra mile to use every courtesy that's available to you to show appreciation— even if they don't return it, I think that is part of what it means to be an ambassador for your country when you travel abroad. 


PACKING SOMETHING STUPID


Other countries' regulations can make going through airport security in the States look easy. Abroad, if you bring over an item that so much as looks dangerous, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law. A foreign country's laws can be different from laws in the United States. For example, some countries have strict laws on weapons  in some cases, possessing something as small as a pocketknife or a single bullet can get you into legal trouble. Clean out your suitcase before you start packing.


FLASHING MONEY AROUND


Peeling bills off of wads of cash won't endear you to the locals. However, showing the contents of your wallet and taking large amounts of money out of foreign ATMs in full view of everyone will make you popular with pickpockets. The cash machine itself could be a thief in disguise too. Look closely at an ATM before using it, as criminals have been known to place 'skimmers' on the machines, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Travel smart!


ASSUMING EVERYONE'S THERE TO WAIT ON THEM


Having vacation savings to burn doesn't guarantee the royal treatment everywhere you go. There are two keys to not being a rude American: "Being a little bit patient and not assuming that everybody here is here to clamor over your tourist dollars is important," says Anna Post, co-author of Emily Post's Etiquette 18th Edition. Back in 1922, Emily herself wrote a book chapter titled "Europe's Unflattering Opinion of Us." Unfortunately, very little has changed. For years, we Americans have swarmed over the face of the world, taking it for granted that the earth's surface belongs to us because we can pay for it. Sadly, this is why most of the world's population hates Americans.

Be prepared, read up on any number of subjects you find important to your travel. You work hard, save for sometimes years at a time for a vacation of a lifetime. Don't let it be ruined by your 'foreign faux pas'!


American, tourist, foreign faux pas, good citizen of the world, things NOT to do as you travel abroad,


Monday, February 17

Fall-Apart Tender Slow Roast Pork

Basically, with our children gone from home, Mr.P and I get to pretty much do what we want. It's very much like being on an extended vacation -- interspersed with work -- it's quite wonderful actually. Don't get me wrong, we LOVED raising our children and everything it came with. School projects, trips to the drug store at 2 am for meds, stepping on Legos with bare feet, and let's not forget all of the wah, wah, wahs! Yes we miss it, but have appreciated the adventure of rediscovering our once independent selves. Right about now you may be asking yourself, "What in the world does any of this have to do with Pork Roast?" The truth is, the last thing I want to do these days is to spend hours in the kitchen. Of all the meals -- hello, the easiest and by far most mouth-watering meals -- I make, this would be number one. Isn't it nice to know that some things, some meals, even in their simplistic state can still retain a little special occasion sheen. Dressed up or down, this roast pork is a crowd-pleaser all around. Roast it for Sunday night dinner and eat on it all week in sandwiches, tacos, on pasta or even rice bowls - Mr.P's favorite! This recipe is a keeper, enjoy guys.

Fall-Apart Tender Slow Roast Pork
With only 5 ingredients, this roast pork couldn't be any more effortless OR delicious.
MAKES 6 SERVINGS
Print Friendly and PDF

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 (4 pound) Pork Butt Roast
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 cup Apple Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
WHAT TO DO
  • Preheat oven to 400 F. Arrange shelf slightly below center.
  • Place pork roast in a casserole that is just large enough to hold it and that has a lid.
  • Sprinkle pork on all sides with Worcestershire sauce. Press brown sugar on top and sides of pork. Pour apple juice into the bottom of the casserole dish, making sure not to wash off the brown sugar. 
  • Cover casserole - if you don't have a covered casserole dish cover with foil TIGHTLY.
  • Place in the oven and immediately turn the temperature down to 200 F. Roast for 5 hours WITHOUT opening the oven door. 
  • Remove casserole lid or foil after 5 hours, uncover and return to the oven for an additionally 30 minutes to brown the top and sides. 
  • Remove from oven and if meat does not fall apart easily, roast an additional 30 minutes. This should do it. Remove from the oven and using two forks pull meat apart and remove bone. Stir in the salt and cover meat with all of the juices. 
NOTE:
This can also be cooked in a slow cooker. Start out on high for 30 minutes then reduce to low for remainder of the day. Either way it's delish!


easy, pork, roast, casserole, slow-cooker,  mouth-watering meal, family, special occasion

Friday, February 14

Paris' Pont de l'ArchevĂȘchĂ© Bridge ~ Are You Love Locked This Valentine's Day?

If you think romance is passĂ©, you haven't been to Paris with a young woman in LOVE! In fact, all you need to do is look at Paris' Pont de l'ArchevĂȘchĂ© bridge to see love and romance are being displayed in full force. The Paris “love locks” are a phenomenon in the city. For those of you who haven’t heard of them, here's the story. A couple in love writes their names on a padlock and locks it onto the bridge, it is a symbol of  “locking their souls together” and then they throw the key into the Seine River as a symbol of their undying love. Some say the only way to break the seal of love brought on by this love lock act is to find the key and unlock the padlock. Of course, that is nearly impossible, since the keys lie at the bottom of the river. This reality induces many brokenhearted individuals to return with bolt cutters to try to chop off the padlocks. I had never heard of this story, but obviously our daughter had. While we were in Paris last June, our little threesome miraculously came across the Pont de l'ArchevĂȘchĂ©, a pedestrian bridge that sits in the shadow of Notre Dame. It's a beautiful diminutive bridge and E was ecstatic when she saw the locks. She was missing her Bradley back home in Texas and she wasn't leaving that bridge until she had carried out this ritual of love for her sweetheart. It was endearing.......

 

I turned around to find Mr.P making out a lock for the two of us -- of course I gushed!


 Do you see our key mid-air?


Notre Dame didn't cast any shadows this fine June day, but isn't she beautiful?


Towards the end of the Pont de l'ArchevĂȘchĂ© bridge there were musicians and artists entertaining the tourists and locals alike. E and I stood by and savored this very Parisian moment. I wondered if she was thinking of Bradley and how much she would have enjoyed wandering Paris while holding his hand.


Having your Mom hug you on Paris' Love Lock Bridge is just NOT the same!


Whether you’re just admiring the ocean of locks or adding to the collection, this bridge is definitely worthy of a stop while in Paris. I wonder how many couples are pledging their love today on Valentine's Day???

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA

We even came across a newly married couple buying a lock to add to this very famous bridge.

love, Valentine's Day, Paris, young, lovers, locks, undying, pledge, unbroken, promise, tradition, famous, story, Pont de l'ArchevĂȘchĂ©

Thursday, February 13

How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count The Ways.....

OK, I'm just going to say it -- if you have a hard time telling your spouse you love them, I'm a firm believer in using whatever tools that you have on hand to help you. Because when you get right down to it, your spouse just wants and needs to 'HEAR IT'! And whether you realize it or not, it is your job to tell them, plain and simple. And really how hard can it be? If you don't know what to say, then Google it for goodness sakes! There are literally thousands upon thousands of websites out there with lists at the ready to help you -- and mine would be one of them. Here's my list of things I love about Mr.P! I share them with you in the hopes that you will get inspired and tell your husband or wife how much you love them as well.

I love that you take care of me when I am sick.
I love burying my face in your chest.
I love your arms around my waist.
I love that you love me no matter what the scale says!
I love that you have a heart for Christ.
I love that you are a hard worker and take care of us financially. 
I LOVE that you can make me laugh with just one look.
I love that you are faithful.
I love that you love our children and are a great Father.
I love that you know how much I HATE to be tickled!
I love when you snuggle with me.
I love that you can get me warm when I'm cold.
I love that you will kill bugs for me.
I love your great sense of humor.
I love that you will let me drive -- even though you hate my driving.
I love that you will go back to the store when I've forgotten something.
I love our political debates.
I love that I can disagree with you!
I love that you have encouraged me over the years to find my passion.
I love that you don't mind me spending money to fuel my creativity.    
I love that you are my best friend.
I love that you clean out the cat litter box.
I love that you help me with 'projects' -- think back to the day we moved E into her dorm at TWU!!
I love that you haven't thrown me off the bus for my rants!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you LOVE to travel with me.
I love that you communicate with me.
I love that after spending $200.00 at the grocery store you will still go and get take out!
I love that you laugh with me.
I love that you take the time to explain things to me.
I love that you are patient with me when I'm trying to think of a word!
I love that you hold my hand tight on take offs and landings.
I love knowing I can wake you up to go buy glue sticks at midnight when I'm in the middle of a project.
I love that you will clean the shower when my back hurts.
I love that you dance in the living room with me -- even though you think it's silly.
I love that you still open doors for me.
I love that with one look I know we are thinking the exact same thing.
I love our inside jokes.
I love that you will hold my hand and kiss me in public.
I love listening to you sing -- even if it's Italian opera.      
I love that you try to speak the language in whatever country we happen to find ourselves in.
I love it when you kiss the back of my neck.
I love that I can relax and be myself with you.
I love that God created you just for me.
I love the way you look when you dress up.
I love your kind heart.
I love that you put God first and family second.
I love that you own your CPA practice, giving our family extreme flexibility.
I love that you trust me.
I love that you listen to me.
I love that you will wear knee socks and sandals to the grocery store just to embarrass your daughter.
I love that you chose me.
I love that after all this time you are still passionate.
I love the smell of your cologne.
I love that you don't mind when I listen to loud music while I'm baking.
I love who you are and what you stand for.
I love that you love America!
I love that you enjoy searching our genealogy together.
I love that you are there for me when I need you.
I love that you read your Bible.
I love that you prayed every night with the kids when they were growing up.     
I love that you love 'Bear' and other silly things.
I love that you are always willing to help out a friend.
I love that you are fervent about world events.
I love that you will hold me when I cry.
I love that you 'get' me.
I love that you fill up the gas tank for me.
I love that you are strong.
I love that you try and please me.
I love that you want the best for our children.
I love that you are inventive with a roll of duct tape.
I love that you are committed to our marriage no matter what!
I love that you compliment me.
I love that you can still surprise me after all of these years.
I love that I'm still attracted to you.
I love that even when I feel fat and ugly you find me sexy.
I love that you let things roll off of your back.
I love that you take the time to encourage our children.
I love it when you put your arm around me.
I love that you take out the trash for me.
I love that you don't care what others think.      
I love that you find joy in life.
I love that we can have fun together just by going to the bookstore. 
I love that you will check a hotel room two or three times before we leave, making sure nothing is left behind.
I love that you are incredibly intelligent.
I love that you don't make others feel small.
I love that you are sentimental, keeping all of our love letters and memorabilia. 
I love that you enjoy spending time with me.
I love that wayward eyebrow you have.
I love that you can/could sew on Boy Scout patches and drive at the same time.
I love that you have good manners.
I love that you are possessive and can be a little bit jealous on occasion.
I love that you are forgiving of my mistakes.
I love that you don't let things get you down.
I love that your only expectation of me is to just be ME!
I love how you want to explore the world....with me!
I love your memory of the smallest details from years past.
I love that you always kiss me goodnight, goodbye and hello.
I love that you know when not to say anything.
I love that you rise to the occasion in adverse situations.
I love that you never take off your wedding band.     
I love that you'll try anything once.
I love that you can laugh at yourself.
I love that you have helped with every party we have ever thrown, whether it be for children or adults.
I love that old green coat you wear, all of the time -- it's so YOU!
I love that you go to great lengths to provide for and please the family God has given you.
I love that you love me.

I stopped at 105, but could have gone on. Sit down and make your list -- you will be surprised at how easy it can be, especially if it comes from a grateful heart. I plan to pick my favorites, write them down and tie them individually to red helium balloons for Valentine's Day. Placing them around the house for Mr.P to find, so much better than a card or anything else I could do. He needs to hear how much I love and appreciate him. Find your own words and creative way to tell your spouse how you feel this Valentine's Day and everyday of the year. You will be astonished at what it can do for your relationship. HAVE FUN!!

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA

A very special evening with Mr.P in NYC's Greenwich Village.

love, husband, wife, Valentine's Day, expressing, telling hearing, list, amour, daily, creative, loving, words, kind, grateful, heart


Wednesday, February 12

Love In The Morning with Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls

What says love like a fresh baked batch of cinnamon rolls? Serve some up to your sweetie for Valentine’s Day! Cinnamon rolls are already one of Mr.P's favorite treats, so why not pinch them into little hearts on the Day of Love? Ooh la la. And these cinnamon rolls? They taste like Cinnabons -- crazy crazy good! XOXO!

SWEETHEART CINNAMON ROLLS
To make an extra special breakfast treat, without much effort, try these heart-shaped cinnamon rolls. 
You make them with canned rolls, believe me your family will be delighted.
MAKES 5 ROLLS
Print Friendly and PDF
INGREDIENTS
1 can Grands Cinnamon Rolls, any kind
Any extra goodies, like raisins, pecans, red hots, etc.


WHAT TO DO
  • Take cinnamon rolls out of the can and place them individually on to a piece of wax or parchment paper.
  • Unroll each cinnamon roll, one by one, and add any extras along the inside of the roll.
  • Roll each cinnamon roll back up into the shape of a heart, pinching the bottom of each heart into a point.
  • Place heart-shaped cinnamon rolls into a round greased cake pan or on a cookie sheet lined with non-stick foil or parchment paper. 
  • Bake according to package directions.
  • Spread with icing as soon as the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven.
  • Serve with a cup of hot chocolate and LOVE!


It doesn't take much effort or time to do little unexpected acts of love for your family. 
If not everyday, especially on Valentine's Day!

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA


Valentine's Day, cinnamon rolls, treat, family, quick, easy, delight, tasty, breakfast, baked,

Tuesday, February 11

MY PASSION: Reading Nooks For Cuddling Up With A Good Book

I was very fortunate to have have grown up in a home where a high priority was placed on books and reading. I fell in love with reading at an early age - I won a creative poster contest at my elementary school and received my choice of 5 free books, and with that I was hooked! Twenty years later I married a man with the same passion, in turn our two wonderful children value reading as well. We are truly blessed and in my opinion, every home should be enriched by a bookcase (or two), no matter how minimalist its design may be. Most people prefer reading in bed before sleep or taking a good book outside to find a sunny park bench. But what if you had the perfect place to read and learn conveniently integrated in your own home? In this post, I decided to showcase some of the most beautiful reading corners I have encountered while researching ideas for our home - we are empty-nesters with a few rooms to spare! Narrowing it down was extremely tough, there are so many amazing photos of reading corners that I adore. Some of them feature stylish armchairs, interesting floor arrangements, improvised windowsills or simple corners with lots and lots of pillows. Creating the perfect reading space doesn’t require building a window-seat or converting a closet. A reading nook can be the perfect way to transform an awkward corner, windowsill or loft space into a warm, comfortable area for a little reading and relaxation. Whether it's for kids or grown-ups, these cozy, well-lit reading spots will set a peaceful tone in any home, and they're surprisingly easy to set up. If you're thinking about adding one to your home, look through the pictures below for a few tranquil and restful design ideas. Enjoy the photos!


There are few things more relaxing than spending a Sunday afternoon at home, curled up with a good book -- so why not create a cozy area just for this purpose for your family to enjoy? Every home should have a spot reserved for reading. Call it what you want–a Book Nook, Reading Corner, Big Book Chair, whatever–but with a few key pieces, your home can have a cozy reading corner. Making it easy to enjoy every book to it's fullest -- you'll be glad ya did!

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA

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