happenstance home

It has been so long since I've shared anything on here - I'm a little slow figuring out how blogger works :)

 I mostly share life on Instagram as of late - but decided I'd get back on here a little bit.  I will post about products and clothing I like and use - good recipes - and to list sources and photo's when I'm working on designs and renovations.   Going to a friends home tonight to talk design - and I'm excited about it!!!  I'm collaborating on a you tube set - we are stalled at the moment - but it's there.   And then I have a reno project that will be ongoing!   I'm going to use this blog more as a resource tool.  I like Instagram better for sharing on a daily basis. 

Anyhow - how about a new Monday Mix!


This board is basically full of things I own & then a couple design elements I'm pondering.

My sister in law bought this dress and it was so cute on her that I copied.  I ordered a small.  The stripes and the ruffle on the bottom.  And $20.99 right now!   I wear it with that top pair of flip flops, the necklace, earrings, and that watch!

I'm going right to the flip flops.  I got mine in the store for $1.50 a pair.  I own all of the colors above.  I wear a size 7.5 shoe normally and the size 7 and 8 flops both work for me.  Wear them with your jeans, shorts, and dresses.  I love them with my long dresses.

I watched Juliet, Naked on Amazon Prime.  Enjoyed it so much.  I'm going to read the book - and here is a link to the movie.

As a special treat to myself - Hint Water.  I'm not a fan of sparkling flavored waters, but I really like the little touch of flavor in each sip of this water.  They have some delicious flavors too - pineapple, watermelon, blackberry, etc.

My mind is spinning on design ideas.  I had this faucet in nickel with mint handles in my old laundry room.  I'm kinda liking this idea as well.  It is matte white with antique brass accents.

How about pairing that faucet with this beautiful tile.  Maybe using the tile on the wall instead of the floor.  Just one of the ideas I'm thinking about.

You don't have to hang this Stay Awhile sign - it's just as good sitting on a table or shelf!

I've worn this dainty inexpensive jewelry all Summer - the necklace has a tiny gold circle that catches the light.  The earrings are super delicate - also just a hint that you a wearing jewelry at all.  Layer the plain bar above the studded bar.   All of this jewelry comes in rose, white, or yellow gold.

For a pop of color - this pink watch.  It's a fun one to mix other colorful bracelets with.  When I was in TX I bought a pretty turquoise beaded bracelet with a matte gold flower that dangles off it.  That's good to put together - or even bright yellow.   I haven't been able to find the bracelet online.

Hope you enjoyed the mix.

*please note that this post does contain affiliate links :)

Hello again.

You might have noticed I took a long break from blogging and Instagram.  I'm not sure what this blog will look like in this coming year.   I've been working on some new things so I guess we will just have to see over time what my next step will be.  And I know I need to share the final kitchen photo's.  I've taken them all - I just need to sort through and edit.

For now I thought I'd share a unique grilled cheese sandwich I like to make.

I used a rosemary bread for this particular one - but really just buy your favorite flavor of bread from the bakery section of the supermarket.  Next step - only use a very light layer of butter on the one side of each piece of bread.  Like very light.  A little is better that a lot - I actually use Smart Balance Original.  Once again just use what you like - just don't saturate your bread :)


Next up - the mushrooms.  I like to sauté cut up mushrooms in a little Smart Balance - then I add a little sea salt and some raspberry balsamic vinegar.  Just eye all of the ingredients based on the amount of mushrooms you are cooking.

When the mushrooms are ready you can start layering sandwiches.   I use Vermont white cheddar in this recipe.  Lay one piece of bread butter side down - add a layer of cheese - top with some mushrooms (not in a bunch of cooking sauce) - and then break apart a few more small pieces of cheese.  Layer the little pieces on top of the mushrooms.  They will just help to glue the sandwich together.  Top with the last piece of bread butter side up and you are ready to cook.  You can use a griddle pan or a frying pan.  I like to use a medium low heat and I cook away until the bread gets that crispy browned color.



The last tip I have is stand your sandwich for a minute when you are finished cooking it so that the underside does not get soggy.  Then cut it, but still layer it in such a way on your plate that it is not sitting flat.  There is nothing sadder to me in sandwich land than soggy grilled bread.  Also, don't cut your cheese too thick.  

Funny thing is my sister and I ate in Royal Oak where Oprah had named their grilled cheese the best. My sister thought they had nothing on my grilled cheese sandwiches, and she is pretty picky.

Overall though I really think the secret is the crusty grilled bread.  It is worth it to take your time and not get impatient while cooking.  You can even flip your sandwich a couple times til you get the grilling just right.

Hope you try this mix of ingredients.  I think you just might love it!

This is the view from the great room into the kitchen.  The staircases were also changed to wood.


This is the view into the dining room and front room.  The pillars were removed and the half wall with pillars was also taken out.



This is the view from the front room to the rest of the house.  All the new floors.


Dining room to kitchen view.



Kitchen getting ready for the cabinets.


Inset door cabinets.  I love the clean look.