Big news....

Who thinks I need a red door? (and/or a tree trimmer?)

like this one of Melisa Russo of the lil bee via instagram

Hey dolls! I know, I've been neglectful and silent for too many days. I think all of my kitchen gadgets are now covered in a substantial layer of dust, but I promise this isn't a sign of rebellion or in vain.  All of this is because of some very, very exciting news... we're moving to a house. YES! We are saying good-bye to apartment life (hopefully until we're too old to want to tend to a yard) and moving into our first home, complete with a picket fence, backyard and lots of natural light. Don't worry Apartment Therapy, I still love you and plan to visit regularly for your small dwelling and exceptional design ideas. Things around here have been so quiet because most of my free time has been spent packing and planning and moving some things to the new place and by the end of those days we're eating out or indulging in Dressing on the Side repeats (hey, who doesn't have old standbys of perfect meals for hectic days?) . While I've promised to focus on food and fashion here, I'll probably be stopping in with home inspirations and DIYs every now and then if that's okay with all of you--this is such an exciting time I want to share it with my beloved readers. (I can't wait to pick up our french country farm table Wednesday!) I'm hoping to plant a vegetable garden, make a corn hole set and have lots of fun photos of our first summer with a backyard. (Raise your hand if you want to see lots of pictures of Ranger roaming in the "wild"! My hand is up..)

or if you'll settle for a Ranger taco...

I haven't totally abandoned my kitchen for the move!

I was a little busy in the kitchen for Easter preparing a family lasagna recipe, complete with homemade meatballs and sauce (I'll share pictures but if I gave you the recipe I'd have to kill you---and I'd hate to lose you as readers and friends over a little impatience....maybe someday..) and a banana cream pie (that I can share the recipe to).

So I'm asking a few things of you in turn for a few promises from me: be patient with me and check back often to see what new has been cooking up. I'll promise to update at least a few times a week, even if it's just to share some inspiration or some simple tricks I've picked up over time in the kitchen for the next few weeks until we're settled.

I'll be back tomorrow with some pictures of the lasagna and a post about my second by in two weeks, this time banana cream.