{GHP} A pleasant surprize for blogging

13 Tuesday Nov 2012

When I first started blogging in 2007 (with a lapse in 2008), to say I was a novice would make me sound like I had a clue about what I was doing, I didn’t. Once I began to post in earnest in early 2009 I noticed there were sites being nominated for various awards. I figured that since only 2 of my close friends, and my mom, read my blog the chances were slim and none that I would ever be noticed.

So it was a huge surprise and a compliment for me to be nominated for a Liebster Blog award. In addition, the person nominating me was a new blog friend, Christina at Floriday’s Mom. I think Christina explains the award best, “It’s basically an opportunity for bloggers to share a little love to other up and coming bloggers”. So for that, I thank you.

I’m asked to list 11 facts about myself; answer 11 questions given by the person who nominated me (Christina at Floriday’s Mom); create 11 questions for the bloggers I nominate, and choose 4 bloggers to pass this along to. It’s a bit of work completing all the tasks, so if those that I nominate don’t complete the homework assignment, I completely understand and will harbor no ill feelings, especially during this busy time of year. But know this, I am amazed everyday by some of the incredibly talented people in blog land and have enjoyed some really nice conversations with my new blog friends. So here goes…

11 Facts about Myself:

1. I’m a redhead. When I was young I hated the attention that got me, but I’m okay with it now.

2. I can’t really start the morning without a cup o’ joe. I don’t drink coffee all day, but I confess, I must have a little caffeine kick-start first thing in the morning.

3. I love most music but my radio station in the car is set for classical music. I love Mozart.

4. I share a birthday with Mozart. (see above).

5. I’ve been married to Mr. B. 40 years this coming February, yes, I was a child bride 😉

6. I’m an only child. I always wanted a sister or brother. One of my closest friend’s is like a sister to me, does that count?

7. I used to have a gardening business with a good friend, Blooming Borders. We planted predominantly English gardens for 13 years.

8. I love Mexican food. Enchiladas, tacos or burritos, I could eat the food daily.

9. I usually have a hard cover book going but I love listening to unabridged books on my iPod. It allows me to multitask.

10. I love college football, in part because it signals the beginning of fall and its seasonal goodness.

11. My middle name is the same as my husband’s first name and also my daughter-in-law’s middle name…Lynn (although Mr. B. spells his with one N)

In answer to Christina’s questions…

1. What’s the number one on your Christmas List: The number one person is my husband (to buy for) the number 1 wish on my Christmas List is a pair of riding boots.

{tumblr}

2. Why did you start your blog? Our oldest son suggested I start a blog to talk about the things he thinks I do best, tending to the garden, decorating our home and entertaining = Garden, Home and Party (how flattering is that?)

3. How did you come up with the name of your blog? Son #1 came up with the name and set me up…this was in 2007. He later said he thought the name was too long but I told him I wanted to keep it.

4. What is your secret indulgence? I’m a salt fiend and Lay’s Potato Chips and/or a great order of fries are the indulgence. I know how terrible those two items can be in fat, salt and calories, so when I do indulge, I feel just a little guilty.

5. Which of the four seasons do you look forward to the most? Fall, although spring is a close second.

6. What’s your biggest pet peeve? Grumpy, unpleasant people. I believe happiness is a choice.

7. What is your favorite décor? Traditional with a leaning towards English and French country.

{Daniel Brisset & Ayers Cliff via Inspiring Interiors}

{Ferguson & Shamamian Architects}

8. What did you want to be when you grew up? This is pretty revealing…I wanted to be an airline hostess. In fact when I went to the local junior college there was a program for that. I later decided I wanted to teach. Instead, I got married and worked for a real estate developer until I had our first son. I was hired as a teacher aide for several years, now I’m back to Real Estate Development.

9. Who makes you laugh the most and why? Besides Jon Stewart, my husband.

10. Name one thing on your bucket list. Touring Germany. My father’s family was from Germany and I’d love to visit one day.

{Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany}

11. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? If all my family and friends were with me, the Cotswolds, England. (The house below was built here in the U.S. but I love it so I wanted to include it, and I believe it looks very much like a home you might find in the Cotswolds)

{Phillip Trammell Shutze Architect}

My nominees are some of my favorite ‘go to’ sites. I think you’ll enjoy meeting these talented people:

1. Victoria Elizabeth Barnes

2. trouverlesoleil – Leslie

3. paper{whites} – Alison

4. Henhurst Interiors – Phyllis

…and finally, the questions I ask of you, should you choose to participate…

Questions from Me:

1. How did you start blogging?

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

3. What is your favorite movie?

4. Are you a do-it-yourself person or do you keep a list of handy people near the phone?

5. Are you a city person or a country person, why?

6. What is your favorite season?

7. Do you prefer old/antiques or new furnishings?

8. Do you lean more towards a tailored look or ruffles and lace?

9. Which would you choose, the beach or the mountains.

10. What’s one modern convenience you couldn’t live without?

11. What’s your idea of the ideal evening?

This was fun. I hope you’ll visit the 4 nominees and thank you, as always for stopping by for a chat, I love your comments!

{Party} Dining by candlelight

08 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Party Planning, Recipes

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

candlelight, Irish Stew

I’ve always liked using candles in and around my home. I think that the fall/winter months are my favorite time of the year to let candlelight provide the light needed to dine by.

Until the early 20^th century, everyone ate by candlelight, I’m sure they didn’t think of it as anything more than an essential way to see what you were eating. Bright lights became the norm as the introduction of electricity was installed in homes and restaurants everywhere.

{Party Resources ~ Carolyne Roehm}

According to Jan Whitaker of Resturant-ing Through History,

…there were some ultra-refined people who considered the glare of bright light vulgar. Etiquette expert Emily Holt recommended in1902 that candles be used instead of gas or electric chandeliers for home dinner parties lest the dinner resemble a “blazing feast … in some hotel restaurant.”

Candlelight promised the gentility of an elite dinner party, far removed from loud music, noise, and guests who drank too much. Candles suited the tea room perfectly. Not only did they shed flattering light, they discouraged the rowdy, fun-seeking masses from entering the door. Tea room owners, overwhelmingly WASPs, also liked how candles, as well as lanterns and fireplaces, created a quaint atmosphere that they imagined resembled how their Colonial ancestors lived.

I confess, candlelight does seem to make everything look better. Even the faces of guests seem aglow when we dim the electric lights and let candlelight do its magic.

So, in addition to a recipe for my beef stew (below), here are some pretty tables with candlelight as their main source of illumination.

{image source}

*Note, this image captures what my stew looks like when I serve it in these bread rounds, but for some reason, my food photography leaves much to be desired for capturing the delicious goodness on the plate. Thank you for your understanding.

KB’s Irish Stew (serves 6)

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds Chuck roast, cubed, patted dry

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 large carrots, scrubbed and sliced

8 large mushrooms, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 large onion, diced

1 1/2 cup frozen peas

6 cups beef broth+

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cube beef, trim off excess fat. Heat oil and butter in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Dry beef with paper towels; season with salt and pepper; brown beef in small batches. Once brown on all sides; continue until all beef is browned; set aside.

Lower heat to medium and add onion and carrots, (it may be necessary to add a little more oil) cook about 2-4 minutes (until translucent); add mushrooms and cook until mushrooms have released their juices. Return beef to pan and add broth and cubed potatoes. Reduce heat to keep (medium-low or low heat)* stew simmering; cook for 2 hours, with lid on pan. Check periodically in case more broth is needed.

*This can be cooked in the oven at 325° for 2 – 2 1/2 hours, check periodically to make sure you don’t run out of broth in the stew.

30 minutes before stew is finished, make slurry of flour and whipping cream, add to stew and stir. Check and adjust seasonings.

Serve in a mini-boule that has been hollowed out (retain lid) and dry for a few minutes in the oven or with a loaf of crusty bread and salad.

ƒ ƒ ƒ

Mercury glass candles make everything shimmer and it seems they are very popular this fall.

I like tapers as much as votives and often use a combination when we serve dinner. Do you have a preference when you entertain?

Downton Abbey – isn’t this pretty? I can’t wait for Season 3!

{Inspiring Interiors ~ Christmas in Oslo}

{via}

{Inspiring Interiors}

The above image is one of my favorites, I borrowed it from Kifus over at Inspiring Interiors. If you’ve never visited her site you’re in for a treat. She features homes from all over the world and most are exquisite. {The tray that holds the mercury glass votives and vintage silver candlesticks is so pretty}

{The New Victorian Ruralist}

Isn’t this a clever idea. I’m not sure where you’d find 7 rustic ladles of varying sizes but it’s a very fun image.

{the adventures of tartanscot}

Every Christmas Scot of the adventures of tartanscot shares photographs of his dining room table, complete with little gifts for guests and every year I’m inspired and in awe. His talents in all of the design work he does is always worthwhile.

{Party Resources}

{Shari Curtis Mortensen ~ Pinterest}

{tumblr ~ That Inspirational Girl}

I realize some of the table settings are wedding settings, but you get the idea, right. Besides, we have a wedding coming up (watch for posts pre/post wedding) and candlelight will be a huge part of the ambiance of our (Son #2 & fiance) upcoming celebration.

In light of the stew recipe, maybe I should plan on this (below) form of candlelight…

{tumblr ~ Little White Daisies}

Do you enjoy dining by candlelight?

I’ve joined in the fun at Stone Gable for her Turtorials and Tips party, see you there.

{GHP} A wedding on my mind

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Family, Misc, Party Planning, Personal Information

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

weddings

George (Steve Martin) from Father of the Bride:

GEORGE
I used to think a wedding was a simple affair.  A boy and girl meet, 
they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say "I do."  
I was wrong.  That's getting married.  A wedding is an entirely 
different proposition.

If you’ve read my blog for a year or longer you may remember that I’ve talked about the upcoming wedding of our youngest son and his wonderful fiance HERE, HERE and HERE.

A dress has been selected…

Shoes have been considered…

and a few surprises may still be in the works…

(isn’t this a cute idea?)

The date is rushing at us faster than any of us might like, and we’re excited and a bit stressed all at the same time. We’re in countdown mode.

The venue will be unique and wonderful, The Los Angeles Museum of History will host our smallish wedding of 100 guests. When Son #1 married we enjoyed a family-only event overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the home of some dear friends in Emerald Bay {Thank you, Glenys and Jim}.

The African Mammal wing will be the backdrop for the wedding. The North American Mammal room will be where the reception takes place. The pre-reception will be here…

We’ll mingle with dinosaurs, sipping our drinks and enjoying an appetizer or two.

This scene in a Harry Potter movie will be similar to our dining experience with a table to accommodate 100 guests, 50 on each side, sans Christmas trees, but lots and lots of candles.

There are details to attend to.

Since the wedding will be just prior to winter’s official start, we will all enjoy the warmth of the candlelight,wood floors, soft lighting and of course our mammal-friends alongside our dear friends and family.

I realize it’s still almost a month away, but I’m really getting excited. I’ll post some pictures of the venue after the big day. Have any of you attended a wedding at the Natural History Museum?

{GHP} Gift season is approaching

01 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Christmas, Holidays

≈ 28 Comments

Tags

Gift ideas

I get accused of being overly organized, as if that’s a bad thing, right? Anyway, here’s the disclaimer: I really hadn’t started working on any kind of Christmas list, let alone buying items yet. But then I opened an email from one of my favorite blog sites, The Polohouse. Alison is hosting her monthly “Favorites on the First” and for November 1^st the theme will be Your Favorite Gifts to Give!

Since I love these blog parties, I started thinking about gift buying for the upcoming season. I must say, it was kind of fun, and while I only came up with a few things, it started the wheels turning for the shopping ahead of me.

This Christmas we will have two married sons…our youngest son is getting married December 1st. After raising 2 boys I can tell you, it’s really fun to buy for girls. DIL #1 has similar likes as DIL #2 (to be) but there are subtle differences and I want to make sure I buy them each gifts they will love.

A cozy throw for the winter months is always welcome as one of their gifts.

I believe one would like this faux fur throw. Manufacturers have really come a long way where faux fur is concerned…it feels so much softer than the stiff polyester they used to try to pass off as fur.{Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw}

and I believe the other one would enjoy this one… I think the monogram would be fun on a throw.

{Pottery Barn monogrammable throw}

Along with the throw I thought I might order this pillow for me…do you ever do the one for you, one for me this time of year?

{Pottery Barn Joyeux Noel Embroidered Pillow}

Both Son #1 and Son #2 love to cook. It makes me very happy that they enjoy cooking! While watching America’s Test Kitchen, which is the group that test not only recipes, but kitchen items and make a determination as to which product is the best, I decided both of my amateur chefs could use this which ranked as “best” silicon basting brush…{Williams Sonoma OXO Silicon Basting Brush}

and to support and encourage continued good eats from them…

{Williams Sonoma OXO leave-in digital thermometer}

I have one of these and I love it!

Christmas is one of my favorite times to buy cookbooks. This one is appealing for Son #1 (maybe Son #2 as well) but it promises to be more involved than I would like. Still there is a great site that reviews a bunch of the newly released cook books…check out Eater.com

Bouchon Bakery by Thomas Keller and Sebastien Rouxel.
The release of any Thomas Keller cookbook is going to be celebrated, but the breads and pastries of Bouchon Bakery insure this volume will likely see more actual kitchen time than some of its predecessors. While it’s not necessarily for beginners — there are four recipes for brioche, each suited to a different, specific purpose — the book’s sense of humor and traditional techniques make this a must have.
Artisan: October 23.

I confess the cover is tempting, I’ll give the book to Son #1 and then request that he bake me something from it.

Barefoot Contessa is more my style and her new book looks great. This is on my list…hint, hint.

With a title like “foolproof” what could go wrong?

Since I get to buy for our granddaughter, I came up with only a couple of items. She’s still young (just 2 years) and I wait for her mommy to give me some ideas, but this would be fun and appreciated…

{Land of Nod, personalized growth chart for measuring height}

There are a huge array of designs for both boys and girls.

We want to spark that interest in cooking at a young age so I’ll get her this…

{Stephen Joseph Cook Set}

For hostess gifts and gifts for friends I lean towards indulgences such as a great smelling candles, personalized note cards or a box of my (and most of my friends) favorite chocolates…

{Votivo Red Currant~Bloomingdales}

Votivo candles are one of my favorites…they come in an array of delicious scents and red currant is my favorite. I love Jo Malone candles as well, but they are out of my price range when Christmas looms.

{See’s candy}

Mr. B claims that I love See’s because that is what I grew up with. I believe I’m more objective than that. I’ve enjoyed my share of Fran’s (Seattle), Godiva (everywhere) and Neuhaus (which I’m not sure is still in business), but seriously, for flavor and texture, give me See’s any day.

{Caspari notecards}

There’s a glasses company that I love and I might order Mr. B some sunglasses from them…

{Warby Parker ~ great glasses}

The final thing on my list so far is something Alison (The Polohouse) asked us to list…an item we would give as a gift if we were made of money, like Oprah. This is it, if I had truckloads of money I’d buy one of these for everyone on my list because I think they would all love having one…

{Vagabond House ~ Acorn Oak Leaf Wood Tray}

I first heard about Vagabond House from Tina at The Enchanted Home. They make a lot of really pretty stuff.

So, talk to me, have you started the “list”. Do you buy for a lot of people or are you clever and DIY some of the gifts you give? Do you draw names and only buy for one, plus children in the family? I’d love to hear some of your traditions.

If you have a minute, stop by The Polohouse for some great ideas on gift giving this season.

~and~

I’m joining the fun at Savvy Southern Style for the Wow US Wednesdays.

{Home} Historic buildings and architecture

30 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders, Travel

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

historic buildings

Being born and raised in Southern California, it wasn’t until Mr. B took me to England in 1985 that I developed a very real appreciation and love of historic buildings and the details each possessed. The first exposure I had to London was overwhelming, I couldn’t take it in fast enough.

I thought we (you, my dear blog friends) could journey together and take in some beautiful facades of some buildings I’ve discovered online. Imagine living in some of these buildings…I can dream of what life might be like living behind these doors and gates, with their cobblestone streets and sidewalks!

After many visits to New York I saw that Manhattan and adjacent areas shared many of the same breath taking details on the facades of most buildings in the city (apart from the newer ones, of course). Our son and daughter-in-law lived in Brooklyn for 2 years and the brownstones lining the streets held great appeal for me as well. I’m sure the list of locations of architecturally fabulous buildings is long, I enjoy virtual travel all the time, thanks to the internet so if you have some recommendations, I’m open.

Paris and London are stamped in my passport but whenever and wherever I come across a building (real time), or photograph of a beautiful building online, I save it to a file.

I wonder if my city would consider repaving my street with cobblestones?

Come by for a visit…I’ll leave the light on.

All images except 2nd to last found here; 2nd to last image found here.

{Home} What style are you?

25 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer, House and Home, Misc, Personal Information

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

decorating styles

Are your tastes and preferences, where design is concerned, clearly defined? If asked, how would you describe your style? Do you look at a shelter magazine or book and know right off the bat that the room/home featured mirror your style; the room is how you would furnish and accessorize ~OR~ do you sometimes get drawn to a style that is completely different from what you currently have?

{Barclay Butera}

{Beaufort House}

{House Beautiful}

{Carol Glasser via Cote de Texas}

There are so many blended styles that appeal to me, so I believe I would have a hard time telling anyone that my style is strictly traditional, classic or country. I believe there’s a little bit of several styles in most homes, especially if you’ve been adding and layering over the years.

{Haus Design}

{Heather Bullard}

{Kathleen Rivers, Southern Accents}

I confess, I have to put the brakes on sometimes, I can become so enthralled with a certain new-to-me ‘style’ that I lose site of what I believe to be my design focus or style. Does this ever happen to you or am I the only fence-rider of style?

{Linda Floyd Interiors}

{nest egg 1.27.11}

{Robert A.M. Stern Architects}

{Rose Uniacke}

That doesn’t mean I decorate a room and it never changes, far from that. I find I get tired of colors and maybe even some furnishings every 10-15 years. Fortunately, it usually means I need to paint and maybe rearrange the furniture or trade out a lamp with another, in a different part of the house, change the wall adornments, move pictures, change pillows and throws, you know what I mean. But I do have to remind myself sometimes what ‘it’ is I love, what I always come back to, what makes my house my HOME.

Does this ever happen to you? If it doesn’t, you are the person I admire and would love to have the confidence to say, this is IT, this is my style and I’m never swayed to the fickle tastes of design world changes and trends.

{GHP} If you had to edit, what would make the cut?

23 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Designer, House and Home

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Editing

Joni of Cote de Texas fame had a wonderful post last month on the talented Jane Moore and her recent feature in Veranda. This is a designer I have admired for years. For her story in a recent Veranda issue visit CDT.

{2008 Veranda cover ~ Jane Moore}

As part of the feature, Joni showed us Jane Moore’s new, edited townhouse…

{Jane Moore, dining room ~ townhouse}

{Jane Moore ~ Townhouse, kitchen}

Jane says she was ready to completely edit her look when she moved. The new townhouse is filled with only what she wants in it – no one else. And she loves it – she looks forward to coming home each day to a place that is filled with pieces she carefully selected from a lifetime of collecting. Joni, Cote de Texas

This got me thinking, if we made a move to scale back, what would make the cut? I started with a list of what I felt MUST be included and quickly realized this was much more difficult than I first thought. I know it’s just stuff, but it’s stuff I’ve lovingly collected over the years. Would it be easy for you? This is hypothetical so it really wasn’t that hard, but it did give me an opportunity to look at my home and possessions with an analytical view.

There are a few pieces of furniture that I believe I’d make work no matter what. For one our antique china cupboard. My mom gave it to us when they retired and moved to a smaller house. She had purchased it in the early eighties at a Los Angeles antique store called Antique Guild (formerly the Helm’s Bakeries building). The hardware is original and the glass in the doors is beveled. The only thing damaged on this piece is the lock on the cupboard doors below…they stay closed when not in use so I don’t mind…

{Antique Guild China Cupboard}

…and since we’re in the dining room, I’d want to find a spot for the side board. The thing is, if we actually moved I could see using some of the furniture in unexpected rooms. I’ve seen some amazing uses for pieces in unexpected spaces that I wouldn’t have thought about…isn’t blog land wonderful?!

I’m attached to our bed and dresser, mainly because I like the style and it fits in our current bedroom, which is quite small, so I imagine it would fit in any smaller home we might buy.

{It’s hard to see the detail but it’s a bed with headboard, foot board and side boards. Very substantial but I really like it.}

Our sofa was custom made for the space we have in this house, I’d recover it if it fit perfectly in a new home, but otherwise, I’d consider a slightly larger sofa. The club chair in our family room is made by Century, it’s been a great chair, found at a consignment store and recovered twice, so I’d make room for it.

{This is a very comfy chair and it has been recovered twice since I first bought it; this is a Ralph Lauren print that works for the room}

Most of the art I’ve used in this house would make the cut. There are a few paintings (not by anyone famous) that I really enjoy. There are framed print in almost every room and I might do some serious editing if I had to, but most would find a home somewhere in a new abode.

{I like this print for it’s Union Jack, I’d make room for this}

This lithograph (above) of a print called, “Steady Johnny, Steady” is special because my grandmother bought it for me. She always thought the elderly Scotsman looked like her father, my great grandfather.

I wish I could take my Viking range, were we actually moving, but in California the range is nearly always expected to be part of the kitchen.

{My Viking is the best range I’ve ever cooked on}

I have 2 Smith and Hawken teak benches that I’d like to keep. They are impossibly expensive today. I would figure out a spot in the yard or on a patio.

9 sets of dishes, no, they would all have to come with me! (They are not complete sets, mostly dinner and salad plates for over half of the patterns, but I do enjoy using them all.

Anyway, this was just for fun, an exercise in what if… Do you ever fantasize about a move and what a new abode might be like?

{Home} Kitchens, continued interest

18 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer, House and Home

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

kitchens

We remodeled our kitchen in 2003. I’m talking taking it to the studs, same footprint. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s already been 9 years. The kitchen has fulfilled all of my hopes and expectations I had when we embarked on the project, so many years ago, and it’s held up well for the most part.

That doesn’t keep me from being stopped in my tracks when I see a beautiful kitchen. In fact, my “favorite kitchens” file is the largest of my saved images files. While my kitchen is pretty tiny I find I have saved kitchen images that feature huge kitchens as well small ones, and I’m pretty sure many of you enjoy kitchens as much as I do because the blog sites I visit regularly often provide some of the prettiest examples.

My apologizes, I not only have lost the source of this image, but I love it so and can’t remember if I’ve used it before.

So, I think that as fall is coming and I tend to cook a lot more in the cooler months, here are some ideas if you’re in the midst of planning your dream kitchen or just need some “pretty” to brighten up your morning.

{vignette design}

The one thing our kitchen lacks is a breakfast area. I love the kitchen/breakfast area below.

{Barbara Pervier design}

This kitchen [above] is the kitchen of a 640 sq. ft. home. I always marvel at how much style can be found in a small space.

Fine art in the kitchen is an unexpected treat. I do worry that it would be my luck the marinara sauce would splash!

{Color Outside the Lines}

The kitchen below is a favorite for the map of Paris over the stove and for the pretty dutch door.

{Things that Inspire}

How clever is this? [above] If you are a dog owner the sense of this built in doggie bar has appeal. Notice the drawers with the dog bone cut-out for various canine necessities, so cute.

The kitchen below has a fire back that serves as the stove’s back splash. I wanted to do that when we remodeled but couldn’t find a fire back within our budget. Instead I installed a pewter looking tile with a rooster on it.

{Home Bunch}

This little jewel of a kitchen features several favorites: The chandelier over the sink, the art on the side of the cupboard on the right, and the Carrara marble, among other details.

{Country Living}

What I love about the kitchen below is the glass front cabinet…for a dish-aholic this would be the best thing ever. Storage for a variety of dish patterns, all fully justified, can be a challenge.

[Home Bunch}

{Phoebe Howard via Design Chic)

…and last but not least, blue and white is always welcome in a white kitchen or one with stained cabinets.

Do you have a preference, stained cabinets or white? What is your favorite counter top material?

{Party} Some seasonal finds via blog land

16 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

recipes, Table Settings

I believe autumn is at least partly responsible for the extra enthusiasm I experience during this time of year, that or the cooler weather which aids with slumber and allows me to stay more energized. Therefore I feel like cooking more, trying new recipes. Does this happen to you?

~I hope you aren’t sick of my speaking of Autumn and the seasonal traditions and go along with it~

{via}

Blog land is bursting at the seams with great ideas and inspiration for all things fall, but there have been a few recipes that were so tempting I thought I’d share them with you.

If you’re going to eat, you know you’ll have to set the table so I’m including some nice table settings too. [I’m a full-service blogger]

{via Party Resources}

We don’t have maple trees in our area but we do have a tree (Liquid Amber) that gives us a show of color, but the branches are very high and it’s not on our property so you can see my dilemma. I wonder if the branches (above) are real or faux?

Let’s start with this delicious Skinny Spiced Latte Recipe from Yummy Mummy Kitchen. Marina nearly ruined my day when she mentioned that the Spiced Pumpkin Latte you get at most coffee houses was 390 calories! It’s not that I have them that often but I didn’t know this calorie fact, they might as well be considered meal-replacement at 390 calories. I know, I know, just order it with non-fat milk. Ugh, not nearly as tasty. So, maybe you will find this to be a delicious, low calorie replacement…I’m going to try them.

{via Yummy Mummy Kitchen}

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte :: by Yummy Mummy Kitchen, Marina

Pumpkin Whipped Cream:
makes about 25 (2.5 tablespoon servings)

1/3 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
10 ounces TruWhip (available at many grocery stores including Ralphs and Whole Foods)
sprinkles or additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish, optional

Place pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice in the bowl of a mixer. Beat until combined and smooth. My organic canned pumpkin was quite hard and this beating helps it smooth out. Add the whipped topping and beat in just until combined. Transfer to a 11×7 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Alternatively an 8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish could be used. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in the freezer until ready to use.

To make lattes:
8 ounces brewed coffee
1/4 cup warmed low-fat milk (or however much milk you like)
Stevia to taste

Add milk to your coffee and sweeten to taste with Stevia or your favorite sweetener. Top with pumpkin whipped topping from the freezer. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or sprinkles, if desired.

Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffens Hobick had a soul-warming soup recipe that was hard for me to pass up. She has some delicious soup recipes, and for me, this time of year is ideal for soup and crusty bread and maybe a salad.

Chorizo & Vegetable Cream Soup | Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil Grilled Cheese

1 pound of chorizo sausage
3 carrots, diced
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1/2 small white onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, diced
1 large can of whole peeled tomatoes, hand crushed with juice
4 cups of chicken broth
1/2 cup of cream
4 cups of fresh spinach

fresh mozzarella
tomato, sliced
fresh basil
baguette, sliced
olive oil
1 clove of garlic, whole

Remove the sausage from its casing and break it up into small/medium pieces. Cook it in a sauté pan on a medium/high heat, rendering some of the fat. Add the carrot, mushrooms and onion and cook until soft, approx. 5-7 minutes. Add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomatoes by squeezing them in one at a time. Continue to break them into bite size pieces with the spoon. Add the juice from the can of tomatoes.

Add the chicken broth and cream. Add spinach. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Slice the baguette, pile with mozzarella, tomato and basil and top with a second piece of bread. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes just until they start to brown. Flip and repeat. Rub a raw clove of garlic on the crusty sides of bread.

ƒ ƒ ƒ

I really like the simplicity of the table setting below. The array of interesting colors that pumpkins come in work with almost any decor. I especially like the white baby boo pumpkins.

For our main course, this recipe is from my good friend, Jean. She prepared this dish for a ladies’ luncheon years ago and it continues to be a seasonal favorite. Super easy too. I do not have a photograph of the dish but I promise, it’s really pretty.

Chicken/Wild Rice Casserole

Ingredients

6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked
3 cups chicken broth
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
¼ cup butter
2 packages Uncle Ben’s White & Wild rice, cooked*
1 cup sour cream
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
¾ cup Craisins
1 cup cashews

Preparation Instructions

Shred cooked chicken breasts, set aside. Melt butter in skillet and cook mushrooms until most of the liquid is absorbed.

*Cook rice according to package directions [omitting the spice packages] using 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup water.

Combine soup, sour cream, cashews and Craisins with chicken and rice. Spread in 9” x 13” baking dish and bake at 350° for 30 minutes, or until hot.

{via Stone Gable}

and finally, for dessert…

A site I’ve only recently discovered is one that is guaranteed to provide constant entertainment…talk of the house is written by Kelly. A wife, mother and school teacher, Kelly lives in Georgia and her posts are always informative and fun. She recently posted her family recipe for Apple Cake. I plan to bake it this weekend but visit HERE for some mouth-watering pictures to entice. {I cannot figure out how to copy a picture from her site so you’ll have to visit, but you won’t regret it}.

Fresh Apple Cake:

3 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 ¼ c. oil

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. sugar

1 c. chopped pecans

3 c. freshly shredded apples

Grease and flour a tube or Bundt cake pan. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Sift together the flour, soda, salt, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl whisk the eggs together. Then whisk the oil in with the eggs. Pour the eggs and oil mixture into the sifted flour mix. Beat to mix well. Beat in the sugar and the vanilla. Stir in the apples and the pecans. Pour all into the greased pan, and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool only a few minutes, then turn out on your cake stand.

Icing:

½ stick butter

2 Tbsp. milk

½ cup brown sugar

½ tsp. vanilla

Place all ingredients in a medium pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, and boil for 2 minutes. Brush, or pour, on to the warm cake.

Serve with whipped cream.

{via Party Resources}

Those of you who can’t quite give up summer could set the table with a nautical theme and sunflowers. A great blending of a season ending (the nautical) and a season that’s arriving (the fall colors of a sunflower).

{via Hampton Hostess}

Are you cooking more now that the weather has cooled? Share any easy recipes you have tried with me, I’d love to hear from you.

I’m joining the party over at Centsational Girl, seasonal foods, yummy.

{Home} My friend’s home, Bainbridge Island, Part II

11 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Uncategorized

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

T & L Home

As I mentioned HERE, I spent 6 delightful days on Bainbridge Island and surrounding areas of Seattle last month. I was visiting Linda, my dear friend, along with her sister, Gretchen (another dear friend). Linda and I go way back and our love of houses is just one of the many shared interests.

Linda and her family moved to Bainbridge Island about 14 years ago. She grew up in Corona del Mar, California, a lovely beach town in Southern California, and resided in the area up til then. It was hard for all of us to see her go, but once we visited this beautiful state, we understood and now look forward to regular visits.

You travel a gravel road off of a main road on the island to get to Linda’s house. The stack stone sets such a pretty picture as you drive through what seems like a forest for a few yards.

As you approach their front door you notice the lush, green ferns and large granite stone near the porch.

Linda’s had the antique wagon for years, I love it’s aged patina, and with pots of boxwood, it creates an inviting entry.

Linda’s father carved the bird to the left of the flower pot.

Geranium’s love the humid air of the island.

Once inside the front door there is no end to interesting and attractive vignettes along with some beautiful antiques and wonderful art…

I believe Linda acquired this antique side board from an antique store in Orange County nearly 35 years ago.

The other side of the entry has a built in book case. In addition to cookbooks, Linda has a collection of American Country hens.

This photograph doesn’t allow you to see the details of these collectibles.

The dining room and wet bar sit to the right of the entry.

Linda and Tom had the dining room table custom-made and it accommodates 12 dinner guests with room to spare.

On the far wall of the dining room sits an antique pine cupboard. Linda has a complete set of Villeroy & Boch ‘Petite Fleur’, so pretty on this cupboard.

Another great antique pine piece in the dining room.

Tom collects Scotch and these two Scottish nutcrackers were a gift; the wall under the cabinets in the wet bar are lined with corks the pair have collected over the years from many a perfectly delightful meal with wine, shared with friends and family.

wet bar

This is the view of the back of the house. The home sits on a 5 acre lot. Other than the home and drive, with adjoining yard and outbuilding only accounts for a fraction of the lot, the rest consists of towering trees.

As a Southern California girl, I’m awed by the size and stature of these trees.

This is the view as you eat your English muffin and sip your coffee every morning.

A couple of years ago Tom created a cutting garden. The battle between the deer and Linda and Tom wages on, they hope to plant enough herbs and flowers for all to enjoy!

The stones that retain the garden were from the property.

I failed to take nearly as many pictures as I had planned but I wanted you to see some of Linda’s home. I’ll have to visit again to get some additional photos of the other rooms in the house…good excuse, right?