Swing into Summer…
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 Love the fabrics and the ropes! Photo from This Old House Just imagine. It’s a quiet, lazy afternoon at Lake Gaston. You are worn out from a busy work week and it’s time to relax. Grab your book and head to the porch or covered deck, climb into your porch swing bed and your week’s demands just fade away. Get the picture? Remembering my grandmother’s front porch swing makes this new swing version so appealing to me. There are many different varieties and styles. I love the idea of mixing outdoor fabrics, colors and patterns to create your own outdoor look. Here are a few of my favorites. |
 Show your patriotic colors. Photo by PB  Double Swing Bed Duty Photo from Coastal Living |
 Modern Porch Swing Porch bed swings are one of my favorite new trends. I am “dreaming” of where I may use one of these! |
 Comfy swing chair for the garden by Magnolia Casuals A smaller and comfortable swing option is the fabric swing chair. It is available in a wide variety of colorful outdoor fabrics. |
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Once you have selected your way of “swinging into summer” here are a few tips to get a longer life out of your outdoor swing cushions or any outdoor fabric products:
Here are some helpful links for more different swing bed style and a DIY video about constructing your own outdoor bed! http://www.livinglocurto.com/2009/07/hanging-porch-beds/ http://www.houzz.com/Porch-Swing-Bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIbrgLQY48g
Happy swinging and outdoor “Lake Living”!
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What Turns You On? How About Your Closet?
By · CommentsEver long for an amazing closet like Carrie’s from Sex and the City? Although it is meticulously designed and organized, a “Big” part of the appeal is the use of lighting.
Carrie's Closet from "Sex and the City"
In the world of lighting, under cabinet lighting in kitchens have come a long way, baby! Many different options have been introduced over the last 30 years. It started with cool, “grayish” fluorescent lighting which provided illumination but did not enhance the color of food. Halogen and Zenon lighting became the next lighting of choice. These bright “white” lights make colors pop and culinary creations sparkle. One detriment to their use is the heat gain and the replacement cost of the bulbs. Both problems have been solved with the innovation of LEDs, but why limit its use to the kitchen? Here are some unique applications we found at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) this past week in Chicago.
Lighted Drawers turn on/off when opened/closed - Great to see all the way in the back
Lights behind doors turn on/off when opened/closed - Pick black, navy, or dark brown right the first time!
Lighting focused on each shelf highlights your fabulous shoe collection
Or LED lights within glass shelves illuminate your handbag collection from all angles
Want to shed some light on your own wardrobe?
We’d love to hear about it.
Now you see it, now you don’t!
By · CommentsSummer at Lake Gaston is quickly approaching. With summer come visits from lots of family and friends. That’s what lake living is all about.
Where, oh where do you bed down all these visitors?
With the use of a Murphy convertible bed you can create a multifunctional space that helps to ease the sleeping predicament.
Now you see it...instant guest sleeping space!
Now you don't...sleeping space hidden behind closed doors!
Now you see it! Hidden bed all ready for guests!
Now you don't...no one would ever know that behind these decorative shelves lies a bed in waiting!
Do you have a need for extra sleeping space? Where would you like to incorporate a Murphy bed?
Let’ hear your comments!
Light Up Your Countertop with this Transformation
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Before photo of original countertop
Lake Gaston is a great place to live! Living on the lake attracts lots of family and friends which provide lots of reasons to entertain.
In this project, to help our client entertain in style, we updated this wet bar.
We replaced the standard Formica countertop with this gorgeous piece of glass, then backlit the countertop with warm LED lighting. We added a ceramic and glass mosaic tile backsplash to complete the look. The results are stunning!
Glass countertop with LED lighting
Whether you’re looking for a conversation starter or it’s just time to update your wet bar, man cave, or even your counter down at the dock, this is a great way to transform a countertop into a unique component in your design.
How would you incorporate a backlit countertop into a project?
Let’s hear your ideas!
Happy lake living!
Close up view of this gorgeous countertop
Loving Tile Dots!
By · CommentsIn our new demonstration kitchen we found a wonderful new accent tile to incorporate in our design. Tile Dots are created by ceramic artist Kim McGinnis of Rocky Mount, NC. This is a truly custom product. There are over 30 colors to choose from. Mix and match the size and colors of the dots. Add an accent shape for a coastal or nature look. We can help you create the perfect tile accent design for your kitchen or bath project. But don’t stop with the kitchen or bath…how about a table top of tile dots or a small accent wall in a niche? Let’s explore the possibilities!
Watch this video as Autumn tells us all about Tile Dots!
How creative can you be? How would you like to use Tile Dots?
We love your comments!
A 3 Pepper Blast Party
By · CommentsWOW-another fun event at MSLL. The food was fabulous, the CAbi fashion was great and fun was had by all. Thanks Peggy Howard for the fashion and Autumn for the kitchen assistance.
I have been (willfully) coerced into publishing the recipes from tonight’s Fun, Food and Fashion event ASAP. 
One of the girls is dying to recreate the party appetizers for an upcoming event. Here is the simple, throw together, easy party menu.
It all begins with one key ingredient…3 Pepper Blast Dip
Menu
Toasted Flatbread Wrap Chips with Magic Unicorn Salt
3 Pepper Blast Cheese Dip
Chicken and Cheese Roll-up Wraps
Puff Pastry Peach Cobbler Tarts with Vanilla Ice Cream (recipe not included)
Recipes:
Toasted Flatbread Wrap Chips with Magic Unicorn Salt
Use the flatbread wrap of your choice (available in the deli section of our local FL).
Lightly coat one side of the wrap with seasoned vegetable spray or a light brushing of olive oil
Add a light sprinkle of the flavored Magic Unicorn salt (remember it’s magic!)
If you are out of “magic”, any salt or seasoning of your choice will work
Cut into squares with a serrated knife or pizza cutter. The squares do not have to be perfect.
Place on parchment paper covered baking sheet.
Bake 10 – 15 min at 350 degrees. Ovens will vary so at 10 minutes check for crispness and light browning. Do not let them get too brown. Let cool on baking sheet.
One flatbread wrap makes approx. 36 chips.
Serve with 3 Pepper Cheese Dip.
3 Pepper Cheese Dip
8 oz Cream Cheese or Reduced Fat Cream Cheese
8 oz White Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 12 oz jar of 3 Pepper Blast Dip
Let cream cheese soften.
Grate white cheddar cheese.
Combine the cheeses and the 3 Pepper Blast Dip.
Serve with Toasted Flatbread Wrap Chips with Magic Unicorn Salt.
Ingredients can be cut in half to reduce quantity of dip.
Full recipe serves a crowd.
Chicken and Cheese Mini Roll-up Wraps
Flat bread wraps
3 Pepper Blast Cheese Dip (from recipe above)
4 Chicken tenders lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, sautéed and finely chopped
½ cup grated white cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese
Optional extras: chopped cilantro, green onions, sliced avocados
Spread one side of a flat bread wrap with 3 Pepper Blast Cheese Dip, keeping dip within about 1” of the edge of the wrap. Layer on top of dip about 2 tablespoons of chopped chicken, sprinkle with grated cheese. Roll the wrap and secure with 4 mini skewers or bamboo knot picks. Trim unfilled ends, if necessary. Carefully cut remainder into four equal pieces.
Place on parchment covered baking sheet. Drizzle each mini roll up with 1 teaspoon salsa and a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 -15 minutes.
Garnish with more salsa, if desired.
Each wrap makes 4 mini roll-ups. Repeat as needed.
Have a blast at your 3 Pepper Blast Party!
Does Pot Man need clothes???
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Mini Pot Man
As we collect all our parts for the “build your own” mini pot man party I have been contemplating whether to “dress” my pot man with some type of attire. Perhaps he needs some color with painted stripes or a collage of glued on fabric scraps.
What do you think?
Join us Saturday March 24 at 10 AM to create your own pot man, clothed or naked!!!
E-mail or call to register:
252-586-2437
OH! Christmas Trees!!!
By · CommentsYes, friends there will be a Christmas tree at the Sherwood’s Lake Gaston home this Christmas! Some of our friends were beginning to worry there would not be any sign of holiday cheer at our house by the time our family arrives. Have no fear, we once again have a “live” Christmas tree. Here is the story…
Being in the retail and design business we are often very busy at this time of year. As our business and children were growing up and time was at a premium, Aaron and Jake began to question “if” and what kind of tree we would have. Traditionally it was always a live tree, sometimes collected from a local tree farm or the local Jaycee’s lot. In 2002, having waited until the last minute, I rushed to Wildwood Nursery in search of a live tree. They were too large, too tall or too expensive, so I had to re-group. Wondering through the nursery I spotted a Pom Pom Topiary Juniper. It was not very big but had a very interesting shape. Could I make this work as a Christmas tree? I am always up for a challenge! My youngest son, Jake, at that time, always arrived home for Christmas late in the night from NJ. I had promised him a real tree! So, he first laid eyes on this tree while everyone else was sleeping. In the morning he said, “Mom, what have you done? You decorated a “broccoli” tree for Christmas! Thus the saga of the potted Christmas trees began. Here is the pictorial version of the saga from 2002 to today, http://bit.ly/vFOmDz.
2002 "Broccoli" Tree
So this past weekend once again we set out on the quest for a tree. Again Wildwood Nursery was able to oblige. We found a beautiful potted ‘Carolina Sapphire’ Cypress tree about 5’ tall. This type of Cypress is a very airy looking tree with aromatic, pale blue-grey foliage. Because the foliage is so wispy, developing a decorating scheme took some thought.
The beginnings of the 2011 Sherwood Christmas tree, a 'Carolina Sapphire' Cypress
I began with the lights placed close to the trunk. Tulle mesh ribbon in three colors, white, red and turquoise, and lime stretchy ribbon was added for the garland. Last but certainly not least, an assortment of light weight glass ornaments created the finishing touch!
Added sparkle and shine with light weight glass ornaments to the 2011 tree.
Carolina Cypress 2011 Christmas Tree
Glass baubles and lights for the mantel!
Added a touch of turquoise this year.
An art glass lamp even gets some Christmas adornment
Yes, we do have a tree and a few other Christmas baubles and bangles.
Thank you for reading this story! It helped me remember how precious these holiday memories will always be in our lives with the people we love.
Enjoy your holidays wherever you may be. Make some memories!
The Sherwoods visiting the LA Museum of Modern Art, Christmas, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Be Thankful Food Drive
By · CommentsAs we are preparing for a wonderful Christmas holiday with family and friends we should take a minute to remember that not everyone will be able to have a bountiful feast. Our “Be Thankful” FOOD DRIVE is one way we can help. We have selected the Bethlehem Food Pantry of the First United Methodist Church of Roanoke Rapids as our benefactor. We will be collecting food items through Dec 21. We challenge you to help us reach our goal of at least 25 bags of the twelve food items listed below.
Here are a few facts about this ministry and the items they particularly need.
The Bethlehem Food Pantry
Did you know that from April 7, 2009 to December 22, 2010:
We have helped a total of 805 families in the Roanoke valley?
These families consist of 2024 individuals, including 647 children under the age of 18?
These families also include 239 seniors over the age of 62. In 2009 we served 240 families averaging 58 per month.
In 2010, we gave 2403 bags of food to 719 hungry families in great need, averaging 200 per month.
This past year, The Panty has distributed $27,109 worth of canned/dry food, plus hundreds of donated items to our clients
The present cost per family is approximately $11. Each family receives 1 bag of food consisting of:
1 box of cereal
1 can of spaghetti sauce
1 box of spaghetti
3 cans of vegetables
1 can baked beans
1 box of saltine crackers
1 can of fruit
1 jar of peanut butter
1 box of Mac & cheese
1 6-pack Ramen Noodles
Other non-perishable will also be accepted.
Thank you for your contributions!
Wishing you a very joyous holiday!
Pink Pumpkin Party at Lake Gaston
By · CommentsWhat is a Pink Pumpkin Party? It is a party to honor and remember all the women in our lives who have fought the fight of breast cancer. Saturday, October 15th, we’ll paint pumpkins pink, fix some pink wine-a-ritas, eat some pink food and help to raise money for breast cancer research. What could be a better way to help a cause that has touched us all. This event is dedicated to my mom, Frances Peed, who was a 20 year breast cancer survivor!
Traci, Autumn and Mary will be busy painting pink pumpkins. Ribbon, paint, and markers will be available for you to decorate your own pumpkin if you like. The small pre-painted pink pumpkins or the pumpkins you decorate will be sold for a $10 donation to Susan G Komen for the Cure. We will even have a special pink pumpkin filled with lots of MSLL goodies to be raffled off to raise more contributions.
One other item we’ll have available is Say I Won’t Beat Cancer t-shirts. This company is owned by Brett Walker, Joyce Walker’s son. (Yes, our Lake Gaston Weight Watchers lady) His company routinely supports good causes like this. We will have a very limited supply on hand. If you would like to pre-order a t-shirts or tank for $15.00 in your size please contact us.
Don’t miss the fun!
Saturday, October 15, 11 am – 3 pm.
You might take home the special pink pumpkin!
