From the Writer’s Desk – Things Said, Read, Loved
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” – William Wordsworth I oftentimes find interesting stories or posts and I think “this is really good, I want to share this.” In grade school, my favorite day of the week was Friday when...
The Taste Project – A Delicious Way to Fight Hunger
My graduate school class this summer is focused on Food Insecurity. I wish everyone could take this class to have a better appreciation for how much food we waste both in our homes and in the retail food industry, and the number of people right here in Texas who...
Quarantine Cocktails – the BUZZ on monthly cocktail subscription boxes
A few weeks ago, I shared a photo of our beverage center in our family room. I love built-in cabinets, probably because I am a kid of the 70s when built-in desks and bars were the rage. During a renovation several years ago, I talked with our contractor about my idea...
Saturday Chat and Check-in: Coming from my Vanity!
Good Saturday to you! I’m looking forward to keeping up these Saturday chats to check-in on what I’m up to and spend time with you. This week on Home with a Twist YouTube we are sitting at my bathroom vanity so I can share my favorite skincare and beauty...
Home with a Twist YouTube – Opening Happy Mail
Two fun pieces of mail arrived this week and I wanted to share them. So, I sat down on my patio a few days ago and made a video! It’s kind of like “Show and Tell” which was my favorite thing to do in elementary school. So, go pop some popcorn or...
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
YOU ARE BRAVE! I hope this message reaches you on a day when you really need it.
Do the homework! Reach out to someone RIGHT NOW and tell them just these three words. YOU ARE BRAVE. Then message me back and tell me how it made them and you feel! ❤️ Thanks for following me!
Sep 17
YOU ARE BRAVE! I hope this message reaches you on a day when you really need it.
Do the homework! Reach out to someone RIGHT NOW and tell them just these three words. YOU ARE BRAVE. Then message me back and tell me how it made them and you feel! ❤️ Thanks for following me!
Monthly ribbons kits from @houseofturnberry are the perfect way to switch out your season decor.
I hung my new faux mum wreath and added the Halloween ribbon kit. As a monthly subscriber, a kit is delivered every month. It`s super easy to just clip the ribbons on to whatever you want to embellish.
Comment KIT and I`ll send you link for the wreath and the ribbon kit.
Happy fall y`all 🎃🎃
Sep 16
Monthly ribbons kits from @houseofturnberry are the perfect way to switch out your season decor.
I hung my new faux mum wreath and added the Halloween ribbon kit. As a monthly subscriber, a kit is delivered every month. It`s super easy to just clip the ribbons on to whatever you want to embellish.
Comment KIT and I`ll send you link for the wreath and the ribbon kit.
Happy fall y`all 🎃🎃
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.
Sep 13
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.
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.
Sep 10
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.
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!
Sep 8
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!
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?
Sep 6
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?
Swipe to see the 💛🌞☀️ in my guest room.
Stay tuned for more details on this happy space. I`ve had so much fun putting together. Check out my reel for the tour!
💛💚💙
Sep 2
Swipe to see the 💛🌞☀️ in my guest room.
Stay tuned for more details on this happy space. I`ve had so much fun putting together. Check out my reel for the tour!
💛💚💙
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!
Aug 31
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 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!🤣
Aug 29
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!🤣
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
Aug 26
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
🩵💙Swipe to see 💙🩵 The guest bedroom - for me, it`s the perfect room to showcase your personality and what makes your heart sing.
A white rotary dial phone, stacks of books, candy, a beautifully-scented candle, and fun art like this print from @floralsprintsart help create a cozy and cheerful respite for guests.
What`s your favorite?👇 What are your guest room must haves?
Aug 24
🩵💙Swipe to see 💙🩵 The guest bedroom - for me, it`s the perfect room to showcase your personality and what makes your heart sing.
A white rotary dial phone, stacks of books, candy, a beautifully-scented candle, and fun art like this print from @floralsprintsart help create a cozy and cheerful respite for guests.
What`s your favorite?👇 What are your guest room must haves?
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. 🦞🦞🦞
Aug 23
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 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!
Aug 22
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`ve shared my experience preparing for ACL replacement surgery next week. It`s important to me to take a proactive role in my healthy healing and recovery.
I`ve done the research for you on my blog for the top vitamins and supplements as the foundation for boosting immunity, reducing bruising, swelling and inflammation, wound healing, tissue and muscle repair and joint health support.
Visit my blog post in my bio or comment VITAMIN and I`ll send you the link.
Aug 20
I`ve shared my experience preparing for ACL replacement surgery next week. It`s important to me to take a proactive role in my healthy healing and recovery.
I`ve done the research for you on my blog for the top vitamins and supplements as the foundation for boosting immunity, reducing bruising, swelling and inflammation, wound healing, tissue and muscle repair and joint health support.
Visit my blog post in my bio or comment VITAMIN and I`ll send you the link.
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.
Aug 19
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.
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.
Aug 18
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.
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. 💙🩵🩷
Aug 17
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. 💙🩵🩷
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.
Aug 15
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.
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?
Aug 11
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?
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.😀
Aug 10
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.😀
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
Aug 6
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
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.
Aug 4
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.
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!
Aug 1
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!
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.
Jul 31
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.
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!
Jul 30
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!
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.
Jul 29
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.
"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?
Jul 27
"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?
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.
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#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
Jul 25
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
