Blog
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Hello June!! A new month with new possibilities! This is one of my favorite months as summer starts, my favorite season! So ready for all that this season brings, feels like this winter/spring lasted a long time!
Last week was busy! Workouts, tennis, Memorial Tournament, oh and painting!! I am happy to be back this week and not on a ladder painting a high wall. Loved the project and the result but this one was a big project! I loved having a break in it all. Hopping over to Murfield for the Memorial Pro Am last Wednesday was a perfect pause in the painting. Went out with Mari, Tuck and Tuck’s best friend David. We had a blast! Loved seeing the celebrity golfers but really loved seeing my favorite pros out there doing their thing. One aspect of golf I love is the up close view. You get to see the players and their play intimately. This day is now becoming an annual tradition with the kids. I am totally here for it. Memory making at its best.
Race Recap: FORE! MILER-The unofficial kick off to the Memorial Tournament this race never disappoints. I have run it for years and every year it just gets better. This is an evening race, not my fav but I love it none the less. The weather was great, with a little rain as I finished. I ran happy and felt strong for all four miles. The finish was parallel to the 18th green, headed right over to it for some pics after receiving my medal. Oh, and one of the SAWG perks from registering for. this race, a free practice round pass to the tournament!! Seriously, if you love golf, make sure to get moving and put this race on your calendar for next year!
TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THESE AMAZING M3SSPORTS EVENTS CLICK HERE
BANANA BOAT SUMMER COLOR SELF-TANNING LOTION-I have tried several different kinds of self tanner and this one is my fav! Easy to apply, smells amazing, lasts and is under $10!! Easy order on Amazon, click on the link above to check it out.
KIT SCH STRENGTHENING RICE WATER SOLID SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER-So these are brand new to me. I do a lot of blonde highlighting to my hair and heat styling. As a result, it has become brittle. I have experienced a major breakage. Like major. Top of my head, a section seriously is missing. I have no idea when it broke off but it did. So now I am repairing the damage as well as working on regrowth. My stylist is working with me. I have a regimen of hair masks and heat styling spray. I also take biotin supplements and powder collagen. I, of course saw these bars on an IG ad and wondered enough about them I ordered them. LOVE them! They are literally soap bars, easy to use. No clogged bottle top, no missing out on the last little bit left. It’s hard to tell if they are making a difference in terms of growth yet. However, the texture has changed for the better! Again an easy order on Amazon! Click on the link above if you are curious.
Now that our house is in full summer mode we are meal prepping!!! Tuck, Mari and I are working hard to prepare our lunches. Having meals ready to go will make this season flow with ease. Eating healthy, and planning ahead gives us the ability too fuel in the best way possible. One thing needed for meal prep are containers. We have been through several versions of meal prep containers, like several. I think we have finally landed on a version that will work for us this summer. The containers are reusable plastic that can be microwaved and washed in the dishwasher. We were struggling to identify each other’s lunches. As I searched for containers, we found some with different colored bottoms. That was the solution. We each picked a color we liked. Now, once they are created and placed in the fridge for the week, we know who’s is who’s. Easy peasy…I love it when things are color coded and organized especially in the kitchen!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CONTAINERS WE PURCHASED
THE PROJECT: PAINT THE LIVING ROOM-It has been 13 years since this space received love. Oh my goodness it really needed it! A process this was for sure. Starting with patching ALL the holes, every wall had ton! I let the patching dry for 24 hours, then went back in to sand it out. There was dust everywhere! Painting started, took my time with each wall, baseboard and trim for the first coat. Over the next few days I applied 4 coats! Seriously, four coats! Going from a dark tan to white I expected a few but not four. To be honest, I could probably do a fifth coat in a few spots.
I had some leftover navy blue paint. I used it to paint the outside of the front and back doors a while ago. Used that to make a statement space in our entryway. It is bold, sleek and a great contrast to the white. Also very east coastal, which is the vibe I am going for.
I planned my supplies just right, with rollers, brushes, painter tape and paint. Super proud of myself for that. Had enough white left to paint switch covers and shelves in an antique hutch we have.
The space feels bright, airy and open now, in contrast with the dark “den” like feel of the dark tan. I am using the navy, neutral tans and some gold as accent colors in accessories.
This of course has sparked more projects as our home is a cape cod ranch. One room flows very much into another. First piece to finish in turning the mantel, inside front door and back door from black to navy. This is in process. The hallway off of the entryway will be next. It is brown and cream striped (which I love). I will be keeping the stripes, but they will be going navy and white. The kids bathroom will go from tan and red to some form of the white and navy. And then the kitchen, that will be another big project. Excited for the work to come, but taking a moment to love on the work I have already put in.
With so many celebratory events happening this time of year, gifting is at a high. And with gifting comes the thanking. Showing gratitude to someone for their thoughtfulness is the upmost importance.
My Great Aunt Peg was a stickler for a well written THANK YOU NOTE. There were rules to how it was to be written. There were also rules on the timing of sending the note. You must include a kind first greeting sentence. Then, follow with a thank you. Specifically, describe the gift and how you will use it. Then close with a thoughtful salutation. The timing of the note, the THANK YOU must be written and sent within one week of receiving the gift. She was very serious about that part, very.
Well, times have changed haven’t they? The art of the handwritten note is becoming extinct. I loved using the beautiful stationery. My Mom always had some sort of Crane note cards/paper in her office. I enjoyed using a great pen and writing in my notorious script handwriting.
To be honest, I haven’t written a thank you note on that pretty stationary in ages. My THANK YOUS have come in forms of texts, emails and even dms on social media. I think this is becoming more main stay. I am ok with it. I should be, as I am guilty of it myself. As long as a THANK YOU is said, in no matter the form that is what is important. My Aunt Peg would be in a total tizzy right now if she were reading this, I just know it. It is the thought and the gesture that matters, not the form it is sent in.
Celebrating life’s small things, the glimmers. SUNRISES and SUNSETS. In the summer these everyday occurrences become special events. Waking early, coffee in hand to catch the beauty before the day starts. Making a point to find the sunset, with friends, family and community. Grabbing a blanket to sit on, snacks and even a cocktail to toast the end of a lovely day. In the summer it becomes a place of coming together. You will start to realize these sweet, small and short celebrations will become something you cherish and look forward to. SUNRISES and SUNSETS will become some of your greatest core memories.
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on the blog
ON THE BLOG taking this week off. Have been deep in painting our living room. I am LOVING this project but it is a big project! I will for sure be sharing the process and outcome of this project here and on my social. A new blog post will be coming your way as soon as this is complete!
LIVING COLORFULLY,
TORRE🩷
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on the blog
Hanging onto the last days of spring but so looking forward to the summer season! Marked by Memorial Day-the unofficial start of summer. This weekend is THE weekend…all the summer fun kicks off and I am here for it all.
It has felt more like spring here in Columbus the last few weeks. Temps have been in the 60’s with more rain than sunshine. Which makes sense as the Memorial Tournament starts next week. It is well known that rain comes when the tournament starts. Local lore states that the Murfield Village Golf Club was built near Chief Leatherlips grave site. As a result, Leatherlips cursed the Memorial Tournament. The curse is said to be the cause of the rain during this PGA event every year.
I will take the tournament with the rain, love the vibe and feel that comes with the Memorial. Golf has been a part of my life since I was born. It is a family sport on both sides. I have been immersed in it. Being on the course, close to the pros there is nothing like it. Jack Nicklaus knows how to host an event!
Cheers, my friends to all things Memorial Day Weekend!
FOR THE LOVE OF SPORT, FITNESS AND HEALTH
Caparison is the thief of joy. #truth. This has been floating round my mind lately. It is so easy with social media to visually see what others are accomplishing by the minute. What we see is sometimes just the accomplishment, the end result. The highlight reel. The grind and story behind that may not be as visible.
This journey is yours. Your sport, your fitness, your health. It is yours and yours alone…celebrate your steps forward, backward and the in between. Use others journeys and accomplishments as inspiration. Inspiring each other is what it is all about-that is where connection resides.
I find that focusing on what you can do, what you are doing-on the positive shifts your mind frame. Instead of looking at others and wanting what they have, look inward. Create the life you want, keep your joy flowing!
EVENTS TO GET YOU MOVING
THE RACE 9.71k INAUGURAL EVENT!
Event: 9.71k The Race
Date: June 21, 2025
Location: Otterbein University, 180 Center St., Westerville, Ohio 43081
Distance: 9.71k I 5K I 1 Mile
Start Time: 9 a.m.
The 9.71k The Race running and walking event will feature three events: 9.71k Run / Walk (6.03 miles), The Fan 5K Run / Walk (3.1 miles) and the Common Man Mile Walk.
97.1 The Fan hosts such as Mike “Common Man” Ricordati, Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith, Eric Rieser and Tyvis Powell will be at the event.
The 9.71k The Race will be held at Otterbein University, with Start and Finish near the Clements Center.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE RACE
USE CODE: TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION!
RUN WILD 5K
Event: Run Wild 5K
Date: July 6, 2025
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium , 4850 W. Powell Road, Columbus, Ohio 43065
Distance: 5K
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Run For A Reason:
Run Wild directly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s most pressing needs, ensuring exceptional care for the animals who call our Zoo home and enhancing world-class experiences for our guests. From habitat improvements and veterinary care to education programs that inspire the next generation of conservationists, your contributions help sustain our mission every day.
Spectator Registration:
Spectator registration will be available for $25 per person. All event attendees must have either a Participant or Spectator ticket to enter Zoombezi Bay on Event Day. Race participation and spectator tickets include all day admission to Zoombezi Bay and the Columbus Zoo on Sunday, July 6. You will receive an email closer to race day with instructions on how to purchase Spectator tickets. Spectator tickets are limited to 2 per runner and will be available on a first come, first served basis.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR RUN WILD 5K
USE CODE:TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION
MY FAVORITE THINGS
I LOVE this lip balm!!! Have used it for years. I have more than one open at all times. They are all over the house, in each hand bag, in jacket pockets, in my car console etc. Am I the only one?
Just found these on my last trip to Costco. OMG, these are so good!! Love the higher protein, low sugar and only 140 calories. I am a fan!!
IN THE KITCHEN
We always seem to have a few bananas go bad before we can eat them…today we had three. The “just right” amount to make BANANA BREAD! I always say I am going to make the bread but then never do. Today I did, along with Marin! Love having her home from college! The recipe I use is a “church lady” recipe from our church’s old cookbook. It was published around the time Marc and I were married. Church members submitted their favorite recipes. A book was created. It is tried and true. I don’t add walnuts, there is something about nuts in bread I just don’t like.
HOME AND GARDEN
One of my favorite home improvement projects is painting. I think by now I have painted every room in our home at least twice. It is a simple project. You can complete it in a short time which creates a large impact on a space. I am now working on our living room which hasn’t been updated in 13 years! This space has been very “den like”. Very Country French mixed with Ralph Lauren . Dark walls, dark reds, and accents of roosters and pops of blues and whites.
The current color is dated and the walls are in need of care. This space out of them all is the most used there for the most loved. As summer begins, I am ready to create a transformation. It will be light and bright. A more Cape Cod/East Coast feel. Whites, blues and maybe pops of lime green. A space that we can feel cozy and joyful in for the next few years.
Will be sharing more as this project continues here and on my social.
PLEASE AND THANK YOU
Take the time. Take the time to hold a door for someone. To put your grocery cart completely away. To look someone in the eye and say hello. To complement someone. To smile. To say PLEASE and THANK YOU. Take the time to think of others around you and how your actions of kindness can make someone’s day.
Take the time to make the space around you better than it was when you arrived. Un-rack your weights and clean the equipment you use in the gym. Think of the words you use before you use them. Put your phone down when with others-focus on the moment in front of you (this is not so easy these days, for me too)
Etiquette isn’t always about being prim and proper. It is kindness in simple forms.
CELEBRATING BRIGHTLY
Tis the GRAD PARTY season! One of my favorite seasons! Loved creating Marin’s high school Grad Party two years ago. We hosted the celebration in our backyard, it was perfect and just how we wanted to celebrate our girl.
Started the planning early in the year by booking the tent, tables, chairs and linens. We booked these items with a local event company in January. This ensured we had what we needed.
Our theme of course centered around her school colors (royal blue and white) we also incorporated tennis into it all. Under the blue tent were all of Marin’s photos, awards, mementos. We used a vintage tennis ball hopper for guests to place cards and gifts in.
One of my favorite decor items was the series of first day/last day pics. We have been taking these pics every year since Kindergarten. I created side by side pics of each year and printed yard signs on vista print. We then lined them from K-12 in the front yard. They lead all the way past the blue tent in the backyard. You can see them on the left side of the blue tent in the photo below.
We had the celebration catered by a wonderful local caterer…super helpful in all the ways! Cookies were created by one of our favorites bakes by lo…she always does a wonderful job! Our main goal was celebrating Ms. Marin, enjoying the day as hosts as well as spending time with our guests. I can honestly say, we accomplished all of those things! Two years later I look at these pics with so much happiness!
LIVING COLORFULLY
TORRE 🩷
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on the blog
Starting this week with a full and happy heart. This past weekend we moved Marin home from college and celebrated Mother’s Day. Having our house full once again was the best gift! Love when our family band is all together and under one roof for a bit. This stage of life with Marin and Tucker is my favorite. Watching them grow, thrive, and fly into their young adult lives has been exciting.
FOR THE LOVE OF SPORT, FITNESS AND HEALTH
Up with the sunrise. I am an early morning athlete. Getting up before the rest of the world wakes up when things are at peace is my jam. I run best, I workout best, I play tennis best in the mornings. I find it key to my consistency to get that movement in early. My brain doesn’t have a chance to think about what it’s doing. I just get up and go. Am I tired? Yep. Are there days I would rather stay in bed? Yep. This is a commitment to myself and that above anything or anyone is my why. I am worth losing sleep for. It sets my day up for success. That post workout endorphin buzz pushes my day forward with drive and intention. If you aren’t a morning human, I challenge you to try the early morning grind just once. See how you feel, that little positive kick might just flow into the rest of your day!
EVENTS TO GET YOU MOVING
FORE! MILER PRESENTED BY THE OHIO STATE WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER AND THE JAMES
May 22, 2025
Muirfield Village Golf Club, 5750 Memorial Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017
4 miles
7 p.m.
The FORE! Miler is a 4-mile road race open to runners and walkers. Finishing on the 18th green. It will kick off the 50th playing of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday.
This year’s Post-Race Party will again be held in the Golden Bear Club. Every runner and walker will receive one complimentary beverage at the party. Participants 21 and over are eligible for a select beer, wine, or signature mixed drink.
Practice Round Tickets
Each race participant receives one (1) complimentary ticket. This ticket is a Good Any Day Practice Round Ticket to the 2025 Memorial Tournament presented by Workday. The complimentary digital ticket is valid for single-day use on Monday, May 26; Tuesday, May 27; or Wednesday, May 28. It will be emailed to you on Friday, May 23 at the same email address to which you registered for the FORE! Miler.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE FORE! MILER
USE CODE:TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION!
THE RACE 9.71k INAUGURAL EVENT!
Event: 9.71k The Race
Date: June 21, 2025
Location: Otterbein University, 180 Center St., Westerville, Ohio 43081
Distance: 9.71k I 5K I 1 Mile
Start Time: 9 a.m.
The 9.71k The Race running and walking event will feature three events: 9.71k Run / Walk (6.03 miles), The Fan 5K Run / Walk (3.1 miles) and the Common Man Mile Walk.
97.1 The Fan hosts such as Mike “Common Man” Ricordati, Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith, Eric Rieser and Tyvis Powell will be at the event.
The 9.71k The Race will be held at Otterbein University, with Start and Finish near the Clements Center.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE RACE
USE CODE: TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION!
MY FAVORITE THINGS
WHITE BUTTON DOWN
A simple white button down is the essential piece to every women’s wardrobe. I have several. I honesty have not been wearing them enough lately and I plan to change that. Dressed up, dressed down it always looks crisp and put together. In this moment in my life I style my button downs casually. I little rolled sleeve and a pop of the collar, chefs kiss!
DIAMOND CELLAR SPARKLE AND SHINE STICK
A new fav of mine! For a quick way to have all of your sparkly things sparkle this SPARKLE AND SHINE STICK is amazing! It does the job and then some. I have multiple ways of cleaning my jewelry here at home but this by far is the easiest!
I don’t drink them often at all BUT when dining at FIGLIO I will order a COSMO. They make it just the way I like it. On Mother’s Day it along with my amazing pasta dinner was the perfect way to celebrate the day!
IN THE KITCHEN
With summer approaching, I have been thinking of two family favorite recipes. Marin was 2 when we first tried these. Marc and Marin used to watch Giada De Laurentiis on FoodNetwork. Even at 2 Marin was glued to this show. Giada had both these recipes on an episode and I went to find them online immediately. Made them for Picnic with the Pops that weekend…they are both perfect for summer picnics! Ever since these have been summer staples in our kitchen! THANK YOU GIADA!
Click below for recipes.
HOME AND GARDEN
Have been spending so much time in our back gardens this past week. Loved the sun on my skin and my toes in the dirt. We built our home 26 years ago, so I have come to know our backyard and how things grow well. We have a large tree next to our patio. It creates a lovely umbrella of shade over most of the yard.
The plants that I planned for this space have the shade in mind. In the past I have focused on annuals and herbs that love the shade. I love the color, texture, and vibe they bring. However, I can’t seem to keep them all alive through the entire summer. This year my focus is on perennials. These include bushes and plants that grow year after year. They don’t have to be repurchased and planted. Thinking long term for this yard and creating new gardens that will will develop in phases over the next year. I want the the lush, east coast look and what I have designed and planned will eventually be just that.
PLEASE AND THANK YOU
Starting out simple: something most of us do but I would be remiss if I didn’t start here. When dining or eating casually…place the napkin on your lap. If you are in a more formal/semi formal situation you will probably have a linen napkin to your left. It may also be rolled with utensils inside. Right after you sit down place the napkin on your lap.
When in a very casual situation using paper napkins, yep you guessed it the napkin goes on your lap. Aunt Peg trained me well. Even when I eat fast food, the tiny paper napkin will be in my lap. It feels unnatural not to have it there.
CELEBRATING BRIGHTLY
Making the small things big memory making events is something I absolutely love to do! King Charles Coronation was one small thing I made into a sweet memory. I am from deep British decent. My Mom would tell me stories of my Great Grandparents toasting the King every evening before dinner. Once he passed, and Elizabeth rose to the throne, they changed to toasting the Queen. My love for all things Brit and Royal comes to me honestly. The Coronation of King Charles was historic and I planned with every detail to celebrate it. Creating the celebration was quite simple. I pulled china, crystal, linens and sterling from our family collection. Printed out a celebration bunting from Pinterest and used ribbon I already had to put it together. Pastries came from one of our local shops. I hung the Union Jack alongside the Stars and Stripes and TADA I had a small, little Coronation party! It doesn’t take a lot to make a big impact and memories that last forever.
LIVING COLORFULLY
TORRE🩷
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on the blog
Well, well, welcome May! Finally we are here, finally we are closer to summer than winter. My heart and truly soul was patiently waiting. Waiting for nature to go from brown to green, for the air to feel warm and the sun to shine more than it didn’t. We have for sure been graced with lots of rainy days, like lots. We are waterlogged here in Columbus. After last summers drought I certainly do not want to dwell on days that are rainy.
Lots of busy this month-proms, graduations, college move-outs, end of school year stuff. In all the wonderful busy take time to look around and soak in the moments you can…it all moves so fast.
My mind has been simmering on so much recently. I have truly only touched upon the story of a female athlete with a little of the rest of life sprinkled in.
MORE THAN SPORT has been ringing deep. So much of my life, like years and years, has truly been spent immersed in LIFESTYLE. My athlete self has been, has gone and has risen again. It is one of my true loves but it is a piece of all my loves and passions.
With this thought, I am widening my vision for torrechadwick. I am keeping my love of sport but also including my passion for LIFESTYLE. I want to expand on the idea of sport/being an athlete to everyday fitness and health. Adding in home, garden, fashion, etiquette, entertaining-LIFESTYLE. Living life colorfully, boldly and brightly.
I will continue my female athlete coaching/mentoring and WALK AND TALKS as a piece of this brand. You can find those details clicking this link.
The new vision of ON THE BLOG is in this post. I am excited to jump into this new, fresh space. I hope you are too!
FOR THE LOVE OF SPORT, FITNESS AND HEALTH
Recovery. Recovery is not my strong suit. I have never been super patient with my body or time post race. In talking with my most amazing Personal Trainer Chistan, I need to be. I need to put great focus and intention into my recovery. As we age, the more we push the more and longer we need to recover. Post CAP CITY HALF this has been my goal.
With the many tools I have at home I spent the last week healing over worked muscles. Foam rolling, massage gun, stretching and above all resting! Except for a tennis lesson I kept my body quiet.
This week feels good, my body is ready to go back to my regular training. We are now in running off season so my miles will be short,fun, and more maintenance than anything. Having a break from training heals the body but for me also gives my mind a moment. Taking the intensity down and giving my athlete brain a chance to recover is super important for my mental health.
EVENTS TO GET YOU MOVING
FORE! MILER PRESENTED BY THE OHIO STATE WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER AND THE JAMES
May 22, 2025
Muirfield Village Golf Club, 5750 Memorial Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017
4 miles
7 p.m.
The FORE! Miler is a 4-mile road race open to runners and walkers. Finishing on the 18th green. It will kick off the 50th playing of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday.
This year’s Post-Race Party will again be held in the Golden Bear Club. Every runner and walker will receive one complimentary beverage at the party. Participants 21 and over are eligible for a select beer, wine, or signature mixed drink.
Practice Round Tickets
Each race participant receives one (1) complimentary ticket. This ticket is a Good Any Day Practice Round Ticket to the 2025 Memorial Tournament presented by Workday. The complimentary digital ticket is valid for single-day use on Monday, May 26; Tuesday, May 27; or Wednesday, May 28. It will be emailed to you on Friday, May 23 at the same email address to which you registered for the FORE! Miler.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE FORE! MILER
USE CODE:TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION!
THE RACE 9.71k INAUGURAL EVENT!
Event: 9.71k The Race
Date: June 21, 2025
Location: Otterbein University, 180 Center St., Westerville, Ohio 43081
Distance: 9.71k I 5K I 1 Mile
Start Time: 9 a.m.
The 9.71k The Race running and walking event will feature three events: 9.71k Run / Walk (6.03 miles), The Fan 5K Run / Walk (3.1 miles) and the Common Man Mile Walk.
97.1 The Fan hosts such as Mike “Common Man” Ricordati, Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith, Eric Rieser and Tyvis Powell will be at the event.
The 9.71k The Race will be held at Otterbein University, with Start and Finish near the Clements Center.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE RACE
USE CODE: TORREM3S10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR REGISTRATION!
MY FAVORITE THINGS
Another level up from ALL THE GEAR! I can’t wait to share more than my favorite running/tennis/athlete items here. This opens it up to seriously all the things and your favorite things too!
IN THE KITCHEN
I am constantly a work in progress in the kitchen. I am a good cook and I enjoy cooking and all things in the kitchen once I start. I truly just do not enjoy the process that gets us to the point of cooking. Meal planning, grocery shopping, the putting away of all the groceries. Ahhhh…it is all a lot too much for me. Marc truly does the majority of this for our family. When the kiddos were little I did do some real cooking from recipes etc…my goal in the time ahead is to get back into some of that. Finding my love for the kitchen again. As I venture into this space, I will share my favorite recipes here. Some are tried and true, dishes Mari and Tuck ask for today. I want to branch out and try new meals. I am eager to explore new treats and snacks. I also want to try your tried and true recipes. With healthy living in mind, I am excited to jump in and find the joy of my kitchen!
HOME AND GARDEN
Have loved interior design since childhood. My room growing up was always visually pleasing and organized. That has continued through my adult life and our home. I have a creative eye, making our house a home over the years has been a joy. I will admit to changing entire rooms around on a whim. Apparently, my Grandmother (my Mom’s Mom) used to do that quite a bit. My Mom always said we were so much alike and would have been as thick as thieves. My Grandmother passed away before I was born.
Gardening and my enjoyment of it came once Marc and I got married and built our house. My Mom was always in our gardens when we were young. She asked my sister and me to join and help her. It was never an interest to us…I remember trips to Lowes and to garden nurseries with her. Those trips were so painful. I could not have been more bored. Many times she would tell me, just wait. Wait until you have your own home, you will then love coming to these spots. OMG was she right!
I am a doer-I will move furniture on my own, paint walls, edge gardens, power wash the house etc. I will do before hiring out. I may not “do” it in “just the right’ way but it’s my way, and it works.
PLEASE AND THANK YOU
I have a vivid memory. I remember sitting at my Mom’s large round dining room table with my Great Aunt Peg. I must have been around 8 years old at the time. Aunt Peg was the quintessential hostess. She was considered “old money” and held onto the thinking that children should be seen and not heard. She spent what I felt were hours around that table with me teaching etiquette essentials. She also taught me etiquette pieces that not many know. I absorbed everything she said. To this day, I find it to be one of the most important lessons I have experienced.
Etiquette, knowing it and practicing it is important. It not only shows self respect but respect and care to the world around us. It can come off rigid and puffed up but ultimately at it’s core is a sign of kindness.
What I know and what I will share is “old school” etiquette. I know much has been updated to flow with where we are in today’s society. I will research and update myself as this piece of the blog develops. For right now, I will share Aunt Peg’s lessons, as she was my etiquette OG.
CELEBRATING BRIGHTLY
This is my happy space! Celebrating all the things! BIG and small…my goodness life itself is a celebration! Events, planning them, creating them, attending them etc have been my jam for a large part of my life. Entertaining and creating memories with humans that hit your heart is bucket filling. Part of events and entertaining is giving those on the receiving end of the experience all the feels. Elevating the celebration with extra personal touches is chefs kiss. It can be easy, inexpensive and simple. Truly it is the thought and effort that counts.
LIVING COLORFULLY
TORRE🩷