A beautiful cozy kitchen...love the rug

 

This kitchen before it was redone was not much of a show-stopper, but it has great bones.  The large paned windows over the sink and the cute back door that bring in all the natural light. 

The kitchen has such great colors.  I like to call them happy colors.

Beautiful Delray Beach, Florida

If you are looking for a cottage style vacation that is walking distance to the beach you should stay at the Hartman House Bed and Breakfast.

The historic home has been remodeled into the home you see below.   My favorite part of the home was the amazing landscaping, our own private hammock, the orange mousse, and the innkeepers;  Benita and Jordan.  She prepared for us chocolate french toast, fresh squeezed juice, pumpkin bread, spinach souffle......, everything was so delicious.  Jordan gave us a private tour of the city in his golf cart.  They gave us great restaurant recommendations.  We ate at Lemongrass, the Office, Spot Coffee, and Kilwin's (try these if you go).  All of these were walking distance from the B&B.  We also rented Beach Cruisers to ride around town and to the farmer's market.

Hartman House Bed and Breakfast

Hartman House pool and grounds

Outside dining area

My Favorite Home in Delray

  All of these homes were walking distance from the B&B.  I love the different styles and of course the array of tropical plants.

Homes near the beach

  Beach Style with Bright Colors

 I found many just my style stores.  Island Home in West Palm Beach is one of the many stores I fell in love with.

This home was vacant so my husband and I peeked in the windows to get a better look. (I know you have all peeked in a for sale home at least once.)  It was charming;  old pine floors, glass doorknobs, fireplace, french doors, and of course a pool surrounded by Chicago pavers.

To the right you see a banyan tree surrounded by ferns.  These trees are so amazing the branches will twist and turn and sometimes grow back into the ground.

I found brown craft paper at the dollar store and I decided I am now a wrapping paper snob.  The brown paper seems to unify the presents.  I found a yard of lace at Savers.  It was only 2.99, a very inexpensive ribbon that I can cut any width.  The other presents I used old sheet music and some tree clippings from the yard.

Christmas at our house

I love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree.  When I go to the Christmas Tree Lot I tell them I only have $35.  Then I am directed to the weakest Christmas tree they have available.  I give them a sad face and ask, "do you have any damaged trees?"  So every year I get a damaged tree.  I manipulate some branches and put the least attractive angle against the wall.  I just can't pay $70 for something I am going to throw out in the street in a few weeks.  After I get my tree I ask for extra clippings that I use to decorate the porch and around the house.