Early Fall Fashion Finds

Early Fall Fashion Finds

It's still warm here in Texas, but the temperatures have lowered closer to 90 than 110. I wore one of my favorite new Amazon finds on a cooler, rainy day last week - a turtleneck drawstring waist pullover. I love everything about this top, especially the drawstring...

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My Top Five Closet Organization Tips

My Top Five Closet Organization Tips

Since returning home from Maine, I have been cleaning and organizing. Being away for months at a time makes you question whether you need to hold on to something you didn't miss - in this case, my clothes.  I've also officially started my retirement (yay me) so I...

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Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl Muffins

Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl Muffins

Here is a twist on banana bread: Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl muffins. With very ripe bananas on hand, Mr. Twist opened one of my favorite cookbooks to bake fresh-baked breakfast bread! Served with fruit and a hot cup of coffee, these muffins are something special....

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New York Crumb Cake

New York Crumb Cake

I scrolled through Pinterest one evening and came across this recipe from Cook's Illustrated for New York Style Crumb Cake. I remember loving crumb cake as a kid. I remember my mother buying small packaged crumb cakes from the grocery store as a treat (she did not let...

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Me, Mother and our Secret Garden

Me, Mother and our Secret Garden

My mother's birthday was this past week - August 15. She would have been 97 years old! I miss her, and I thought I'd share a post from a few years ago when I was in a creative writing class in graduate school. The professor challenged us to write about a place that is...

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Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.

She taught me how to prepare fabulous food, entertain guests with style and design a traditional home with a pop of color and a splash of animal print. Share my fondness of blending Mother’s mid-century style with a modern spin.

Mrs. Twist Takes on Instagram

Keeping it reel folks. You know it's love when your husband pulls off your pink compression sock for you! 🤣🤣 A Funknee Story continues.

On crutches until October 9, not what I hoped, but I'll do anything to have a completely healthy knee again.  Total knee reconstruction with repair to ACL, MCL & meniscus. Week two down.

Keeping it reel folks. You know it`s love when your husband pulls off your pink compression sock for you! 🤣🤣 A Funknee Story continues.

On crutches until October 9, not what I hoped, but I`ll do anything to have a completely healthy knee again. Total knee reconstruction with repair to ACL, MCL & meniscus. Week two down.
...

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Soft Ginger Cookies - Years ago, I, along with my daughter and God daughter, made 77 dozen of these cookies for their "Flour Girls" Baking for Change ministry at church. What a delight to witness the love our girls gave to this project.

We perfected the recipe, to a soft, flavorful ginger-filled cookie perfect with a cold glass of milk. Be sure to SAVE it for later.

Soft Ginger Cookies
Makes 3 dozen

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp ground Ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature 
1 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1/4 cup Molasses

1/4 sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon for rolling dough

Combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Beat butter 30 seconds until soft.

Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Add egg and molasses and beat well.

Add 1/2 the flour mixture and hand stir, then stir in the rest of the flour mixture.

The dough should be at a consistency  that you can roll it with your hands into balls. You may have to a little more flour until you can easily roll the dough.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll the balls in sugar/cinnamon sugar.

Place cookies 2 inches apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 12 minutes. Do not brown. The cookies should be almost underbaked. Sorinkle sugar over warm cookies if desired.

Let cool 2 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.

Soft Ginger Cookies - Years ago, I, along with my daughter and God daughter, made 77 dozen of these cookies for their "Flour Girls" Baking for Change ministry at church. What a delight to witness the love our girls gave to this project.

We perfected the recipe, to a soft, flavorful ginger-filled cookie perfect with a cold glass of milk. Be sure to SAVE it for later.

Soft Ginger Cookies
Makes 3 dozen

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp ground Ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1/4 cup Molasses

1/4 sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon for rolling dough

Combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Beat butter 30 seconds until soft.

Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Add egg and molasses and beat well.

Add 1/2 the flour mixture and hand stir, then stir in the rest of the flour mixture.

The dough should be at a consistency that you can roll it with your hands into balls. You may have to a little more flour until you can easily roll the dough.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll the balls in sugar/cinnamon sugar.

Place cookies 2 inches apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 12 minutes. Do not brown. The cookies should be almost underbaked. Sorinkle sugar over warm cookies if desired.

Let cool 2 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.
...

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I'm ready for it - everything fall offers! Pumpkins, sweaters, mums, changing leaves, cooler days, Halloween, and pumpkin spice everything.

What's your favorite thing about fall!

I`m ready for it - everything fall offers! Pumpkins, sweaters, mums, changing leaves, cooler days, Halloween, and pumpkin spice everything.

What`s your favorite thing about fall!
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Flowers from my garden, a stack of books, a fall-scented candle, and a delicious room spray. The simple pleasures to delight the senses.

What makes you happy?

Flowers from my garden, a stack of books, a fall-scented candle, and a delicious room spray. The simple pleasures to delight the senses.

What makes you happy?
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27 6
I love getting boxes from the attic to decorate for the seasons. I purchased these lovely velvet hearts from @your.hearts.content several years ago, and they're always my go-to favorite because they take you straight through Thanksgiving. I love the animal print one!

 I've got a new set coming this year in shades of blue.  Comment PUMPKIN, and I'll send you a link to Michelle's Etsy shop to see all her creations!

I love getting boxes from the attic to decorate for the seasons. I purchased these lovely velvet hearts from @your.hearts.content several years ago, and they`re always my go-to favorite because they take you straight through Thanksgiving. I love the animal print one!

I`ve got a new set coming this year in shades of blue. Comment PUMPKIN, and I`ll send you a link to Michelle`s Etsy shop to see all her creations!
...

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We made it to the "ber" months - my favorite season. I hope September brings you all the beautiful moments you deserve.

We made it to the "ber" months - my favorite season. I hope September brings you all the beautiful moments you deserve. ...

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I've had so much fun transforming this empty, white room into a bright, colorful jewel box. The inspiration came from @adamtrest art I purchased during a visit last spring to Laurel, Mississippi. 

My mother loved birds, and I dedicated this guest room to her. Stay tuned this week as I share more details on how I pulled it all together using a mix of new and thrifted things that tell a story.

A special thank you to @theocdbachelorette
and her fabulous team, who helped me make it beautiful and ready for company!

I`ve had so much fun transforming this empty, white room into a bright, colorful jewel box. The inspiration came from @adamtrest art I purchased during a visit last spring to Laurel, Mississippi.

My mother loved birds, and I dedicated this guest room to her. Stay tuned this week as I share more details on how I pulled it all together using a mix of new and thrifted things that tell a story.

A special thank you to @theocdbachelorette
and her fabulous team, who helped me make it beautiful and ready for company!
...

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I love my birthday for two reasons. First, the cake. Every year, my mother made it so special, picking out my cake. It was usually white cake with buttercream roses.🎂🍰

Secondly, I loved my birthday because of how my mother made me FEEL - longed for, celebrated, and treasured.  I wonder what she'd think knowing I'm 60 years fabulous this year? 

I have no regrets or sadness flipping the page to a new decade. I'm excited to use my AARP card and ask for all the SENIOR discounts!🤣

I love my birthday for two reasons. First, the cake. Every year, my mother made it so special, picking out my cake. It was usually white cake with buttercream roses.🎂🍰

Secondly, I loved my birthday because of how my mother made me FEEL - longed for, celebrated, and treasured. I wonder what she`d think knowing I`m 60 years fabulous this year?

I have no regrets or sadness flipping the page to a new decade. I`m excited to use my AARP card and ask for all the SENIOR discounts!🤣
...

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When I visit a boutique hotel, I immediately want to capture that luxury fragrance at home.  I've partnered with @benevolence.la, who offers thoughtfully designed, casual-luxury home fragrances made in the USA.

Made in California, their elegant and  sophisticated packaging immediately elevates my guest bath. Their selection of fragrances relieve stress and revitalize your senses. 

Available for purchase on Amazon Benevolence LA is made with 100% pure essential oil, and containing absolutely no base or fillers, this diffuser set is safe and toxic-free. This product comes in a matte charcoal and gold-stamped gift box with (1) 7 oil diffuser sticks, (2) a charcoal glass vase, and (3) essential oil (4.06oz), good for 90-120 days continuous fragrance. 

Comment DIFFUSER, and I'll send you a link to my Amazon shop! 

@benevolence.la @stackinfluence #benevolencela #benevolencelapartner #amazonhome #amazonhomefinds #amazonfavorites

When I visit a boutique hotel, I immediately want to capture that luxury fragrance at home.  I`ve partnered with @benevolence.la, who offers thoughtfully designed, casual-luxury home fragrances made in the USA.

Made in California, their elegant and  sophisticated packaging immediately elevates my guest bath. Their selection of fragrances relieve stress and revitalize your senses.

Available for purchase on Amazon Benevolence LA is made with 100% pure essential oil, and containing absolutely no base or fillers, this diffuser set is safe and toxic-free. This product comes in a matte charcoal and gold-stamped gift box with (1) 7 oil diffuser sticks, (2) a charcoal glass vase, and (3) essential oil (4.06oz), good for 90-120 days continuous fragrance.

Comment DIFFUSER, and I`ll send you a link to my Amazon shop!

@benevolence.la @stackinfluence #benevolencela #benevolencelapartner #amazonhome #amazonhomefinds #amazonfavorites
...

24 5
I had such fun today chatting with Teri the owner of @173mercantile in Kennebunk, Maine. Her shop is filled with unique finds for your home and she offers a concierge gift service.

Give @173mercantile a follow and #supportsmallbusiness. 🦞🦞🦞

I had such fun today chatting with Teri the owner of @173mercantile in Kennebunk, Maine. Her shop is filled with unique finds for your home and she offers a concierge gift service.

Give @173mercantile a follow and #supportsmallbusiness. 🦞🦞🦞
...

35 3
I am a positive person. Oh, I have my small moments with fancy pity parties, but then I dust myself off and GET IT DONE! 

Is this how I imagined I'd spend my 60th birthday next week? No. But I'm determined to hasten my recovery with positive thinking, pro-active and healthy living, and leaning in to LETTING PEOPLE HELP ME. That's hard to do. But don't steal people's joy when they ask, "How can I help?"

Onward and upward! T minus 5 days!

I am a positive person. Oh, I have my small moments with fancy pity parties, but then I dust myself off and GET IT DONE!

Is this how I imagined I`d spend my 60th birthday next week? No. But I`m determined to hasten my recovery with positive thinking, pro-active and healthy living, and leaning in to LETTING PEOPLE HELP ME. That`s hard to do. But don`t steal people`s joy when they ask, "How can I help?"

Onward and upward! T minus 5 days!
...

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You know that smell? It's coming from your disposal. Once a month, I pop in a LemiShine  pod, and it cleans out the bacteria and built up food, leaving the drains and disposable clean and fresh.

Comment CLEAN, and I'll send you a link to the pods on sale now at Walmart. Happy cleaning.

You know that smell? It`s coming from your disposal. Once a month, I pop in a LemiShine pod, and it cleans out the bacteria and built up food, leaving the drains and disposable clean and fresh.

Comment CLEAN, and I`ll send you a link to the pods on sale now at Walmart. Happy cleaning.
...

6 3
New York Style Crumb Cake. This recipe has a rich moist cake base with a buttery crumbly brown - sugar topping. It's perfect with coffee or as a hostess gift.

Comment CAKE and I'll send you the recipe.

New York Style Crumb Cake. This recipe has a rich moist cake base with a buttery crumbly brown - sugar topping. It`s perfect with coffee or as a hostess gift.

Comment CAKE and I`ll send you the recipe.
...

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When we had our built-in cabinets designed, I knew I would fill the shelves with colorful pieces I've collected over the years.  Pinks, blues, and turquoise. Color brings me joy. 💙🩵🩷

When we had our built-in cabinets designed, I knew I would fill the shelves with colorful pieces I`ve collected over the years. Pinks, blues, and turquoise. Color brings me joy. 💙🩵🩷 ...

17 3
Today would be my mother's 97th birthday. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than framing a photo of us enjoying her birthday cake in 1972. I'll be hanging more photos like this in my entry niche. Stay tuned!

@frameiteasy helps you get those hard to find frames custom made for vintage 3x3 photos. Use my promo code BAEAM99981 for 10% off your next order.

Today would be my mother`s 97th birthday. I can`t think of a better way to celebrate than framing a photo of us enjoying her birthday cake in 1972. I`ll be hanging more photos like this in my entry niche. Stay tuned!

@frameiteasy helps you get those hard to find frames custom made for vintage 3x3 photos. Use my promo code BAEAM99981 for 10% off your next order.
...

30 10
I felt like baking today. It’s been three weeks since I ruptured my ACL. Hobbling around in the leg brace can be exhausting, but today I felt like trying a new recipe.

Baking is my therapy. I bake when I'm celebrating, when I'm grieving, when I want to be creative, or if it's a rainy day. It felt good doing something comforting.
Do you like to bake?

I felt like baking today. It’s been three weeks since I ruptured my ACL. Hobbling around in the leg brace can be exhausting, but today I felt like trying a new recipe.

Baking is my therapy. I bake when I`m celebrating, when I`m grieving, when I want to be creative, or if it`s a rainy day. It felt good doing something comforting.
Do you like to bake?
...

48 12
Use fishing line! It's clear, strong, and a simple tool for hanging art.

I wanted to a focal point of art above the table in my keeping room,  but it's a wall of windows with shutters. No worries - I hung the art from the shutter hinges using a small piece of double knotted fishing line. 

I love how the art pulled it all together. 

P.S. the stunning table is from @lillianhudsondesign. The lamp I found for $40 at a consignment store.😀

Use fishing line! It`s clear, strong, and a simple tool for hanging art.

I wanted to a focal point of art above the table in my keeping room, but it`s a wall of windows with shutters. No worries - I hung the art from the shutter hinges using a small piece of double knotted fishing line.

I love how the art pulled it all together.

P.S. the stunning table is from @lillianhudsondesign. The lamp I found for $40 at a consignment store.😀
...

31 9
Three weeks until surgery and I'm hyperfocused on doing everything I can to stay healthy and improve my chances for healing and recovery.

I'm including @gainful Performace Greens in my daily habits and long-term health journey.

With the easy pre-measured packaging, I can get my greens in before I head to the gym. One serving includes 11 organic fruits and vegetables, supports my gut microbiome, and enhances nutrient absorption and mental strength.

I've linked Performance Greens and all my @gainful products in my LTK Shop @shop.ltk directly in my bio or visit https://liketk.it/4N69R
#ad #liketkit #makeyourgain #gainful #gainfulpartner

Three weeks until surgery and I`m hyperfocused on doing everything I can to stay healthy and improve my chances for healing and recovery.

I`m including @gainful Performace Greens in my daily habits and long-term health journey.

With the easy pre-measured packaging, I can get my greens in before I head to the gym. One serving includes 11 organic fruits and vegetables, supports my gut microbiome, and enhances nutrient absorption and mental strength.

I`ve linked Performance Greens and all my @gainful products in my LTK Shop @shop.ltk directly in my bio or visit https://liketk.it/4N69R
#ad #liketkit #makeyourgain #gainful #gainfulpartner
...

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My Sunday Best newsletter is arriving in subscribers inboxes today. It is the perfect day of the week to settle in for a good read. 

If you're not a current subscriber comment, NEWS, and I'll send you the link to sign up, and you'll receive free printable recipe cards.

Inspiration. Delivered.

My Sunday Best newsletter is arriving in subscribers inboxes today. It is the perfect day of the week to settle in for a good read.

If you`re not a current subscriber comment, NEWS, and I`ll send you the link to sign up, and you`ll receive free printable recipe cards.

Inspiration. Delivered.
...

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It's August, and the COUNTDOWN to my birthday begins! Hey, all you Virgos, give me a ♥️ below👇.

Comment AUGUST, and I'll send you a free printable of the month's faves!

It`s August, and the COUNTDOWN to my birthday begins! Hey, all you Virgos, give me a ♥️ below👇.

Comment AUGUST, and I`ll send you a free printable of the month`s faves!
...

29 1
The Pocket Museum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Tucked in a downtown alley, their exhibits are ever-changing, sometimes cute, sometimes weird, but always interesting!  

No visit is ever the same. Their ever-changing miniature model dioramas can be found on electrical boxes, ledges, and in the many nooks and crannies, creating a “find and seek” component to every visit to the alley. Hiding in the magic passageway are also 13 resident cats who oversee the visitors that come to see the almost weekly changes that happen in the magical and tiniest museum in Mississippi.

The Pocket Museum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Tucked in a downtown alley, their exhibits are ever-changing, sometimes cute, sometimes weird, but always interesting! 

No visit is ever the same. Their ever-changing miniature model dioramas can be found on electrical boxes, ledges, and in the many nooks and crannies, creating a “find and seek” component to every visit to the alley. Hiding in the magic passageway are also 13 resident cats who oversee the visitors that come to see the almost weekly changes that happen in the magical and tiniest museum in Mississippi.
...

16 1
It's so easy to take a plain homemade or bakery cake an transform it into something magical.

Comment. CAKE and I'll send a very special recipe for Chocolate Kahlua Cake!

It`s so easy to take a plain homemade or bakery cake an transform it into something magical.

Comment. CAKE and I`ll send a very special recipe for Chocolate Kahlua Cake!
...

36 13
Starburst mirrors. Growing up, we had a Starburst mirror above our creamy white sofa with gold flecks. Ever since then, I can't resist the allure of the mirror. 

My entryway tells a story of what I love.  Be bold. Display what brings you joy.

Starburst mirrors. Growing up, we had a Starburst mirror above our creamy white sofa with gold flecks. Ever since then, I can`t resist the allure of the mirror.

My entryway tells a story of what I love. Be bold. Display what brings you joy.
...

24 10
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” — Jane Austen.

As the day comes to an end, I love to "turndown" my home.  The warmth and glow of lamps and lighting candles make me feel cozy and cast a homey glow. 

What's your turndown ritual?

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” — Jane Austen.

As the day comes to an end, I love to "turndown" my home. The warmth and glow of lamps and lighting candles make me feel cozy and cast a homey glow.

What`s your turndown ritual?
...

29 2
Protein is king when it comes to building muscle and healthy bones, boosting  metabolism, helping with weight loss, lowering your risk of high blood pressure, and helps to reduce cravings. 

Start your day with my version of a power bowl, which packs up to 53 grams of protein:

One serving of @kodiakcakes protein oatmeal 10 gr.
Half scoop of @previnex vanilla protein powder 12 gr.
5 oz container @oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt no sugar added 15 gr.
One serving @go_raw organic pumpkin seeds  8 gr.
One serving @ratiofood coconut almond granola 8 gr.
Fresh fruit

Prepare oatmeal and add in protein powder. Stir to mix. Place in bowl, then top with yogurt, seeds, granola, and fresh fruit.

.
.
.
.
#homewithatwist #aginglikefinewine #agingredefined #againgwithattitude #agingbeautifully #aarp #agingwithstyle #proaging #reverseaging #selflovewarrior #womenhealthy #agepositive #fabover50 #over50influencer #hearthealthy  
#AHAboldhearts #nationoflifesavers #wellbeingworksbetter #heartmonth #wellnessadvocate #wellnesswins #wellnesswarriors #wellnesstips #womenshealthmatters #womenshealthcare #hearthealthy #proteinpacked #proteinbreakfast #proteinbase #menopausenutrition

Protein is king when it comes to building muscle and healthy bones, boosting metabolism, helping with weight loss, lowering your risk of high blood pressure, and helps to reduce cravings.

Start your day with my version of a power bowl, which packs up to 53 grams of protein:

One serving of @kodiakcakes protein oatmeal 10 gr.
Half scoop of @previnex vanilla protein powder 12 gr.
5 oz container @oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt no sugar added 15 gr.
One serving @go_raw organic pumpkin seeds 8 gr.
One serving @ratiofood coconut almond granola 8 gr.
Fresh fruit

Prepare oatmeal and add in protein powder. Stir to mix. Place in bowl, then top with yogurt, seeds, granola, and fresh fruit.

.
.
.
.
#homewithatwist #aginglikefinewine #agingredefined #againgwithattitude #agingbeautifully #aarp #agingwithstyle #proaging #reverseaging #selflovewarrior #womenhealthy #agepositive #fabover50 #over50influencer #hearthealthy 
#AHAboldhearts #nationoflifesavers #wellbeingworksbetter #heartmonth #wellnessadvocate #wellnesswins #wellnesswarriors #wellnesstips #womenshealthmatters #womenshealthcare #hearthealthy #proteinpacked #proteinbreakfast #proteinbase #menopausenutrition
...

27 6
It's 🌲Christmas in July! 🌲 This was one of my FAVORITE scenes I set in my former Ladies Lounge. Animal print, three trees - one pink - and Fransican Rose china. Add a dash of MCM with a pink lamp, my grandmother's sewing table, and a French provincial buffet. 

I'm tagging along with @graceharris.collection and @jenniferdimplesandtangles to share our #ItsaColorfulHoliday decor. 

🌲🌲🌲🌲🩷🩷🩷🎁🎁🎁🤶🤶🤶

It`s 🌲Christmas in July! 🌲 This was one of my FAVORITE scenes I set in my former Ladies Lounge. Animal print, three trees - one pink - and Fransican Rose china. Add a dash of MCM with a pink lamp, my grandmother`s sewing table, and a French provincial buffet.

I`m tagging along with @graceharris.collection and @jenniferdimplesandtangles to share our #ItsaColorfulHoliday decor.

🌲🌲🌲🌲🩷🩷🩷🎁🎁🎁🤶🤶🤶
...

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